Squalicum Storm (High School)
Amanda McKay- For me, playing lacrosse has always been one of the most positive experiences and influences throughout my life. I started playing in third grade after watching my older brother get into the sport and wanting to be just like him. Growing up in Portland, there wasn't a third grade girls lacrosse team anywhere near where I lived, so I had to drive an hour each way to practice when I first started, but it was SO worth it. Over time I witnessed the sport grow and by the time I got to high school we actually had a team of our own. I decided to play Division III lacrosse my first year of college in Wisconsin and it was such a wonderful experience that I will always cherish. Ultimately I decided for academic reasons to transfer to WWU where I played on the women's lacrosse team my remaining three years and was captain/coach my senior year. Lacrosse is my safe space, where I can always be myself, will continue to make lifelong friendships, and empower the next generation of women's lacrosse players.
Off of the field I work as a policy manager for a local non-profit focused on pipeline safety advocacy. I received my undergraduate degree from WWU in Environmental Policy and my Master's in Environmental Law from Lewis and Clark Law School. I live in Bellingham with my partner Matt and our two dogs, Kuma and Flapjack. We enjoy all the adventures this area has to offer including hiking, biking, skiing, watersports and attempting to keep my backyard garden alive.
Hanna McEachern- I started playing lacrosse in the fourth grade, and fell in love instantly! I got to have a front row seat to the growth of the sport here in Bellingham, starting as a player for the Whatcom Warriors, then growing into WGYL and the Whatcom Breakers, and now coaching for the Squalicum High School team. Lacrosse is a fun, empowering way to teach young people important life lessons, from communication and self advocacy to handling adversity. This sport and community has continued to be an incredible place for me, and I love getting to share it with the girls every day.
Off the field, I work as a substitute teacher here in Bellingham and am enrolled in WWU’s Master’s in Teaching program. I find joy in staying active: playing lacrosse with Western or the local women’s leagues, playing indoor soccer at the Sportsplex, and running all over town. My undergrad degree is in Spanish and French, and you may hear me helping the players with their language homework from time to time.
Middle School
Kate Noyer- I believe the tools you need to succeed in life can be found on the lacrosse field. I picked up a stick for the first time as a sophomore in high school and I fell in love. I continued to play lacrosse as a defender for UMass Dartmouth and served as their captain. After graduating, I returned to UMassD as the Associate Women’s Lacrosse Coach, and held the position for four years. As a recent transplant from Massachusetts, I was delighted to find a growing lacrosse program in Bellingham. I teach players the value of communication, teamwork, and the importance of a positive attitude. I believe lacrosse should be accessible to everyone and I am dedicated to growing the game in Washington.
When I'm not coaching, you can find me playing lacrosse with the Vancouver club team, hiking in the Chuckanuts with my husband and daughter, or working at ModSock in downtown Bellingham.