Lacrosse coach Tom Carmean sat in his chair, reflecting upon a team that means much to

him — team that has turned a drastic page from last year into a force that dominates on the field. But, to Carmean, what really matters is not last year, but his team’s determined commitment for the game and a successful future.

“Quite frankly it’s just not my style or my business what went on (last year),” said Carmean. “My business is what I am able to help these guys with and what I am able to do. For the most part, or 99 percent of it, (they are) just enormously receptive to what we were asking them to do and I tell them that all the time.”

Both Carmean and assistant coach Nate Bates recognized the challenge, but at the same time they welcomed it.

“I knew (coming to Guilford) was going to be a big challenge,” said Bates. “But (I am) definitely excited about it. I knew Guilford by academic reputation and obviously the lacrosse conference is the best in the country.”

The team has become very cohesive and inclusive, showing great leadership. According to Bates, this team is one of the smoothest that he has worked with. All players receive equal consideration.

“We’re family, and having a close team we do everything together,” said senior goalie Mark Guillen. “We’ve (seniors) taken them (underclass players) under our wing. I wanted to leave a mark and make sure these guys work hard to change this program. Amazing players, amazing guys, the bond that we’ve developed. It is sad that we have to leave them. All in all, they’re great guys and fun to be around.”

The team goes by the mentality that building young players is essential.

“Experience is something difficult to fabricate,” said Carmean. “(There is) no way to make up for experience.”

As the new players get playing time, their skills have been improving, and they are showing promise. The defense, comprised of three players, are first-years and sophomores. However, according to Carmean, they may very well be one of the top groups in the conference.

One of the first steps was reforming what to do in the team’s practices. Both Carmean and Bates approached the development through teaching, in which they brought back fundamentals.

But it is not just simply about playing on the field, but off the field as well.

“I think that it’s a great opportunity to give the kids who come to Guilford a great experience, not wins and losses on the lacrosse field,” said Carmean. “But as a whole, their experience as lacrosse players is a hugely beneficial part of their school experience.”

The season shows more promise. Over the years, there may well be a champion team rolling through.

“It has been a really interesting year for me,” said Carmean, looking forward. “You get really rewarded to see all these positive things happening in front of you.”