Growing up, Ella Steirer watched her cousins play lacrosse.

She attended their games and the families played the game in the backyards. It proved to be the incentive to her high school career today at Northampton.

“My cousins got me into the game,” she said. “When I went to their games, I would watch how the game developed. I really began to fall in love with the game, and I knew I had to play.”

Steirer began playing in the Northampton youth program, and her game began to excel. Once she reached high school, Steirer became one of the team’s leading scorers and contributors. It has been a seven-year cycle that has been on the upswing.

Last season, Steirer had a team-high 25 goals for her team that finished with an overall 3-15 record. This season, Steirer had 29 goals through their first nine games in which they went 1-8 overall. She had 88 for her career.

Head coach Carrie Saul has plenty of praise for her selfless and determined competitor.

“Ella is a fierce competitor, and an extremely hard worker,” said Saul. “She has really picked up her game. She is playing with a lot of confidence, and also has proven to be a leader.”

However, Steirer has some growing pains along the way.

“It really is a matter of staying focused,” she said. ‘I had to get used to running with the stick and build my endurance. There also is a lot of hand-eye coordination with the stick and the ball.

“It came down to me getting a sense of comfort and confidence out there.”

Steirer realizes the program has been seeking to establish itself, and it won’t be an overnight process.

“Our varsity and JV programs are still fairly new programs,” said Steirer. “We’re building our program. We have been adding new players. We will have a solid program.”

Steirer doesn’t mind being in a leadership role on a young club.

“I do like being a leader,” she beamed. “With my experience, I feel like I can help other people. I know that I appreciated the help when I was younger.

“We have younger players who have been stepping up.”

Her most memorable game has been the team’s lone win this season, a 9-8 win over Liberty April 3. Steirer has five goals against the Hurricanes

“The Liberty game was a great win for us,” said Steirer. “We really played well and rallied as a team. It definitely was a big highlight, and we proved a lot to ourselves that day.”

Steirer biggest influence in the game has been Saul, who also is her field hockey coach.

“It’s great that I have her as a coach for field hockey,” said Steirer. “She always takes the time to teach you the game and work on things that can help you. I really have learned so much about the game thanks to her.

“She has been invaluable to me.”

Steirer hasn’t decided upon a college major, although she is leaning toward a business career. However, she would like to continue her lacrosse career in college.

Until then, however, Steirer has plenty to contribute to the Northampton girls’ lacrosse program.