Legendary Lacrosse Luminary: Lexi Schneider

Lexi Schneider ’26 will lead the 2026 Hopkins Girls Varsity Lacrosse team this spring alongside co-captain Emily Shaw ’26.

Schneider’s career as a lacrosse player began at the age of six, when she joined her local team. At ten years old, she moved to playing with a club team. Most recently, Schneider has played at Hopkins, and, at the end of the 2025 lacrosse season, was voted by her teammates for the position of captain. Encouraged by her parents, Schneider tried many sports from a young age, but quickly stuck to lacrosse. Today, she has grown to love the sport, its quick pace, and, most importantly, its team aspect. When asked why she continued playing, she said, “[It] gave me great friendships and taught me a lot about being an athlete and a person.” 

Schneider began school at Hopkins in ninth grade. Having already played for eight years, she found the teamwork on the Hopkins Girls Varsity Lacrosse team equally as strong as her previous club teams. Schneider recalled a bonding game named “Sister-Sister.” The game consists of pairing up into groups and then acting out words that rhyme. By the end of the game, everyone on the lacrosse team was “rolling on the turf laughing,” said Schneider. She stated, “I think moments like that are what create such a strong team dynamic and make Hopkins lacrosse such a positive experience, no matter the situation.”

Becoming captain has proven to be a large milestone in her career. This winter season, Schneider has led the team’s winter league clinic through five games along with current co-captain Emily Shaw ’26, and will continue to guide the team through the official lacrosse season in spring. Although she expressed some self-doubt, saying “[I] worried that I would not always say the right things to my teammates,” she is dedicated to making this a great season and “lead in a way that reflects everything I have learned from my previous captains, I try my best to never let my nerves get the best of me as a player and as a captain.” Shaw has confidence in Schneider’s ability to lead, sharing that “she has grown not just into her skills, but into her confidence as a player and leader. She leads by example, guiding underclassmen and supporting the team.” Scarlett Iaccario ’28 expressed “Last year it was a little intimidating to be one of two freshmen on the team but Lexi, from the first day of preseason, was welcoming. She radiates positivity and hard work. I cannot wait to see what she brings as a captain this season.” 

Throughout her course as an athlete, Schneider has learned how to lead and how to take mistakes and learn from them. “I’ve had many mentors in the previous captains who have shown me how to encourage teammates while also knowing when to provide feedback,” said Schneider. Charlotte Ebenstein ’28 commented, “Lexi is always so encouraging even when we are down. I am so excited to see her lead as captain this season.”

This season will have quite a few changes, including a coaching change from Kristin Wich to Jessica Harisson. Schneider remarked on the changes, “We are all approaching things with an open mind.” Despite a new coach taking charge, the team will benefit from the eleven seniors who are returning. Schneider reflected on that sentiment: “We have a really strong foundation coming into the season. Our familiarity will be a huge advantage to our season.” 

Shaw expressed, “It has been such a privilege to play with her, grow with her, and now lead with her. It makes me so sad that we only have a season left together, but I am so incredibly excited for it to start.” And although this is a sad notion for Schneider’s teammates, Shaw and Schneider plan to make this a great season. Although she originally intended to play Division I or III lacrosse, she decided during sophomore year to focus more on academics: “I don’t regret that decision at all because I have continued to play for Hopkins and loved every minute of it.” Beyond Hopkins, Schneider intends to keep the spirit of athleticism and leadership, and will eventually pursue club lacrosse as she continues her academic and athletic careers.