In a continued commitment to the well-being of student-athletes, the Colonie Girls Lacrosse program marked another year of partnership with the 15forLife Foundation during the 2026 season. Under the leadership of Coach Layne Woodard, the team once again served as ambassadors for the foundation, helping to normalize conversations around mental health and equipping athletes with tools to succeed both on and off the field.

Throughout the season, that commitment was embedded directly into daily routines. In addition to incorporating regular 15-minute mental health sessions into practices, the program also practices a player-centered strategy designed to support individual needs in real time. Known as a “mental lap,” the approach encourages athletes to step away from practice when needed and walk around the perimeter of the field to reset before returning, reinforcing the importance of self-awareness and proactive care.

The partnership culminated in the annual “Mental Matters” game against Shaker High School, held Saturday, May 2, at Shaker High School. The event provided a powerful platform to elevate awareness of mental wellness within the competitive sports community.

“Each year, the Colonie Girls Lacrosse program proudly serves as ambassadors for the 15forLife Foundation, embracing a role that is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Coach Woodard. “We are committed to this mission because the conversation around mental health in athletes is long overdue. For too long, strength in sports has been mistaken for silence, leaving many athletes feeling pressure to push through rather than speak up.

“By taking part, we’re not just supporting a cause—we’re helping turn awareness into action and action into hope. We aim to show that vulnerability is not weakness, and that prioritizing mental health is just as important as physical performance. Through our involvement, we’re working to break the stigma and build a culture where athletes feel seen, supported, and never alone, both on and off the field.”