By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/27/23
Conestoga coach Amy Orcutt has received an even bigger honor from the National High School Federation (NHSF), just months after being named the Pennsylvania Girls’ Lacrosse Coach of the Year.
This time, she was named the Section 2 Coach of the Year, an area covering the Mideast Section, comprised of 8 associations: Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
Orcutt guided the Pioneers to a 24-1 season and a PIAA 3A championship. Conestoga also went undefeated in claiming the Central League title and took the District 1 crown.
The latest honor also recognizes Orcutt’s program for its long-time devotion to community service. Conestoga has often been named the PASLA Team Service Award winner and some of its players have received high recognition for community service through team-based projects.
According to the NHSF, “Honorees are selected based upon their performance during the 2021-2022 school year, positive involvement they have had in their school and community, as well as the impact on their student-athletes.”
The honor also was made in conjunction with the PIAA Board of Directors.
“This past 2022 season was just a dream and we couldn’t have done it without Amy,” said Conestoga All-American midfielder Galica, now a senior who earned USA All-American and Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year honors. “Amy is not only our coach but a second mom to us.
“I can not think of anyone else more deserving of this award than Amy!” said Galica. “And I personally wouldn’t be the player I am today without her.”
Conestoga defeated Manheim Township, 15-7, in the PIAA finals in June. Conestoga lost only to 2A champion Archbishop Carroll (24-0), 11-10, and then reeled off 18 straight wins..
“It’s very hard to do – we always had the target on our backs,” said Orcutt, the Conestoga coach since 2009. “There are so many great teams in our area and it was a dogfight all the time. That’s what makes winning those big titles so special.
“We beat (defending PIAA champion) Radnor three times; that’s unheard of because they are so strong and it’s a great local rival. I am very proud of everything the girls accomplished last year and I’m excited to see what we can do this year with our returning starters and some new girls.”
