LYNNFIELD — No player in Lynnfield girls lacrosse history has ever scored more goals in a season than Hayden Valiton.
The rising senior finished the spring with a school-record 143 goals, surpassing every goal scorer who came before her and adding another milestone to an already remarkable career.
The accomplishment surprised even Valiton, who entered the season with uncertainty after stepping away from club lacrosse.
“It feels really good knowing I set the record,” Valiton said. “I stopped playing club lacrosse going into my junior year. I was honestly really nervous to play lacrosse again because it’s been the longest I haven’t played since I was in third grade. I never had a break that long between lacrosse seasons. I was very surprised that I was able to break the record.”
Valiton now has 323 career goals, but she credits her teammates for helping make the record possible.
“My teammates are so supportive and they’re always passing me the ball and setting me up in good positions to score,” Valiton said. “Having them find me with the ball and being so supportive really helped.
“I really locked in during tryouts to make sure I was as good as I was in the past. I wanted to come back and do better than I had before.”
One of the season’s most memorable performances came against rival Hamilton-Wenham, when Valiton scored 11 goals.
“In the Hamilton-Wenham game I had 11 goals,” Valiton said. “Specifically, I remember scoring from the 8-meter line. Normally I’d drive it in from the 8-meter line, but that one I decided to shoot and it went in. That game and that goal were pretty special. We still lost, but it’s a memory I’ll always have.”
Although known for her scoring, Valiton prides herself on contributing all over the field. The midfielder finished the season with 164 draw controls, 32 ground balls and 29 caused turnovers.
“I do take pride in contributing to all aspects of the game,” Valiton said. “I feel like it’s very important to do a lot on the field instead of just being the person who scores all the goals.
“As a captain, it’s very important to represent all parts of the field and make sure you’re putting in effort in all phases of the game and not just on offense.”
Valiton said opposing defenses made her a priority this season, often face-guarding or double-teaming her. Rather than forcing shots, she looked for other ways to help her team.
“It was definitely a lot harder this year,” she said. “I felt like teams really picked up on me. When I couldn’t score, I still tried to set picks for my teammates to get them open. I found ways to impact the game despite being guarded so closely.”
Lynnfield coach Christina Serra praised her Cape Ann League first-team all-star as “not only a phenomenal player to coach, but a great teammate.”
That reputation is just as important to Valiton as her scoring totals.
“It’s very important to have good team chemistry,” Valiton said. “The season is pretty long, and burnout is easy. Making sure the team is always having fun is important in making sure everyone is giving their all.”
Lynnfield reached the Elite Eight in Division 4 which was an accomplishment Valiton said she’ll never forget. The Pioneers lost to Nipmuc Regional 12-11.
“This group was very special,” Valiton said. “Some of my best friends are on the team, and I think I’ll be friends with them for a very long time.
“The playoff run was very special because I believe it was our first time ever making it to the Elite Eight. It felt very good to be a part of it and help lead the team. The bus ride to Nipmuc, we were all super excited just to have the opportunity to get that far.”
Now Valtion enters the summer going into her senior year and is looking forward to putting on the Lynnfield jersey one more time for field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse while striving to become the best athlete and teammate she can be.
