Minneapolis goalie guards her lacrosse goal with a bit of derring-do

Through Saturday, the Minneapolis Warriors girls' lacrosse team had won nine consecutive games after a season-opening loss to St. Louis Park, making them one of the feel-good stories of the season.

But for one Minneapolis player, the team's unprecedented success carries far more meaning than simple victories.

On the Saturday before Easter, David Wuest, the father of senior goalie Kayla Wuest, was critically injured when he was hit by an SUV while riding his bike in St. Paul. After weeks in the hospital, he is now in a long-term rehabilitation clinic.

With her father foremost in her mind, Wuest has become one of the biggest reasons for the Warriors' turnabout.

"The only game he made it to this year was our first one, the one we lost," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. "Every win since then, I've been thinking of him."

Staff writer Jim Paulsen talked to Wuest (pronounced West), who attends Minneapolis Southwest, about having a terrific season in the face of adversity.

Q: Being a lacrosse goalie means giving up a lot of goals. Is that tough to deal with?

Q: What is your style in goal?

A: I try to be aggressive and get a lot of interceptions when passes go through the eight [meter arc]. Most goalies aren't that aggressive. It frustrates the other team.

Q: That can be risky if you miss and get out of position. What does it take to play that style?

A: You have to have confidence in your defense, and I have a really strong group of defenders.

Q: That style must play havoc with opposing offenses.

Q: Did you come up with that style on your own?

A: Yes. When I first started doing it in practice, my coach asked me if I was planning on doing that in a game. I said, "Yeah." And it's worked. I look at it like I'd rather go for an interception than have to take on a one-on-one shot.

Q: Why is this team so much better this year?

A: The majority of our team are multisport athletes, but beyond the athletic talent, we all want to be out there and play with each other.

Q: Lacrosse seems to be a largely suburban sport. Is playing, and succeeding, for Minneapolis important?

Q: Goalies are always quirky. What is your biggest quirk?

A: Every game, I wear gameday braids. And I always feel that if I have a bad warm-up, I'm going to have a good game.

Q: Your father's prognosis?

A: We're just very hopeful for his recovery.

Q: Talk about playing after your fathers' accident.