Liza Kallik (12, MST) and Molly Burke (12, VA) came to lacrosse at different points, but both quickly found their place on the team. Kallik began playing in sixth grade, while Burke started later in eighth grade.
Although they attended rival middle schools — Kallik at Meyzeek Middle School and Burke at Noe Middle School — their paths eventually connected at Manual where they built a strong connection both on and off the field.
Now as defensive captains, their relationship has become a key part of the team. Together, they have helped lead the program through changes and challenges.
“I think our relationship is definitely what builds the team,” Kallik said. “We’re both defensive captains this year and I feel like we’ve led the team since last year.”
After losing the only female coach the team had, they felt that they needed to step up and challenge the team to do better, even after losing a key member.
“We had a coach last year who was really the rock of the team,” Burke said. “But with our leadership we’ve definitely been able to step up and build the team back up.”
Both players have also put in work outside of the school season. Kallik has competed with club teams such as Major Force Lacrosse and Cardinal Elite, while Burke has focused on offseason development through summer lacrosse and training with Never Satisfied Performance. Their work outside of school has helped them improve individually and strengthen the team.
In addition to athletics, both students chose Manual for its academic opportunities. Kallik enrolled in the MST program, while Burke is at Manual for the VA magnet. While lacrosse was not the primary reason either chose the school, it has become a big part of who they are now.
Neither Burke nor Kallik have committed to a college yet, but both plan to pursue lacrosse in some way after high school.
“I’m probably going to play club if I play at all,” Kallik said. “I’m for sure going to play club,” Burke added.
The program, being the largest girls sports team at Manual and one of the largest all together, heavily focuses on building connections. Through traditions like “Ram Fam” groups and team retreats, players form good connections even before the lacrosse season starts .
“We do a lot of team bonding to make sure we create connections even with the younger girls,” Kallik said.
The team has grown especially close this season, both on and off the field. Their strong connection is the reason the team has been able to stay on a track after losing a very important mentor last season.
“I think we’ve all grown into being really close friends,” she said.
Because Burke and Kallik are both captains, they play a role in gameday routines. They help guide the team and bring them together through shared traditions.
“Before every practice and game, we do a question of the day and a land acknowledgment,” Kallik said. “It’s a really nice way for us to get close together.”
The team’s land acknowledgement each day recognizes the Native American tribes that began the sport of lacrosse in the Louisville area.
Through their time as captains, Burke and Kallik have helped create a team built on friendship, trust, and support. Their impact goes beyond wins and losses, shaping a team culture that will continue even after they graduate.
“Most of my closest friends I’ve made through lacrosse,” Kallik said.
“It’s definitely taught me life lessons that I’m going to need before I go to college,” Burke said.
After years of dedication and leadership, Burke and Kallik’s time at Manual shows how two best friends can help lead a whole team together, make many memories and help influence young players.
