By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Before the start of the 2022 season, James Carr was a goalie on Natick High’s varsity lacrosse team for three years. But, the only stretch that was significant was last year when he helped the Redhawks go unbeaten in the Bay State Conference’s regular season (14-0) and led them into the Sectional semifinals where they bowed to Boston College High.

As a freshman, the Natick native played for the junior-varsity team and was the back-up net-minder on the varsity. His sophomore campaign was wiped out when state officials canceled all spring sports because of the pandemic. When 2021 arrived, the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder was eager to get started, and he was dynamic, posting a 5.5 goals-against average and registering a 2-1 record in the playoffs.

As his final season continues to unfold, Carr has helped the Redhawks post a 4-0 record at Local Town Pages deadline and his goals-against average was 2.33 in three games. Coach Nate Kittler has high praise for the 18-year-old who’ll be playing next spring on scholarship for Division 1 Bryant University. His scholarship was awarded for athletics and academics (3.7 GPA and a two-time National Honor Society student).  

“James is the key to our defense,’’ Kittler said. “He’s our quarterback. He’s athletic, smart, instinctive and resilient. When something negative happens, like an opponent scoring on him, he’s able to shake it off and be ready for the next challenge.’’

Carr, who was a two-time all-star as a junior, is a captain now but he’s very familiar with what it takes to be a leader. He also was a captain in hockey. He played defense and scored five goals and had 10 assists for the Redhawks.

When the lacrosse season ends, it will also end Carr’s time as a Natick High athlete.

“My goals are for us to make a deeper run in the tourney and battle for a state championship,’’ he emphasized. “And, I’d also like to win the BSC’s regular-season title. Another objective is for the team to keep improving in practice and in games.’’

Carr, who’s played club lacrosse for six years, showed how much his game improved last year when the Redhawks hosted Needham in their first meeting. “We won, 9-5, before a packed crowd,’’ he recalled. “I had the most saves (22) of any game I’ve played. That game helped my confidence and the squad realized it had lots of potential.’’

Carr’s style in goal and his passion for playing the position speak volumes about his talent and ability.

“I rely on basics and being technically sound but I’m aggressive when I come out to cover the ball or battle with an attacker,’’ Carr noted. “I like being a goalie because there’s satisfaction stopping a potential goal. That’s a mini-matchup within the game. I also enjoy leading in that position and I don’t mind dealing with pressure.’’

Carr’s top thrills in lacrosse are being a captain and an all-star. His style as a captain is  to lead by example, be communicative and supportive.

“When I became a captain, that was a thrill because it showed my teammates respect me and my coaches trust me as a leader,’’ he emphasized. “Being an all-star (BSC and Eastern Mass. Coaches) is a close second.’’

Carr credits his coaches and teammates for his all-star recognition. Natick’s other senior captains — attacker Colby LeBlanc and defender Ryan Lebrun — are highly regarded by Carr. “Colby is incredibly smart, intense in practice and games and a quality leader,’’ Carr said. “Ryan is very athletic and shows tenacity on defense. He, too, is a great leader.’’

Kittler gets high marks for his coaching style. “Coach Kittler built Natick’s lacrosse program,’’ Carr offered. “He’s always prepared and he’s a terrific motivator. He gets the best out of his players and gets us up for big games.’’

Carr is acutely aware that competing in college will be different than high school. He knows what’s needed for his transition to go smoothly. 

“I’ll be competing with teammates who were all-stars and facing opponents who were all-league in high school,’’ he noted. “I’ll need to maintain a good mental focus and I’ll need to continue to elevate my work ethic.’’ 

Relying on an athletic philosophy that stresses winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun, Carr says that “reaching your potential means that you’re at your best.’’ He also  understands that winning leads to fun.

Carr also has learned some valuable life lessons from athletics. “I’ve learned to compete hard all the time, to embrace a strong work ethic, to sharpen my leadership skills and to be resilient when handling adversity,’’ he said.

Labeling his older brothers (Ryan, John and Brendan) as role models for their help in teaching him the finer points about sports, he also admires their support and encouragement. As for a favorite pro athlete, Carr is a fan of Michael Jordan. “His intensity and competitive desire define his success,’’ said Carr, who started playing lacrosse as a six-year-old.

As his days as a Natick High athlete head for the finish line, Carr calls the present time “bittersweet.’’ For good reason.

“It’ll be sad to move on from high school,’’ he said. “But, I’m anticipating a new chapter in my life. I can’t wait to get to Bryant (Smithfield, R.I.). I’ll work hard to earn a place on the roster.’’

But, before Carr’s collegiate career starts, he’s got some unfinished business. He wants “to get Natick deep into the tourney and chase a state championship.’’ He believes those objectives are realistic.

“We can achieve those goals,’’ he emphasized. “We’ve got lots of firepower on offense and our defense has been traditionally strong.’’

The Redhawks also have a talented goaltender who’s a team-first competitor.