Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Can’t Get Enough of Lacrosse

Almost year-round, a young athlete in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) plays on more than three lacrosse teams, excelling and enjoying a sport he loves.

Seth Dabbs, a fifth-grader at Bunker Hill Elementary (BHE), is a standout athlete and student, according to principal Dr. Desiree Rios. “Seth is a student who is passionate about his sport, lacrosse, and, even as a fifth-grader, he has set personal goals to achieve,” she said. “He works extra hard in school and uses the same skills of commitment and perseverance that he applies to his extracurricular sport.”

Seth got started in the sport at the invitation of a friend. “One of my friends wanted me to come play on their team, but I had never heard of lacrosse before, so I kept saying, ‘no,’” he said. “They really wanted me to play, so they even got the coach to call my mom. He invited me to come watch a practice. I was amazed at how much fun it looked, and I haven't stopped playing since.”

A Good Competitor and Teammate

Seth plays lacrosse with the Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA) Knights, a traveling club team, and the SBMSA house league. He is also on the Texas Lonestars Lacrosse Club, a city traveling team that participates in national tournaments. If that isn’t enough, he has also played in the Bayou Box League, an indoor lacrosse league.

“Personally, I have developed discipline, the ability to finish strong, how to be a good competitor and teammate, and how to work through emotions both on and off the field,” said Seth about the benefits of playing lacrosse. “Athletically, I am stronger, faster, and have better hand-eye coordination.”

One of his favorite memories of playing lacrosse occurred after a significant win: “Last year with the SBMSA Knights, we won the end-of-season City Championship,” he said.

Benefits On and Off the Field

The positive impacts of participation in athletics are evident in students who engage in sports. “They are able to extend their learning from school as they have more opportunities to practice teamwork, goal-setting, communication skills, and understanding the impacts of achievements and setbacks, which are all crucial to personal development,” said BHE principal Rios.

Seth’s dedication to excelling in lacrosse and his love for other outdoor activities cross over into his academic practices. “I love being active and outdoors,” he said. “I love fishing, water-skiing, and surfing! At school, I try to work hard and be the best student I can be.”

Principal Rios has noticed his athletic growth and academic progress, appreciating how these traits serve as good examples for his peers. “Seth sets an example for others with his consistent efforts to succeed in both school and his sport,” said Rios. “He takes his responsibility seriously and focuses on the outcomes of hard work.”

Seth’s mother, Amy Dabbs—a fourth-grade teacher at BHE—appreciates how playing lacrosse supports his personal growth. “Seth is such an amazing kid,” she said. “He has such compassion for his friends, this sport, and for his coaches. He looks up to his coaches, who push him to be his best. We are so proud of him and his hard work both on and off the field!”

Perpetuating the Long History of Lacrosse

The origins of lacrosse can be traced back to the 1200s when indigenous tribes in North America played the sport, then called stickball. Seth is proud to continue to keep the sport alive with his own contributions to the game. A long-term goal for Seth is to attend Texas A&M University on a lacrosse scholarship.

“Seth's lacrosse practices, camps, and games are almost year-round,” said his mother. “As long as he continues to have fun and work hard, we will continue to follow his lead.”

It seems Seth Dabbs just can’t get enough of lacrosse. He has many more years ahead to continue to improve and excel in the sport, representing SBISD wherever the game takes him.

#SBISDProud