LEADING THE WAY: Princeton High girls’ lacrosse player Allie Callaway heads to goal in a game last season. Junior attacker and George Mason — bound Callaway brings a strong finishing touch to the PHS offense. The Little Tigers, who are welcoming a new head coach, David Schlesinger, open the 2015 season by playing at Shore on March 25 before hosting Hun on March 27. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

In taking the helm of the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse program, David Schlesinger knows that he walked into a good situation.

“The preseason has been great, the girls are wonderful,” said head coach Schlesinger, the replacement for Kelsey O’Gorman, who is now guiding the Stuart Country Day School lax program after leading PHS to a 17-4 season in 2014 and an appearance in the Group III South sectional final. “They are incredibly coachable and eager to learn.”

Schlesinger has plenty of lacrosse knowledge to pass on to his new charges, having played three seasons for the Colgate University men’s team in the late 1970s before coaching the Moorestown girls’ youth programs and then guiding Eastern High and Wissahickon High (Pa,) girls’ programs. He has also coached for the Ultimate Goal lacrosse club headed by former Princeton University women’s lax assistant coach Michele DeJuliis.

With that wealth of experience, Schlesinger brings a detailed approach to his new assignment.

“We will be a very disciplined, aggressive team that tries to make the small plays like draw controls and ground balls,” said Schlesinger, whose team opens the 2015 season by playing at Shore on March 25 before hosting Hun on March 27.

“We want to have a smooth transition from offense to defense and defense to offense. We want to be very disciplined on offense, organized and aggressive on defense. We really start from the goal out. If you prevent goals, you have a much better chance to win.”

PHS boasts one of the top goalies in the area in four-year starter and Michigan-bound Mira Shane.

“I am incredibly fortunate to inherit a goalie like Mira Shane,” said Schlesinger.

“As great a goaltender as she is, she is a better person. She is one of our tri-captains.”

With a defensive unit featuring senior Oona Ryle, junior Gabrielle Deitch, junior Trish Reilly, senior Campbell McDonald, and sophomore Gwen Koehler, the Little Tigers should be able to hold foes at bay.

“Oona Ryle is one of our captains and will be a leader on defense,” said Schlesinger.

“Gabby Deitch is very fast. Trish Reilly is going to Lehigh to play field hockey. We moved Campbell McDonald to defense to take advantage of her speed and physicality. Gwen Koehler is a terrific young player. We have speed, smarts, and good lateral movement on defense.”

The PHS midfield includes a number of terrific athletes. “I have an embarrassment of riches in the midfield,” asserted Schlesinger.

“Starting with Julia Ryan, who has committed to Holy Cross, and Taylor Lis; they are both tall, strong, really fast with strong stick skills. Jordyn Cane is very fast, highly skilled; she is coming into her own. Freshman Abaigael Ryan was a real standout in our play day. She will be pushing other girls for playing time, I can play her all over the field. She will be a good utility player as a freshman.”

On attack, the Little Tigers have plenty of firepower in senior Gabrielle Gibbons, junior Allie Callaway, junior Sydney Reynolds, and sophomore Georgia McLean.

“Gabby is a very decorated player, she is our third captain,” added Schlesinger.

“She is heading to VCU; she is a good finisher. Allie Callaway is going to George Mason; she is a big strong player. She is highly skilled with an incredible shot. Sydney Reynolds is a very crafty, highly skilled player. Georgia McLean is one of the most aggressive, quick players I have ever coached.”

While PHS has the skill to have another big season, Schlesinger believes its success will depend on being cool under fire.

“We need discipline when we are facing the better teams,” said Schlesinger, noting that PHS is playing such formidable teams as Shore, Bishop Eustace, Clearview, Rumson-Fair Haven, Lawrenceville, Notre Dame, and WW/P-N.

“Sometimes when you get pushed, there are breakdowns. We will have some early setbacks and we will need to bounce back from that. There is no one I need to hide. It frees us up as coaches to do neat things with the team.”