Everyone has a role on a lacrosse team, from the goal scorers to the hard-nosed defenders, even the enforcers who sprint around the field looking bto be tested.

Every coach echoes the same mantra: “Be the best you can be at your role.”

Westminster junior defenseman Dalin Thomas may not fit any of those traditional molds, but he’s undoubtedly the best at his.

In his first year playing lacrosse, Thomas has quickly become a behind-the-scenes glue guy and locker room staple for a program on the cusp of a breakthrough.

He’s helping lay the foundation for a winning culture that could last for years.

“He’s one of those guys who brings great character to the team,” Westminster coach Mike Flemming said. “He pushes people and works every day to just get better and learn the sport. That effort is infectious.”

Thomas has picked up the game quickly this season. While his playing time has been limited, he remains one of the team’s hardest workers, embracing the challenge of learning a new sport while providing constant positivity and support in the Owls’ locker room.

“My stick work has definitely been improving,” he said. “I’m getting a better grasp of our plays and where I need to be when Coach has us in a certain defense.”

Thomas’ lacrosse journey got off to a rocky start. He made the decision last year to give the sport a try. However, a hand injury suffered during tryouts ended his season before it began. Instead, Thomas, a two-time state qualifier in golf, took his talents to the track instead, spending his sophomore year running for the Owls.

Still, when tryouts came around again this year, the lacrosse stick was calling his name.

Even while sidelined last season, Thomas developed a deep love for the sport and the program. He knew he had to be part of it this year.

“All we do is play to win. We’re a very competitive team with a great coaching staff,” Thomas said. “I just really wanted to be with that team and in that kind of environment.”

Despite the setback and entering the season behind the curve as a first-year player, Thomas showed resilience from Day 1. His mindset and character were clear, a foundation built by his experience as an Eagle Scout.

As a scout, Thomas has led and participated in several service projects. He’s helped secure funding for numerous initiatives aimed at improving his community. His most impactful project? Spearheading an effort to raise money for a new flagpole at the veterans cemetery at Deer Park United Methodist Church in Westminster.

Working tirelessly, Thomas helped raise more than $4,000 for the flagpole, and even assisted with its installation. He continues to honor fallen veterans through the upkeep of their final resting place.

“It was a big time commitment that required a lot of determination,” he said. “Thankfully, I had the support of my family and friends, people in the community even someone who helped with the construction pro bono. I couldn’t have done it by myself.”

Thomas brings the same energy and values from his scouting experience to the lacrosse field, noting that both require the same key traits for success.

“In Scouts, I set goals for myself when I have a specific project I want to accomplish, and I do the same for lacrosse, whether it’s improving at a drill or going a full rep without dropping the ball,” he said. “You set a goal, write it down and then work hard to achieve it.”

As Thomas improves, so do the Owls. They currently sit in first place Carroll County with a game against Century looming Saturday, which will determine the league champion.

Firmly implanted in his second year leading the program, Flemming values Thomas not just for his effort on the field and at practice, but for his role in building a new culture at Westminster.

“Last year, I had the guys work on something called ‘The Standard,’ where we defined the characteristics we want in a Westminster lacrosse player,” Flemming said. “From his effort to his integrity, his toughness, and his selflessness, Dalin represents everything we are looking for in our players.”

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