As Century girls lacrosse embarks on a new season, some might see more than just the typical turnover a team faces with graduation.

It’s no secret: the Knights have big holes to fill, and in an area as competitive as Carroll County, they need to fill them quickly.

“We need players to step up into some big roles,” Century coach Becky Groves said. “After losing nine seniors and seven starters, we’ll be looking to build off a strong nucleus of returning seniors.”

Luckily for Groves, one of those seniors is Abby Kristian, an expected team leader in 2025.

Kristian, a UMBC commit, is gearing up for her final season as a Knight. This year, she’s expected to take on more of a vocal presence and an increasing leadership role — something she’s ready for, thanks to her work both on and off the field.

“I just want us to perform well in the county this season,” Kristian said. “We want to come out on top in our close games, especially against some of the better teams.”

Being a leader is part of who Kristian is. Her off-the-field schedule includes serving in the student government and even being selected to represent Century at a countywide athletics leadership conference. She believes these roles are critical, not only for her growth but also in how she leads her team.

“Communicating is a big part of both atmospheres,” she said. “I think it’s really important to be there for people and help them when they need it. I wanted to be more than just an athlete at my school; I wanted to be there for my classmates and for my younger teammates.”

From the start of her career as a Knight, Kristian saw the program’s excellence firsthand. She was one of a few freshmen on a varsity team that went undefeated and won the 2022 Class 2A state championship. She knew she wanted to help maintain the program’s high standards — not just for herself but for the Century community as well.

A three-sport athlete, Kristian was a second-team All-County lacrosse selection as a junior last season, proving she is already one of the county’s best defenders. Her impact on defense is invaluable to a Knights team aiming to reclaim the county championship and advance further in the regional playoffs.

“She’s the most aggressive one on defense,” Century goalie Becca Mullinix said. “She runs through the ground balls, and if there’s a fast break, she’s the first one there with a clear. I trust her with my whole life.”

Mullinix and Kristian have been teammates and friends for years, sharing countless memories together, including the state championship victory. Mullinix says Kristian’s personality on the field mirrors who she is off the field on a daily basis.

“I think she’s hilarious and a very nice person,” Mullinix said. “Any time we’re down or practice gets frustrating, she’ll say something funny that just lightens the mood and puts a smile on all our faces.”

With Kristian firmly planted as a key leader on defense, Groves has already seen some early season strides from the team. The veteran coach knows how having someone like Kristian can change things for the better in an instant.

“She’s grown each year and learned from the classes before her,” Groves said. “Abby directs our defense. She’s helping instruct the girls who don’t have a lot of varsity experience. It really helps them progress and brings our team together as a unit.”

The Knights have already made a statement this season, performing well in a 9-5 win over an Urbana squad that many thought would be tough competition for the rebuilding Knights.

Kristian has made a difference already, as the defense has had moments when it was firing on all cylinders, largely thanks to her leadership.

“I tell the younger girls on the team to always keep your head up,” Kristian said. “There’s always a next play. Always have an open mindset.”

As the Knights continue through the 2025 season, which includes a tough county slate featuring matchups against some of the best teams in the state and country, Kristian is sure to lead the way.

With her leadership, the Knights are looking like a force to be reckoned with in the county, region and state.

“We’re working hard and getting stronger,” Kristian said. “Everyone’s getting better every single day.”

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