AUBURN - Auburn girls lacrosse recently developed a new beginning to its program, while celebrating the decision and hard work already put into it by senior Kaitlyn Aldrich. Thursday, she signed her letter of intent to attend the University of Connecticut to play lacrosse.

Joining Aldrich in the ceremony at the Auburn High School library was the Maroons' new head coach Dick Lighton. Lighton leaves behind a 12-year legacy at Bishop Ludden and was introduced as Amy Spin's replacement before the signing.

“I fit into this program,” Lighton said. “It's something I wanted whether it had been here or at a junior college. They have great athletes that love the game. I wanted to be able to teach them the nails and screws of the game.”

He has been doing just that to Aldrich the past two-and-a-half years at his Lacrosse Club, the Star-Riders. Aldrich joined his club and her talent was quickly noticed by one of his assistant coaches at the camp, Jim Lyons. Lyons is the current head coach of the SUNY Geneseo men's lacrosse team.

“I have so many kids that attend the program,” Lighton said.

“That we break them into groups. Well Jim was working with her and he comes over to me and told me how special of a player she was. She's an athlete and she wants to learn and play better. We knew then that she would be something.”

Aldrich's ability to play just about any position is a plus for the Huskies and that will be put into shape next year. She has mostly played defense and midfield for the Maroons.

“She played defense for the Star-Riders,” Lighton said. “We want to develop her 30-30 play and her game concepts. She already has great skills like stick handling and other vital things.”

Lighton will be allowed to work with her this spring before she departs for UConn.

“We will tweak a few little things,” he said.

His friendship with assistant Huskie assistant coach Steve Wagner will help him work with the Maroons' senior in progressing her game to a Division I level.

“She's a blue collar player,” Lighton said. “I break down an athlete into groups like doctors and lawyers, but she does everything. She makes things happen and most importantly she refuses to lose. She hates it.”

Aldrich chose Connecticut over the University of Massachusetts, Niagara University, Limestone College and LeMoyne. She was quickly won over by the presence that athletes have at the university.

“Athletes get pampered there,” Aldrich said. “I always liked their basketball program and the campus was where I wanted to be. It looked like there were great friends and it will be a great experience.”

Huskies head coach Angela McMahon and her staff was also something that reeled her in. Their involvement and excitement in the program was key.

“They all are very determined,” Aldrich said. “In both bringing the program up, but working with us.”

Her role on the team will vary, depending on the game situations. Her favorite position to play however is midfield, though she enjoys the ability of playing both offense and defense.

“It's a big role,” she said.

Her path to sign with a D-I school has been hard work for her. It has involved long hours in her backyard with her father and brother playing catch, while working on her skills. On top of that, her education still took priority.

“It involves a lot of time management,” Aldrich said.

Despite her preparation for her future as a Huskie, she understands that she still has to finish senior year in high school and that she is one of the leaders on the team.

“She's one of many older kids that give back to the younger kids in this program,” Lighton said. “I want our team to be able to give back to our community.”

After signing her letter, Aldrich was thankful for the people that have helped guide her to where she is today.

“My parents, grandparents Pat Costisck, Kenny and Nancy Aldrich,” she said. “On top of them my older brother Mikey Aldrich and older cousin Chris Gauthier for always pushing me.”