The only tangible thing left for Toni Bush to accomplish as matriarch and coach of the Pleasant Valley girls lacrosse program is a state championship.
After introducing the sport to the Brodheadsville area a decade ago, she has nurtured the program from its inception.
This year, her Bears reached new heights.
Pleasant Valley won its first District 11 title and became only the second team from the area to win a PIAA playoff game.
“I’m a goal-oriented person, that’s who I am,” said Bush, a teacher at Bangor Area High School. “So once I accomplish a goal I figure out if I’m done or I need to set another goal. It was establishing a program at the start. Early on, it was a winning year and qualifying for the playoffs. Then, it became conference and district championships.
“Really, I think, there’s only one thing left now – and that’s going to be very difficult to do.”
Bush, of course, was talking about a state title.
That a District 11 program, especially one from a county without a lacrosse rival, is a legitimate threat to challenge for a PIAA Class 3A championship is a minor miracle in itself.
District 11 girls state qualifiers are 2-22 all-time in the PIAA playoffs since 2009.
Bush, who played scholastic lacrosse at Methacton High School in Montgomery County, introduced Monroe County to the sport in 2010 when she played a big part in the Pleasant Valley Youth Association adopting lacrosse. The youth numbers increased yearly and eventually the high school welcomed lacrosse as an official sport in 2016, with Bush being named girls coach.
Pleasant Valley won its initial Eastern Pennsylvania Conference championship in 2022 and its first district crown this year. The Bears finished with a 24-1 record.
PV lacrosse was and is a family affair for the Bushes.
Mom is the coach. Dad, Joe, is the scorekeeper. Alexandra was a standout player who graduated in 2022. Devon was named the EPC MVP this spring. And Lauren will join the team as a freshman next season.
“It’s engrained in every aspect of my life,” said Bush, who this season was assisted by Hanna Doerner and Alyssa Grieco. “It’s a blessing to have a passion. Sometimes I need to pull back a little. My friends will tell me, Toni, we’re not talking about lacrosse today.”
But, the 47-year-old wife and mother of three isn’t sure how many more years she has ahead.
Bush said she will coach the 2025 spring season at Pleasant Valley, then reassess her status.
“I still love the coaching part of it. But there are other parts that are a challenge and I want to be mom, too,” she said. “Devon will be in college and I’ll want to watch her play. We’ll see where I’m at then.
“I still love it, though. It’ll be tough to give up for sure.”
Michael Blouse is a freelance writer.
