For any athlete, there are some traits that simply cannot be taught: the height of a basketball player, the deft touch of a good quarterback, or, in the case of women's lacrosse player Jamie Haas, a strong left-handed attack.
Most women's lacrosse players at the collegiate level learn how to switch dominant hands reliably, but defenders still try to guard the right side first and push the attacker to their "weak side."
Haas' left side is her strong side, which can cause all sorts of problems for opposing defenses.
"It looks different coming out of her stick for a goalie, and defense is forced to remember she's left-handed," Virginia coach Julie Myers said.
Combine Haas' genetic luck with speed and composure, and you have an offensive monster.
Last year, Haas was an All-American for the second year in a row with 58 points (36 goals, 22 assists). She scored in 27 consecutive games, by far the longest streak by any Virginia women's lacrosse player, and closed out the season ranked 10th on Virginia's all-time scoring list.
"Ever since I started playing, I've always focused on attack," Haas said.
Her expertise shows. This year, Haas moved to ninth in all-time scoring with a hat trick in the Cavaliers' 13-10 season-opening loss to William & Mary on Feb. 28.
Last Saturday, she scored her 100th career goal in Virginia's 15-12 loss at North Carolina, despite a blow to the nose that eventually required stitches.
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Injuries have been one of the hurdles Haas needed to clear this season. After an NCAA eligibility situation forced her to start the season late, she hurt her ankle as Virginia fell to Princeton, 9-6, on March 18.
Starting late "just made my desire to play more intense. I appreciate every minute on the field that much more," Haas said. "After they hit me [at North Carolina], it just got me more fired up, and I wanted to do everything in my power to turn the game around."
"She has great experience, actually more than anyone on the field, so we need her to lead emotionally as well," Myers said. "Not having her has taken its toll on the team."
Although there are quite a few fourth and fifth years playing for No. 10 Virginia (4-4, 0-2 ACC) this season, Haas' leadership was sorely missed at the start of the season.
"We rely on her to generate shots and lead the attack," Myers said.
Myers described Haas as "approachable to everyone and a real easygoing kid," with high standards for the team and herself.
Haas attended Marple Newton High School in Newton Square, Penn., and calls Berwyn, Penn., her hometown.
"I've loved Virginia since eighth grade," Haas said. "But I never thought I could compete on this level, so when U.Va. recruited me it was a dream come true."
Haas is finishing a psychology major but maintains that her post-graduation plans are undecided.
"I'm keeping all my options open," she said. "Coaching is an option, or I may just go right into the business world. Right now, I'm just focused on finishing the season."
So far, Haas' last season has not been all she had hoped, and she has certainly felt the frustration of a leader.
"I'm not in panic mode," Haas said. "We have talent, and we can all play well. We just need to all play well together."
When Virginia heads to UMBC this afternoon, Haas will get the chance to pull her team together. With her experience and talent, chances are that she can do it - even left-handed.
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