By KEN HAMWEY, 

Staff Sports Writer

Jamie Tanner personifies grit, mental and physical toughness and resilience. She could also be a poster child for dedication and devotion to the task at hand.

A midfielder for the Franklin High girls’ lacrosse team, the 5-foot-4 Tanner is relentless, always on the move covering lots of territory in an effort to spark the Panthers.

A captain, the 18-year-old senior puts personal statistics aside, preferring to focus intensely on her team’s unity and overall chemistry.

But, what truly makes Tanner a breed apart is the way she’s handled an injury that she’s dealt with during her sophomore and junior seasons. Finally getting a prognosis after two years, she underwent surgery for compartment syndrome last October.

“Compartment syndrome involves muscle damage around the tibia and fibular bones in the shin area,’’ Tanner said. “The muscle gets too tight, and it creates pain. I played for two seasons with the condition in both my legs before I had surgery. I spent four months in rehab, undergoing physical therapy. I’m thankful that I’m about 95 percent back.’’

Despite the pain, Tanner managed to score 21 goals and register 10 assists as a sophomore. Moved to defense last year, she still contributed on offense, scoring seven goals and getting an assist.

Regardless of her injury history, a scholarship offer to play lacrosse at Sacred Heart University in Bridgeport, Conn., came after her sophomore year. 

“I first played lacrosse at age five in Franklin’s youth league, and I’ve played at the club level for 11 years,’’ Tanner noted. 

What the coaches at Sacred Heart obviously liked was Tanner’s high lacrosse IQ, her athleticism, mental toughness and endurance. The scholarship is also for her academic excellence — she’s a National Honor Society student in science.

“I love playing lacrosse, because it’s up-tempo, physical and it demands a strong work ethic,’’ she said.

Franklin coach Kristin Igoe admires the attributes Tanner brings to the table, and she’s looking forward to having her at full strength.

“Jamie is a gritty player who works hard all over the field,’’ Igoe emphasized. “She’s aggressive and always plays with a team-first mentality. Jamie wasn’t at full strength last year, but she’s worked to get back to 100 percent for this season. I expect her to be a strong leader and player for us in the midfield. She’s tenacious and one of our hardest-working players on and off the field.’’ 

Tanner’s goals this season are a testament to her team-first approach.

“I want us to be united with great team chemistry,’’ she said. “I also want us to qualify for the tourney and aim for a state title. As for myself, I just want to be in the best shape possible and play without pain.’’

Franklin’s opening match was March 30 at home against Leominster, a game played after Local Town Pages deadline. 

A native of Franklin, Tanner says her best game and her top thrill in lacrosse came in losses to Westwood and Bishop Guertin of Nashua, N.H. “I scored the tying goal to make the score 5-5 in the State final against Westwood in 2021,’’ she noted. “But, we lost in the final 10 seconds, 6-5. Although it was disappointing with a big crowd on hand, everyone on our team played to the final whistle, giving great effort. The ride to Nashua to play Bishop Guertin was special. I felt such wonderful bonding and team chemistry. It was a family atmosphere.’’

Calling Franklin’s State title chances this year “realistic’’ because of the team’s talent and athleticism, Tanner knows the Panthers have players who’ll step up and contribute.

“Katie Peterson is our other captain,’’ Tanner said. “She’s a strong two-way midfielder who’s athletic and dedicated. She’s a leader on and off the field. Our other five seniors will also contribute and excel. They include Kaitlyn Carney, Lindsay Atkinson, Riley Cross, Payten Crandall and Grace Nesbit.’’

Tanner also lauds her coach, who’s also worked with her at the club level. “Coach Igoe is a terrific motivator,’’ she offered. “She emphasizes improvement in practice and always considers everyone’s strengths.’’

An honorable-mention Hockomock League all-star last year, Tanner plans to be a captain who leads by example and is communicative and supportive. “Every player’s voice will be heard and all positions on the team will be valued,’’ she said. “And, if we’re all on the same page, a state title can be won.’’

 

Tanner plans to major in physical therapy at Sacred Heart. “The coach said as long as I’m prepared and rely on a strong work ethic, I’ll get to play as a two-way midfielder,’’ she offered.

Besides lacrosse and the National Honor Society, Tanner is a member of the Red Cross Club and Connect for Cancer. 

Calling her brother Grant, who deals with epilepsy, and parents (Kim and Jack) role models for their support and encouragement, Tanner relies on a competitive philosophy that stresses winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun. 

Tanner is a competitor whose team-first approach would be welcomed by any coach. She’s missed some games, she’s played hurt, and she’s been sub-par in many contests.

A healthy final season would be a fabulous gift and she’s acutely aware of what that would mean. “Good health is my No. 1 personal goal,’’ she emphasized. 

Jamie Tanner is a leader on and off the field. She’s also a leader for tomorrow.