Erica Kierstead is a quick and deceptive attacker who buzzes her way into the right spots to score goals. With these crucial qualities on her side, the senior lacrosse player has earned the nickname of “Bumblebee.”

The Mercer Island High School (MIHS) player laughs when she discusses the nickname, which came into being from an Islander lacrosse announcer. It has stuck.

This season, Kierstead has led the squad with 21 goals at press time during the team’s 7-1 run through the first half of the season.

“In addition to her prowess in our offense, her speed is invaluable on the draw and in the defensive end,” said head coach Lyndsey Gillis, who added that Kierstead is the team’s leader on and off the field. “I have always been impressed with her athleticism and ability to make her contributions on the field seemingly effortless.”

The fourth-year MIHS player first stepped into the lacrosse realm in first grade, following in the footsteps of her older sister, Molly. Erica hasn’t stopped playing since then and embraces the competitive and team unity aspects of lacrosse. In fact, the eager youngster wanted to get in some lacrosse action as a kindergartner, but she wasn’t yet old enough to join the sport.

Kierstead has copious years of lacrosse under her belt now and will continue maneuvering her netted lacrosse stick at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, next season. She plans to major in either biology or health science at the Division III school.

As a captain, along with fellow seniors Amelie Schmid and Taylor Swendrowski, the “Bumblebee” said, “I’m hoping to achieve a very positive team atmosphere.” Cheering her teammates on and guiding them through the process of brushing off mistakes while moving forward is part of her game plan.

On the highlight front this season, Kierstead said the team was thrilled to defeat Roosevelt, 13-5, to avenge a loss to the Seattle squad in the 2023 state semifinals.

“As our first home game, that was pretty exciting,” she said. “There had just been a lot of nerves from last year, so coming out with that win just, I think, gave us a lot of confidence going forward in the season.”

The Reporter asked Kierstead a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her life:

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

When people are rude to the refs or yelling at the refs about stuff. Or if you go to a restaurant and people are rude. I like to just think about, you don’t really know what anyone’s going through, especially in the food industry and stuff. It just really irks me, I guess.

What’s a binge-worthy TV series that you’re really into?

“This Is Us,” it’s on Netflix. I’m addicted to it.

What provides inspiration for you throughout the day?

The old captains that I’ve experienced in the past three years of me playing lacrosse. I really look up to a lot of them because I think a lot of them have had a really good balance between academics and sports, which is something that I really strive for. I just keep them in mind whenever I’m struggling. It’s like, someone’s done it before. Like, you got it, yeah, you’ll get through it.

With you as a captain, what would be your top message to your teammates?

Just to play because you do it for fun. I think at times you lose that grasp that we play sports to have fun.

What’s a special skill that you’d like to learn?

I’ve always really wanted to learn how to play guitar.

What type of music do you listen to?

I really like folk music, like Noah Kahan. I’ve been really into that, especially spring and summer season — just like (with) the warm weather.