Kayla Hope '20 Recruiting Profile

Lacrosse is not played or understood by many people, but it is beginning to grow more and more. I discovered lacrosse from my friends who played, but I never got the chance to play because of competitive dance. I was a competitive dancer for eleven years, took gymnastics for three years, and played varsity soccer for two years in eighth grade and my freshman year. I will compete on the Varsity Track Team beginning Spring 2019. Playing all of these sports has shaped me into the person that I am now and has led me to my passion for lacrosse. From the moment I picked up a lacrosse stick, I knew that lacrosse was going to be the sport for me and I love it. In middle school, I played mid-field but defense became my main position in high school. When I play defense, I shut people down and try my hardest not to let the ball get in our goal. When I get the ball, I take the ball to mid-field and pass it to offense or cross over the restraining line and play offense for a while. Lacrosse has helped me develop leadership, teamwork, and time management skills. Being the only freshman starter on the team has helped me gain confidence and has also helped me step up as an individual. When I step out on the field, I do everything for my team and not just me because lacrosse is a team sport. 

Sports is not the main part of being a student-athlete, academics is. You can not go far without being a good student and having a good education. I am privileged to go to one of the best private schools in my city. I thank my family for everything because without them I do not know where I would be. They have instilled the positivity in me and has developed me into the person I am. I am an A and B student who works hard to keep the best grades I can. I have been looking at colleges since the 7th grade. I started looking at lacrosse colleges the more I became serious about lacrosse. Presently, I am exploring careers in the health profession such as dentistry.

Outside of lacrosse, I do a lot of community service. I think it is important to give back to the community. I am blessed to have the life I have, so I choose to help others. My family and I do a lot of fundraisers and other fun events to raise money for the Chris Hope Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. My favorite part of going to St. Jude is bonding with the kids and parents. Although the kids are fighting for their lives, they are fun people to be around and make me forget about all of my problems. I will continue to do charity work and give back to my community because I love it.