Personal Statement
I started playing lacrosse while filling up water bottles on the sidelines of the high school team my dad coached when I was three, and have rarely put my lacrosse stick down since then. I have set goals for myself as a leader and a student athlete every year and have been lucky enough to achieve many of them. This year one of my lacrosse goals was to be the starting goalie on the varsity team that won the state championship the year before. I was named the starter at the beginning of our last practice- as the pandemic put an end to all athletes seasons. One goal achieved, the act of becoming better through a season of practice, establishing friendships and repeating as state championships did not. However, this was heartbreaking, I did not let it keep me or my teammates down. I lead virtual workout sessions, checked in with players through social media, and reached out to my coach to put together team bonding platforms.
While I was not able to meet my goal of winning a state championship, I realized that I was able to meet other goals that I set for myself, and will continue to set for myself, in the areas of leadership, pride, and empathy. I have often found myself in a leadership role, but none more profound than these last few months when emotions and expectations were intense and unreliable. I have never been more proud of my team and community as we worked together to get through a difficult situation. And most importantly, I learned empathy for those around me who were struggling with moving on from a sport they may never play again. I plan to take what these last months have taught me to make me stronger not only in the sport of lacrosse, but in life. I hope to apply this strength at a collegiate level one day...after I win a high school state championship.
