My name is Grace Connor, and I am from the UK. I first started to learn lacrosse when I joined my high school aged 11 (Grade 6). I immediately fell in love with the game realizing that my hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and sporting IQ were well suited to lacrosse. I flourished playing lacrosse at school and quickly joined a local club where I was able to access more lacrosse at a higher level. I loved the challenge of playing with girls older and stronger than me and it was not long before I was able to match them in ability, skill, and knowledge. When I was a freshman, my high school organized a lacrosse tour to the US which I was fortunate enough to be selected. We played a variety of High School Varsity teams in the Washington DC/Baltimore area. The standard was brilliant, and I was in awe of the 'professionalism' of lacrosse at High School level. I loved the competitiveness of the matches and the skill level of many of the opposition athletes. Even though I was still only a freshman I was able to compete with some of the strongest Varsity High School players. My progress during this trip was huge and I soon realized that I am a quick learner who adapts extremely well to an environment that stretches me and asks more of me. I also learnt that being exposed to a more competitive and challenging level was exactly what I relished and enjoyed. I was awarded MVP for my team for 5 out of the 6 matches and the opposition coaches would often talk to my high school coach after the games and ask about me as a player. My high school coach explained about the US university system and encouraged me to consider this as an option in the future. Since this trip I have made this my goal; applying to a US university to play lacrosse at the highest level.
As I continued to work through my high school and club lacrosse, I also began my journey on the England lacrosse talent pathway. This began with regional representation, but I was then identified for the elite performance training squad for the U20 team. This was an amazing opportunity and I was thrilled to be part of the training and enjoyed learning greater tactical aspects of the game. I also loved being part of a group of players who were better, older and more experienced. I never dreamt that I would make the final selection for the U20 World Cup team, but my hard work, quick learning and coaching application paid off and last summer I was thrilled to be selected for the England U20 World Cup lacrosse team at the age of 15. I loved the experience of working and training with a squad over several months and building teamwork, morale, goals and friendships!
This experience has further deepened my desire and goal of playing lacrosse at University in the US. Having experienced the World Cup training and the tournament itself was a taster of the possibilities that could be available to me in the future. To be part of a community where competitive lacrosse and committed training are available regularly would be highly rewarding. To have the opportunity to maximise my lacrosse playing ability, access an incredibly special and competitive system, and be part of a team community would be a dream come true.
I believe the video reels on my profile demonstrate my fundamental skills and athleticism but I hope it will also give you an insight into the potential I have. I want to convey in this personal statement that I am a quick learner, adaptable, and very coachable. If given an opportunity I will do my absolute best to fulfil my potential with enthusiasm, hard work, commitment, and passion. I may be 'raw talent' at this stage in terms of my ability, especially at the college level - but my athletic ability, speed of learning, and enthusiasm are all key to making me the best player for any college team willing to take a chance with me. I hope you have enjoyed reading about my journey and I am excited to continue this journey and go from strength to strength. I would love the opportunity to play lacrosse in the US which has the absolute best exposure in the world.
