Olivia Okamoto '22 Recruiting Profile

"We get stronger when we test ourselves. Adversity can make us better. We must be challenged to improve, and adversity is the challenger" -John Wooden.

Lacrosse is my passion and being an excellent student is my purpose. While my education comes first, lacrosse has been a huge part of my life since the age of 8. I love learning in the classroom as well as on the field, and am proud that I tackle every opportunity, challenge, and failure with the knowledge that I will learn and grow from every experience. Additionally, I pride myself in being a good human, classmate, and teammate, always treating others with respect, empathy and compassion.

A personal challenge that truly shaped me as a lacrosse player and as a person was during my freshman year, when my small, private school was able to field a lacrosse team and I was required to play there. This meant that I would have to play with players who had never played lacrosse before, as well as young, middle schoolers who were brought up to play on the high school team. This also meant that I wouldn't have the option to play with with my year-round, club teammates on my school district's team. As a quieter person, this experience pushed me to find my voice and evolve as a leader. I was chosen to be team captain as a freshman and assisted the coaches in their endeavors to grow this group of new lacrosse players. I showed up to each practice and game with a positive attitude and was energized to be a role model for my teammates. What I initially thought was going to be a frustrating season, turned out to be a great season of individual growth, team improvement, and success, as we finished with an 8-2 record. This experience changed my insight on the game of lacrosse, as it allowed me to find the true meaning of being a leader and player of this incredible game, something that I will carry with me through the rest of my career.

Through NCSA, I am hoping to find a school that fits me both academically and athletically, as I value both immensely. Through my experiences, I have learned what it means to be a leader and a team player, and the significance of work ethic, passion, commitment, and being driven. It is my dream to continue playing the sport of lacrosse at this next, higher level, and I aspire to find the right college that will help me achieve my goals and fulfill my passion.