Playing lacrosse for seven years has given me invaluable life skills that extend far beyond the field. Being part of a team has taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, adaptability, and camaraderie. These lessons have shaped who I am today and continue to influence how I interact with others in my daily life.
The Power of Teamwork and Belonging
One of the most significant things I learned from lacrosse is how essential it is to work with other people. Being on a team gives you a sense of belonging and purpose. Everyone has a role, and success is only possible when each player contributes to the best of their ability. There is no room for selfishness; we win together, and we lose together. The bonds built with teammates create a supportive environment that extends beyond the game, reinforcing the idea that teamwork is not just for sports but for life.
Communication: On and Off the Field
Lacrosse significantly enhanced my communication skills. Both on and off the field, being able to communicate effectively is crucial. During games, my teammates and I developed cues to relay important information quickly. For example, during my senior year of high school, we used the word “mango” to signal when we were offsides. This simple but effective cue helped ensure that someone would quickly return over the line to avoid a penalty and losing possession.
Beyond the field, communication with coaches, teammates, and even opponents taught me how to express myself clearly and work through challenges collaboratively. These skills have translated into other areas of my life, including academics and professional settings, where being able to communicate effectively is just as important.
Adaptability: Playing Different Roles
Lacrosse also taught me to be adaptable. Over the years, I switched between offense and defense based on what the team needed. This flexibility was crucial because in the middle of a game, anything can happen—players get injured, strategies change, and substitutions are necessary. Being able to step into any role made me a more well-rounded player and prepared me for challenges in life that require quick thinking and adaptability.
Overcoming Challenges: Playing Through COVID
Playing lacrosse during my senior year, in the spring of 2021, came with unique challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions. We had to wear masks while practicing and playing, making it difficult to breathe, especially during intense drills and long sprints. Despite this challenge, we adapted, pushed through, and made the best of the situation. That season reinforced my resilience and ability to adjust in difficult circumstances—an important skill that I’ve carried into college and beyond.
Learning from a Negative Experience
Not all of my sports experiences were positive, but even the tough moments taught me valuable lessons. Freshman year, I was the new goalie on the varsity soccer team. Many girls who didn’t make the team were given an alternate status, which allowed them to practice with hopes of earning a spot. Unfortunately, some of these girls did not exhibit good sportsmanship, often making me feel unwelcome. Additionally, the coach separated the starters from the rest of the team, creating a divide that made freshmen feel inferior.
That experience showed me exactly what a team should NOT be. When I joined the lacrosse team later that year, I finally understood what true camaraderie felt like. My lacrosse teammates were welcoming, supportive, and inclusive. We had the best times together, from bus rides to games to hanging out outside of practice. This stark contrast between my soccer and lacrosse experiences made me appreciate the value of a strong, unified team even more.
Carrying Lessons into College
After graduating from high school, I moved to Florida for college and joined the club lacrosse team. This was another pivotal experience, as it helped me make new friends and transition into a new environment. Many of the friends I made on the team during my first semester remain some of my closest friends to this day. Lacrosse once again provided me with a sense of community and belonging, proving that sports can positively impact all aspects of life.
A Memorable Road Trip
One of my most memorable experiences with the club lacrosse team happened during my freshman year when we had a game in Miami. Five of us were packed into a car for the four-hour drive from Tampa to Miami, and what could have been an awkward or exhausting trip turned into one of the best bonding experiences of my life. We talked about everything—our families, our goals, our past experiences—and by the end of the trip, I felt a deep connection with these girls. The conversations we had made the long drive back feel effortless, and to this day, I have never connected better with a group of people in such a short amount of time. That trip solidified the idea that sports not only bring people together on the field but also create friendships that last a lifetime.
Lifelong Lessons from Sports
Looking back, playing sports has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. It has not only kept me physically active but has also strengthened my mental resilience. The teamwork, communication, adaptability, and friendships I developed through lacrosse have shaped me into a better person.
Sports are more than just a game—they are a way to build character, forge lifelong connections, and learn lessons that extend far beyond the field. I am incredibly grateful for all that lacrosse has taught me, and I know that the experiences and values I gained will continue to benefit me for years to come.