Lacrosse has been a huge part of my life and has helped shape who I am today. At first, it was just a sport I loved playing, but over time it became something that taught me a lot about hard work, teamwork, and leadership. Lacrosse has pushed me to be disciplined, to compete, and to keep going even when things are difficult. It has also taught me how important it is to be a good teammate and to care about the people around you. As I got more involved in lacrosse, I realized that not every kid has the same chance to play. Lacrosse is an expensive sport, and the equipment can cost a lot. Sticks, gloves, pads, helmets, and other gear can be a big reason why some kids never get the opportunity to try the game. I started thinking about how many players have extra or used equipment sitting at home that they no longer need, while other kids could really use it. That is what led me to start the Florida Lacrosse Exchange. The idea was to collect donated lacrosse equipment and get it to kids who need it. I wanted to take equipment that might otherwise go unused and give it to someone who could benefit from it. For me, it was a way to give back to the sport that has given me so much. Through the Florida Lacrosse Exchange, I have helped spread the word, collect gear, organize donations, and work toward getting the equipment to players who need it. It has taken time and effort, but it has been worth it because I know the program can help more kids get involved in the sport. Even one donated stick or pair of gloves can make a difference for a kid who wants to play. This experience has helped me grow as a leader. I have learned how to communicate better with parents, coaches, players, and people in the community. I have also learned how to stay organized, follow through, and take responsibility for something outside of myself. It showed me that leadership is not just about being the best player or the loudest person on the team. Leadership can also mean seeing a problem and doing something to help fix it. Starting the Florida Lacrosse Exchange has made my passion for lacrosse more meaningful. I still love playing and competing, but I now understand that sports can do more than just build athletes. They can build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. Helping other kids have that opportunity has given me a stronger sense of purpose. Lacrosse has helped shape me into who I am, but using lacrosse to help others has taught me the kind of person I want to be. It has shown me that when you are lucky enough to have opportunities, you should try to create opportunities for others too.

The first time I worked with my dad at eLease, I realized that business is not just about numbers. It is about helping real people solve real problems. In the equipment finance industry, I have seen my dad work with small business owners who need equipment to grow, operate, and serve their customers. Watching that firsthand has made me interested in business, entrepreneurship, and the role finance can play in helping companies succeed. My goal is to build a career in business where I can learn real skills, work hard, and eventually support myself and my future family. I want to continue my education, play lacrosse in college, and use both academics and athletics to become more disciplined, confident, and prepared for my future. I have always learned best through experience, responsibility, and being around people who are building something. Joe Gilroy’s motto, “Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan,” connects with the way I want to approach college and life. I know success does not happen by accident. It comes from having a plan, staying organized, and doing the work every day. That is also what lacrosse has taught me. Playing lacrosse in college will require grit, time management, hard work, and the ability to keep going even when things are difficult. I will have to balance classes, practices, workouts, games, travel, and studying. That challenge will help prepare me for the demands of a career. My plan is to pursue a college education focused on business, finance, sales, or entrepreneurship. I want to better understand how companies operate, how financial decisions are made, and how businesses build trust with customers. At the same time, I plan to keep learning from my dad and others in the equipment finance industry. I want to ask questions, observe how deals are handled, and understand how business owners make decisions when investing in equipment. The resources I will need include tuition, books, technology, transportation, athletic expenses, and everyday living costs. My budget plan is to apply for scholarships, work part-time when my schedule allows, and be careful with spending. I want to reduce the amount of student debt I take on so I can focus on school, athletics, and building my future. Receiving scholarship support would help cover educational costs and allow me to stay committed to my goals. My timeline starts with beginning college after graduation and using the next four years to grow academically, athletically, and professionally. In my first year, I want to adjust to college classes, contribute to my lacrosse team, and build strong study habits. In the following years, I plan to take more business-focused classes, look for internships or work experience, and continue learning about equipment finance and entrepreneurship. I have thought about more than one path to success. One path is working in equipment finance or another business that supports small companies. Another path is gaining experience in sales, operations, or finance and eventually starting a business of my own. Long term, I want to be known as someone who is dependable, hardworking, and trusted to help people solve problems. Like Joe Gilroy, I believe having a plan matters. I want to plan my work, work my plan, and keep proving through my actions that I am willing to do what it takes to succeed.