I first picked up a lacrosse stick as a second grader, and it was a choice I made on my own. Trailblazing this path is much different from my older relatives, who have been successful collegiate athletes playing soccer or baseball. After playing hundreds of lacrosse games, nothing is better than stepping onto the field. As a lacrosse athlete, I continue to have opportunities to build the strength of character by embodying commitment, teamwork, and discipline. Athletes that are committed to their sport make that commitment by personal choice. I'm no different. It is considered a promise to show up with self-motivation and goals for performance. As a lacrosse player, I take instructions and work to improve. My commitment involves bouncing back after a disappointing loss and shaking off mistakes. I reflect on ways to get it right the next time and identify ways to be successful. As a player, a commitment is considered a promise to believe in me and do everything I can for the team, both in good times and in bad. For example, something as simple as arriving to practice early when my body is tired and worn out. It takes commitment to get back up and keep going. It also takes commitment to give my teammates the best of myself during games and practices. It takes commitment to conduct myself in a sportsmanlike manner - even when emotions run high after a slash or questionable call by a referee. My commitment to developing as a skilled player is directly related to working as a team. Teamwork equals team success. Teamwork is directly related to team chemistry and building trust with each other. As a defensive player, I embodied teamwork by having a positive mindset and doing my part to work toward our common goal- a win! We have defined roles, and I build trust with my coaches and teammates when I successfully execute defensive plays using my skills. Playing on a lacrosse team teaches essential communication and social skills because each player must be an active listener and an effective speaker. As a team player, I listen to the coaches and continue to listen to my teammates so that we are collectively successful. We must put the team's needs above ours and play to our strengths. I always think about how my role affects the team and how well I'm adding to the team's success. In addition to teamwork, discipline is vital to team success. Discipline allows me to stay focused on my goals. It also helps me to stay in control and not overreact to situations. Elite professional athletes say that what we do daily directly impacts what we become. That takes discipline. When practicing defensive drills, I reflect on what I need to improve. How can I build better habits? Is there something I need to do differently? From experience, I know disciplined lacrosse athletes have more freedom because they do not let the ups and downs of the game dictate their behavior. Lacrosse games are high scoring and fast-paced. After an amazing or disappointing play, I must return to playing my best defense. Disciplined athletes learn to block out distractions and build consistency one play at a time. In conclusion, as a lacrosse athlete, I continue to build strength of character through commitment, teamwork, and discipline. With commitment, an athlete or team will put in extra effort. Teamwork is vital as teams work together to reach performance goals. And discipline is necessary to remain focused. Embodying these characteristics is essential for my personal and teammates' success on and off the field.

I first picked up a lacrosse stick as a second grader, and it was a choice I made on my own. Trailblazing this path is much different from my older relatives, who have been successful collegiate athletes playing soccer or baseball. After playing hundreds of lacrosse games, nothing is better than stepping onto the field. As a lacrosse athlete, I continue to have opportunities to build the strength of character by embodying commitment, teamwork, and discipline. Athletes that are committed to their sport make that commitment by personal choice. I'm no different. It is considered a promise to show up with self-motivation and goals for performance. As a lacrosse player, I take instructions and work to improve. My commitment involves bouncing back after a disappointing loss and shaking off mistakes. I reflect on ways to get it right the next time and identify ways to be successful. As a player, a commitment is considered a promise to believe in me and do everything I can for the team, both in good times and in bad. For example, something as simple as arriving to practice early when my body is tired and worn out. It takes commitment to get back up and keep going. It also takes commitment to give my teammates the best of myself during games and practices. It takes commitment to conduct myself in a sportsmanlike manner - even when emotions run high after a slash or questionable call by a referee. My commitment to developing as a skilled player is directly related to working as a team. Teamwork equals team success. Teamwork is directly related to team chemistry and building trust with each other. As a defensive player, I embodied teamwork by having a positive mindset and doing my part to work toward our common goal- a win! We have defined roles, and I build trust with my coaches and teammates when I successfully execute defensive plays using my skills. Playing on a lacrosse team teaches essential communication and social skills because each player must be an active listener and an effective speaker. As a team player, I listen to the coaches and continue to listen to my teammates so that we are collectively successful. We must put the team's needs above ours and play to our strengths. I always think about how my role affects the team and how well I'm adding to the team's success. In addition to teamwork, discipline is vital to team success. Discipline allows me to stay focused on my goals. It also helps me to stay in control and not overreact to situations. Elite professional athletes say that what we do daily directly impacts what we become. That takes discipline. When practicing defensive drills, I reflect on what I need to improve. How can I build better habits? Is there something I need to do differently? From experience, I know disciplined lacrosse athletes have more freedom because they do not let the ups and downs of the game dictate their behavior. Lacrosse games are high scoring and fast-paced. After an amazing or disappointing play, I must return to playing my best defense. Disciplined athletes learn to block out distractions and build consistency one play at a time. In conclusion, as a lacrosse athlete, I continue to build strength of character through commitment, teamwork, and discipline. With commitment, an athlete or team will put in extra effort. Teamwork is vital as teams work together to reach performance goals. And discipline is necessary to remain focused. Embodying these characteristics is essential for my personal and teammates' success on and off the field.