What are you most looking forward to as you begin your college journey at the U of A?  I am looking forward to the opportunity to explore new paths, meet new people and friends and pursue new academic avenues as well as social activities. This will also be my first time living “on my own” I have had my heart set on being a Wildcat for as long as I can remember so I am looking forward to all the new experiences it will bring.  I am also looking forward to continuing to play lacrosse, whether it is through club or intramural sports at the University of Arizona. 

 

Have you decided on a major yet, or are you still exploring your academic interests?  I am currently focusing on business and sports management as my major/minor, but I have been told by others to keep my options open and plan to do so.  One day, I might pursue sports law which would allow me to help others in an area that I have a strong interest in which is professional sports.

 

How does it feel to officially be a Wildcat?  I am very excited because being a U of A Wildcat is a goal I have strived for my entire life. I remember growing up my parents would take me to U of A basketball and football games and I enjoyed the experience.  However, at this time, I am excited to experience the journey through a new point of view, as a student. I have been to the U of A campus a number of times through the years, so I feel comfortable and look forward to experience all the university has to offer as a student.

 

Can you tell us what it means to you to receive a preferred walk-on offer for the U of A lacrosse team?  I feel so lucky that I am able to receive this opportunity as a preferred walk-on athlete from Arizona lacrosse, it gives me the opportunity to participate with the team without going through the tryout process.  I have worked hard to achieve this goal through a lot of training in high school and cannot wait to continue my lacrosse journey and experience it at a college level.

 

What has your lacrosse journey been like so far, and what helped you reach this level?  I have had a great experience with lacrosse, filled with its ups and downs. I had to sit out my junior season due to some medical issues. However, I am pleased that I have become strong enough to manage the health issues and start playing again. Someone that has helped throughout my lacrosse journey is my friend/teammate, Will Elfline. Will also plays college lacrosse in California and is the one who trains me the most.

 

 I initially became interested in lacrossed since I have friends who started to play lacrosse and they asked me if I wanted to go to one of their practices.  I have been hooked on the game ever since. Ironically, I recently found out that my great-grandfather played on the lacrosse team at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland, which is a top tier lacrosse school.  The love of the sport must run in our genes!

 

What kind of preparation or training are you doing this summer to get ready for the college lacrosse season?  In order to train at the college level, I have been building up my strength by going to the gym every day with a set workout schedule for each day that focuses on strengthening a different part of my body. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I have private training sessions with Will.   The combination of the training and practice has been very beneficial.

 

Some personal goals that I have set for myself to join the U of A lacrosse team are to become both a better student and athlete, learn to balance the two which will lead to being the best version of myself.

 

What are you most excited or nervous about when it comes to balancing academics and athletics in college?  I am a little concerned about the days that I have tests after having a game the night before. I will need to plan ahead as best as possible in order to do well in school and find a balance between both school and lacrosse so that I can maintain the best academic path as possible. 

 

Is there a specific moment or experience you're looking forward to most in your first year—either on the field or off?  I am most looking forward to watching football and basketball games in the student section, the Zona Zoo at U of A. It seems like such a fun area to watch the games - the energy of the students is always so positive and everyone is always supporting the team whether they are winning or not.  I am confident that I will be very happy with the overall experience that the U of A has to offer.