There is always something breath taking in the sunrise. The colors that creep across and stain the sky, the taste of the crisp cold air before the sun is up to warm the world, the stillness you are a part of because in these magic hours most living creatures dare not stir. Breath Taking.

Five times a week, I am the audience to the natural occurrences of the early hours. Monday Wednesday Friday, six am. Tuesday Thursday, five am. Whether the team is in I-wing gym, lifting with the strength and conditioning coach, Christian Allen, or out on the field with Coach Maurizi, every morning brings new challenges both physically and mentally to build us into the best team we can be, as well as a family. Joining the Women’s Lacrosse team was the right decision. My experiences with my coaches, training staff, and teammates have brought me new-found friends and fills my extra hours with activity that is healthy for my body. We do cardio pieces on the track, cardio skill drills, and lifting for legs, arms, back, and chest. Nothing beats those early morning practices on the field. Doing drills and having a stick in my hands makes me feel like I’ve found my place. Although most mornings we are up before the sun and before college life stirs on campus, it is worth it to be a part of something bigger than myself. Some days when it is near impossible to get out of bed, I think about my teammates and how they are depending on me being there, and also how their energy and happiness will get me through the workout. Stockton Athletics is an amazing program, with amazing people working to make me and other athletes live to our full potential. They take care of us like family, nurse our injuries, keep an eye on our grades, and make sure we are juggling everything. Its comforting to know if I ever felt overwhelmed I would have a concerned support staff to coach me through and help me make decisions best for my life. I am pumped for the upcoming pre-season and regular season, I am confident we will succeed in all our endeavors.