Throughout my life, I've explored many passions, but there was one in particular that stuck. The love I have for the sport of lacrosse (lax) is unconditional. Since I began playing 10 years ago, it’s been my outlet and something I always look forward to as a way to release my anxiety. In middle and high school, I was excited about all things lacrosse, all the time—even if it meant waking up at 7 a.m. only to lose a tournament in the pouring rain. This sport has given me some of my best friends in the world, and has taught me the values of collaboration, confidence, and resilience. As my first semester of college approached in August of 2023, I knew I wasn’t ready to give up playing the sport I had leaned on.
Enter the University of Wisconsin Women’s Club Lacrosse Team! The moment I tried out for the team here at UW-Madison, I was hooked. I have been a dedicated member of the Bucky travel team since my first semester on campus, and I am now a junior serving as co-vice president on our executive board. Practicing three times a week, combined with traveling on weekends, can become stressful, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Representing a distinguished university, whilst playing alongside a group of highly talented, intelligent, and determined individuals has been nothing short of incredible. The uplifting community we’ve created by supporting and having fun with each other on and off the field makes any stress of being a club sport athlete worth it.
An unexpected highlight during my time on WASB so far has been connecting with fellow members over our involvement in club sports. Sophomore Andy Walker is a setter on the Men’s Club Volleyball Team, and sophomore Zoe Cole plays goalie on the Women’s Club Hockey Team. I spoke with them about being involved in a sport on campus and how it plays into their college lives. As I briefly mentioned, the stress of our schedule mixed with other obligations can accumulate, to which Andy provides a notable perspective: “When I remind myself that I am going to practice because I love playing my sport, all the stress tends to go away. Playing volleyball makes me happy, and I shouldn’t be worried about the time when I choose to do something that I’ll enjoy.” Zoe adds, “Coming into my freshman year, club hockey gave me a routine.” To me, that’s what it’s all about. Being able to have a structured escape from schoolwork for a couple of hours is something I’ve come to appreciate.
Although vastly different in the work we do, I have noticed that WASB and club sports are more similar than you might think—they both require accountability, for example. Uniquely, all three of our teams are student-led. Though she is not an executive member, Zoe translates her leadership skills from sports to her role on WASB, explaining that “on my team, every player has to take on more responsibility and contribute to the team in whatever way they can. Similarly, on WASB, just picking up the little things when working on our events can make everyone else’s life a little easier!”
So many of the experiences we have on campus complement each other. WASB is a team sport in its own way. We collaborate, lift each other up, and have fun while doing it! Andy believes that WASB has given him more values that he uses as tools in club sports: “WASB has shown me that being a positive person is good for everyone around me and myself.” It's amazing how the communities we find ourselves in can have such a positive impact on our lives.
If you want to see these WASBies swap their rugbies for jerseys, you’re in luck! Come support my team at University Bay Fields on November 15th, Andy and his accomplished team at the Bakke on December 6th, and Zoe’s team at the Bakke on November 15th-16th. You can find the game schedules on our team Instagram pages: @wiscowomenslax | @wiscmensclubvb | @womenshockey_uw
Lastly, shoutout to every one of my teammates past, present, and future ;) you all inspire me.
By Maya Kannel
Lake Street Bash Co-Chair, All Campus Party Team