<aside> 🔑 The speech I had the opportunity to read as a Senior Captain.

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The most important things in life, aren't things. They're people.

People are the essence of this program and throughout the past 4 years it's been incredible to grow and learn alongside my current senior class, upper and underclassmen.

As I was staring at the empty field last night, I started reflecting on the program's significance to my life and I came up with three key takeaways.

• Community - This is an interesting word - seems to vary in definition - but I define it as a consistent, well-founded support system. Regardless of the activity, the people within this program back each other and provide guidance wherever necessary. When I walked into fall ball, I was greeted by Toby Daneman, instant support and someone who turned into a pass, running, activity partner. Most of what I did my freshman year was surrounded by him and through that relationship I was able to build more. Summer of 2019, had the opportunity to travel the country with Nick Ledesky, bouncing from tournament to tournament we resided in the same hotel room and played games together, ate dinner, shared laughs. The most interesting part Woodinville Lacrosse is it's more than a group of guys who just play a sport, we've become a family that seems to stay inseparable regardless of the circumstances.
• Commitment - One of the biggest lessons I've learned from the program is the ability to become so dedicated to an end goal that no obstacle will prevent you from reaching it. Lance Turner epitomized what it means to lead by example and his efforts were contagious - something I attempted to replicate during my junior/senior year. In the leadership sessions, on and off the field Lance taught me what it meant to be committed to the people around you, the city of Woodinville, and the coveted goal of excellence. That energy allowed me to develop tons of connections with underclassmen during my junior/senior year, I became committed to the legacy I was going to leave post-high school. Eric Foran was another individual that showed me the benefits of the pursuit of improvement. Freshman year lacrosse as interesting, I experienced a fluctuation of emotion - played well some games, didn't others but as I started to talk to Eric more about my performance that season he mentioned the evolution he saw in me through 4 months. It was about more than scoring goals and reflecting on stats at the end of the game, but about being committed to self-development and contributing to the elevation of my teammates.
• And the last takeaway - culture. I think this has been in evolution mode the past two years but I think we started to figure out what success looked like to us as a team this year and work backwards to meet that goal. We learned about staying curious and asking questions if we don't have the answer, the importance of flexibility and game-planning, how to develop rapid connections with players we haven't played with, etc.

Woodinville Lacrosse has given me much more than an opportunity to play a sport I love. It's contextualized lessons that other activities can't, provided me new learnings/opportunities, and allowed me to develop incredible friends. To the coaching staff, thank you for your insight, mentorship, and guidance and to coach crowley and coach jd - I'm grateful for your support regardless of the occasion.

Lacrosse was my lense to learn and throughout the past 4 years I've learned more on the field that I have through any other medium.

Before I conclude I want to share a couple more thoughts.

I want to thank Mr. Jim Hunt and Dane for helping accelerate the signup process into Woodinville Lacrosse. I recall the moment when You (mr. hunt) walked over to my dad at a CitySide practice and shared information about Woodinville, your support is always appreciated.

Also want to thank Mrs. Turner and Brogan. Thank you for being a reliance point throughout the past four years. Whenever I needed anything it was as simple as a text. It's been incredible to have grown alongside you the past four years.

The focal intention behind my words tonight is to remember that there's meaning behind simple things. Sports, to most people, seem like a form of entertainment, a hobby, a place to demonstrate controlled rage, but I think to all of us it's been a symbol of the passion we have for lacrosse and our community.

Throughout the volume of favorite moments I have from the past four years, my top moment occurred during my freshmen year when I had the chance to coach the 5/6A team alongside Coach Tanner Shepard. The reason being - I had the opportunity to play with two of those players this past year - John Bishop and Adam Flatness.

Lastly, to the rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the program. My one piece of advice is to savor the micro-moments, all the little things. The times when you get to drive home with your parents when you don't have your license, the video game nights at your friends' houses, the team bonding events, etc. Those moments complete your experience with the program. It's all about the people - internalize it and maximize the rest of your time with the program.

Thank you parents, coaches, and teammates - always appreciative.