Personal Statement
Hi, I am Riku Jokela, a 23-year-old Finnish lacrosse goalie. In 2014, my local junior team, the Turku Titans, emerged victorious in the Berlin Open. As the starting goalie, I had the privilege of playing every game in that tournament, which happened to be the only junior U16 field lacrosse competition in Europe at that time. It was an unforgettable experience, showcasing my skills on a stage where young players from all over Europe converged.
That same year, I had the immense joy of winning my first men's Finnish national championship. Little did I know then that this triumph would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey. Since that time, I have gone on to win a total of seven men's Finnish championships, each one etching a special memory in my heart.
The year 2016 brought further glory as my local men's team, the Turku Titans, emerged victorious in the Scandinavian Lacrosse League. This league comprised the best teams from Finland, Sweden, and Norway, making our triumph all the more significant. We proved ourselves among the elite and solidified our status as a force to be reckoned with.
In 2017, the Turku Titans conquered the prestigious Ken Galluccio tournament, featuring the winners of every European field league. It was an incredible honor to compete against the best teams from across Europe and emerge victorious. The experience of representing my team and country in such a high-profile event was truly humbling.
Since 2018, I have proudly represented the Finnish national team in various international competitions. From the Men's Lacrosse World Championship to the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship and the 2022 European Qualifiers, I have been privileged to wear the national colors and defend the goal. Working alongside esteemed coaches like Tracey Kelusky, Neil Doddridge, and Pentti Pekkonen, who are not only experienced mentors but also legendary players in their own right, has been an invaluable experience that has shaped me both as an athlete and an individual.
In 2018, at the age when most teenagers are celebrating their high school graduation, I made a bold decision. I chose to skip the festivities and venture to Canada, where I played junior box lacrosse in British Columbia. I spent four seasons honing my skills in this intense and fast-paced version of the game. The first two seasons were with the Richmond Roadrunners, and though the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my plans, the experience was transformative.
Upon returning to Finland, I applied to university and fulfilled my mandatory military service in the Finnish Navy as a military police officer. I was overjoyed that the Navy allowed me to continue practicing during my service, as it fueled my passion for lacrosse and kept my skills sharp. Following my army duty, I embarked on a new chapter by enrolling in the University of Turku, where I am pursuing a major in ICT engineering with a minor in healthtech.
In 2021, my dedication and hard work paid off when I was drafted to play for the senior A team, the Burnaby Lakers, in the WLA (Western Lacrosse Association). Although I tried out with Burnaby in 2022, I ultimately found myself playing for the North Shore Indians WCSLA (WEST COAST SENIOR LACROSSE ASSOCIATION), where I am currently honing my skills and pushing myself to new limits.
My ultimate dream is to play field lacrosse at the university level in the NCAA. I yearn for an education that will not only foster my personal growth but also provide me with the tools to advance the game of lacrosse in Finland. These four years of university would be a perfect opportunity to refine my skills further in pursuit of Olympic lacrosse.
With this goal in mind, I have prepared a highlight tape showcasing my performances in the 2022 European qualifiers. These four games were instrumental in helping Finland secure qualification for the 2023 World Championships in San Diego. Regrettably, due to financial constraints, Team Finland was unable to participate, and our spot was taken by France. While my original plan was to create highlight tapes from the San Diego tournament, I now hope that this tape will serve as my ticket to the NCAA.
