Zara Wiest '20 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing lacrosse since I was in first grade until now, making this coming year my 10th year playing.  Although I have been playing for a long time,  the first years felt forced by my family. My father is from Maryland, and lacrosse is a way of life to him. About 3 years ago, I realized how much I actually enjoyed playing lacrosse and decided that I wanted to continue in college. Three years ago I decided to work harder both on the field and in the classroom. I push myself to be in honors classes and to play on high leveled teams. Though working hard has its rewards, pushing too much has caused some issues along the way. Last year,  my first year of highschool, I injured my hip badly due to overuse during basketball season. Although this injury had left me unable to fully participate for the few months of spring lacrosse, my life took a turn for the better.  I learned how to eat healthier as well as how to stretch and strengthen certain muscles and tendons throughout my lower body; I did so to ensure that this horrible injury would never occur again. The season in which I was unable to run, taught me how to get in the best shape of my life.  I learned from trainers and physical therapists how to move dynamically and correctly in order to decrease any chances for injury while playing. Still, though training and therapy was making me into a better me, I wished I could have been playing lacrosse instead. While I could not participate as a field player due to my inability to run at the time, I managed to find other ways to play lacrosse. The freshman team's goalie had received a concussion; I stepped in, without any goal keeping experience, and played. Our freshman team had a great, practically undefeated season. Regardless of the position, I play,  because my love for lacrosse allows me to be flexible on the field so I can enjoy the sport as much as possible.