Laney Mcdowell '23 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing lacrosse since I was in the 5th grade, however I did not necessarily take it seriously until recently. For the longest time I struggled with comparing myself to the other players. I was convinced that because I was not the fastest or best player, it was in my best interest to stand back and let the more advanced players participate more. The fear of messing and making mistakes held me back from improving my own skills. I missed out on the early years of my lacrosse career, and to this day regret the lack of effort I put into my game. However, this past year, I moved high schools. I had gone to a private school in Atlanta, GA called The Lovett School since I was in kindergarten. It was a great school, but I needed change and some challenge. Going to boarding was both the best and hardest decision I have ever made. At Lawrenceville, I have felt the ability to be myself and have allowed myself to make mistakes. Instead of putting so much pressure on myself to be the best, I have learned how to enjoy the game and have fun. Because of this, I have seen myself grow and improve my skills in ways I could have never imagined. While I may not be the best player out there, I know how to be apart of team. I know when to have fun and when to listen. I know how to be comfortable making mistakes and learn from them. I enjoy challenging myself and expanding out of my comfort zone, and I am confident in my skills as a lacrosse player. I also understand that playing lacrosse in college is more than just how many goals scores and how fast you run. You have to be strong mentally as well. You have to be comfortable pushing yourself and you have to know how to work with others. I believe I am a well rounded lacrosse player and person. I have had quite the childhood and believe that a person's story and past is what makes them the person they are today. Although I have struggled with many challenges in my life, these challenges have helped me grow and I am stronger because of them.  I have a strong passion for helping others and aspire to work in the medical field one day.