Penina Fungalei '14 Recruiting Profile

I was raised by my Grandparents and five Uncles. Of course being surrounded by mostly men growing up, sports became a big part of my life. I didn't grow up playing little league or club sports, but I did have a backyard with throw-able rocks and tree branches I could swing at pinecones. It was a good enough start for me. As I got older, I then got involved with numerous school sports, but once I was introduced to lacrosse, it instantly became my primary sport. I started playing my sophomore year of high school and worked my way up to a starting defensive position before my sophomore season had ended. By my junior year, I was recognized as a Varsity leader and started as the Face-off/Midfielder. My Head Coach and Assistant Coach voluntarily work with me during my time off from school to help me reach my full potential. I appreciate the opportunities my coaches, teachers, friends, and especially my family have provided me.

I know that their commitment to me has helped make me a better player and person. I am now a full-time high school senior working part-time to be able to provide for myself and help my family in any way that I can. I was blessed with responsibilities most teens don't have. There are days when I miss school because I'm the one that takes my grandparents to their check-ups and doctor appointments. I worked my entire summer last year, so I would be able to afford playing another season of lacrosse. I use what I save to help buy school supplies and clothes for my little cousins that I help take care of. When it came time for school to start, I was the one responsible for signing paperwork and registering my little cousins for school. Any college trips and lacrosse dues have been taken care of with my own earnings.

As team Captain, I also take great pride in my responsibility as the leader of my team. Even with all that I have going on in my personal life, I still find time to work on my weaknesses and better my strengths on the field. It is important to me to encourage my teammates to persevere while serving as a role model and example of hard work and determination to my younger teammates. Many find my responsibilities to be burdens, but I take them as stepping stones in my life. The experiences I have faced are what have shaped me to be an independent, hardworking, determined, and selfless athlete. I am willing to do what it takes to pursue my goals and do all things to benefit not only myself but also the people surrounding me. I hope to one day fulfill my dream of traveling the world to help those that are less fortunate. I love to give back to my community as much as I can and be there for people that are in need.  I hope to pursue a career in Health Sciences while focusing on a major like Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, or Occupational Therapy.

I believe that criticism should only be taken advantage of and be used to better my abilities. I work hard to not only to prove my doubters wrong, but more importantly, to prove my own doubts wrong. I may not be able to do everything, but I can do anything. A million people may tell me no, but with one yes from God, I will achieve greatness. An original quote that keeps me motivated to just keep going.