Despina Drosinos '23 Recruiting Profile

      Since I was about four or five, I've always been playing at least one sport. At different times in my life, it's been soccer, ice hockey, field hockey, track, and, obviously, lacrosse. Sports give me a sense of community and help me find my "people," especially when I've just moved and don't know anyone yet. For soccer, it was my moves to Virginia and Rhode Island. For field hockey, it was this past fall, when I moved back to Virginia. For lacrosse and ice hockey, it was my move to Hawai'i.

       After moving to Hawai'i, I made the decision to try a new sport, and my parents suggested lacrosse. Sounds great! At first, I didn't even have a stick, and I sure didn't know how to cradle or pass! Over the last month or two of the season (I joined late because of the move), I really began to progress. Because Hawai'i is different in some aspects of school, when I was in sixth grade, I started playing in the elementary school division. Within a week or two I had moved up to the middle school division, and I made some amazing progress. By the end of the season, I started nearly every game and held my own again girls that were much bigger and more experienced than I was. During the next season, I became a big leader on my team and a key player, starting every game. I even got to play on the high school team sometimes, even though I was only in seventh grade! I gave 110% every minute of every practice and every game, and was a great communicator. 

     Even though sometimes I am quiet and reserved, it all changes on the field. I'm not afraid to defend a girl that's bigger than I am, and I don't hesitate to communicate to my teammates, and my coaches. I make sure that I'm practicing and/or working out everyday, that I eat right, and when I'm hurt (such as this past winter/spring), that I try to do everything I can to practice while not injuring myself even more. I know much limits, but I try to stretch them. Additionally, I'm very adaptable, both in life and in sports. You give me a position to play, and I will play it to the best of my ability, even if it's not my usual spot. I'm a good leader and I always make sure that I hold everyone- including myself- accountable. 

     This goes for academics as well. For as long as I can remember, I've always pushed myself to get straight-As while balancing sports at the same time. I was in an Honors program in seventh and eight grade, and right now I'm in the Global Studies and World Languages Academy (GSWLA) at Tallwood High School.  I take Arabic and Spanish, and am required to take least one AP class and unique social studies classes every year.

   Even though Tallwood's lacrosse program is only two years old, I hope to be part of the growing process. I'm always looking for ways to improve and grow in all aspects of my life, whether it be in sports, in my academics, or my relationships with my family and friends. Being a part of a collegiate lacrosse team will help me achieve my goals and become a better lacrosse player, and right now, I'm just working hard and hoping that I get an opportunity to do so.