For me, the conclusion of the school year signals the start of a long summer of my favorite sport: lacrosse. Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve had a stick in my hands, which means countless summers devoted to traveling to various tournaments and events. I’ve spent hours upon hours in the car (though some have been lost to much needed post-game naps), to the point where I could probably tell you exactly how long it takes to get from Boston to most major cities on the East Coast. However, the images of long stretches of highway are trumped by the joyful memories of lacrosse.
The bonus to summer lacrosse is the absence of the stress of academia. With no homework to do, essays to write, or tests to study for, you can focus solely on enjoying yourself in your sport. It is important to take a break from exercising the mind and exercise the body instead. But lacrosse, and sports as a whole, are not just a way to exercise. Sports provide valuable lessons in friendship, leadership, and teamwork. While my time in the classroom has certainly shaped me as a student, I don’t think I would be the person I am today if I had never picked up a lacrosse stick. In fact, Groton was founded with the purpose of developing mature individuals through both intellectual and physical education. Maybe that’s why Groton sports feel so special, because they are rooted in the values of our school. Because of this, I’ve found some of my best friends through Groton Lacrosse, and I ran across them everywhere I went this summer.
My first wild Zebra encounter happened at my first tournament of the summer. While taking a break from playing, I managed to catch three teammates and great friends Matt, Patty, and Chris, each playing in their separate games. Even though I missed the chance to catch up with them, I got to cheer them on from the sidelines. At my next tournament, I ended up going head to head in the championship against friend, teammate, and barbaric long-pole Angus. After a season of playing together, we welcomed the friendly competition. Even though Angus earned the bragging rights (this time), we met up after the game to swap summer lacrosse stories and snap a pic. The summer full of Zebras culminated with a Groton dinner in Pennsylvania, of all places. With everyone scattered in different directions for the summer, it was nice to be able to catch up with good friends.
Summer lacrosse is an experience like no other: the miles driven, the minutes played in the hot sun. My legs feel as if they’re about to fall off. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.