i went to undergrad with an amazing young woman named ashley russell, one of the few black lacrosse players i've ever known. since graduating, ashley has made it her mission to get more young black girls to dare to be different and become involved in the sport that she loves so much. ashley's story is truly inspiring-- she had to overcome heartbreaking obstacles that some of you girls may be able to relate to-- and
she was wonderful enough to share it with you girls! read about ashley and black girls playing lacrosse below:
I was born and raised in Prince George's County, MD and lacrosse was never considered a "real" sport. I was lucky enough to go to a private middle school in the county that offered lacrosse, and have been playing ever since. I ultimately was blessed enough to play at the division 1 level at the University of Delaware. Once I completed my time at Delaware, I returned home and in 2009, I was privileged enough to become the head varsity girl's lacrosse coach at Elizabeth Seton High School. In my first season, I was voted by my peers 2010 WCAC Coach of the Year.
After my first season of coaching I still couldn't understand why Prince George's County did not have an organized lacrosse league. There was no education about the sport on a county level. I felt I had to do something and I learned growing up, giving back to your community is one of the most essential things you can do in life.
I started Prince George's Women's Lacrosse Association (PGWLA) in 2010. My dad, who was a former political offical, played a huge role in helping me develop the organization. He helped me brainstorm ideas and research the ways to start a non-profit. As everything was coming together, my dad suddenly passed away. It was an event that changed my world. There was a point after his passing, where I wasn't sure if I could go through with forming this.
BUT! Then I remembered who I was, what my parents had taught me and that keeping my faith in God would get me through this. So I didn't quit. I persevered over this huge turning point, and now PGWLA is a 501 c(3) organization.
PGWLA's mission is to promote girl's lacrosse in Prince George's County and bring diversity to the sport. PGWLA will not only focus on teaching girls the game of lacrosse, but team work, determination and confidence. For the girls, it's "daring to be different" and trying something new.
Lacrosse may be a bit tricky as your learning the fundamentals but the lessons from the game can teach you skills that you will hold with you for the rest of your journey in life. It's an awesome opputunity and it's not traditional sports that "blacks" are known to play. PGWLA will give girls a chance to step outside of whats "regular" to them and go with something new and refreshing.
Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and there is no reason why the girl's of Prince George's County aren't included as participants. I am very excited about bringing girl's lacrosse to the county level and can't wait to have the oppurtunity to work with so many young girls. PGWLA will start hosting lacrosse clinics in Fall 2012.
inspiring!
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