I started playing lacrosse when I was 12 years old. My brother Aaron had just returned from sleepaway camp with a new found love for the game. I quickly understood why Aaron liked to play and soon I too was in love with the sport. Lacrosse was something we both excelled at. One of my best memories was playing on the high school Varsity team with Aaron. He was a Senior and I was a Freshman, it was awesome.
At the start of my Senior year of high school, I really had no interest in playing any sport… I thought about playing lacrosse and how much I loved it but I was hesitant. The past year of treatments combined with medications had left me heavier and fearful of getting hurt. Even when walking up and down the stairs, I felt off balance. The thought of ever stepping on the field again was unimaginable. My brother told my family prior to lacrosse season starting that I didn’t want to play. My parents wanted me to. They thought the physical activity and camaraderie of the team would be good for me. I was still nervous; It was going to be hard playing after what I went through, was it worth the risk if I got hurt? I didn’t want to let the fact that I had brain cancer take away anything else from me.
When I was sick in my Junior year of High School, I was so torn and heart broken that I couldn’t play. This was before the lacrosse season was eventually canceled due to Covid. I had asked if I could get a pad to cover my port but with my health it wasn’t possible. The whole team and coaches had reached out asking how I was doing and my health, never letting me feel forgotten. I was excited to get back to my team this year. I reached out to my friends and former teammates. They told me that they didn’t want to play this year. That wasn’t an option, I needed them, their support and skills. After badgering them day and night, they finally agreed to play one last season. Coach chose me to be captain and the team agreed.
Practices were much harder for me, I would get winded and tired quickly. My teammates were nervous hitting me even though I would tell them I was fine. For the more intense drills I had to sit out. Not once did any of my teammates judge me. I’ve never had someone say “why aren’t you running” or “you’re so lazy” only “great job dude” and compliments on how amazing it was that I suited up for the season. This showed me that we’re not just a team. We all had a real respect for each other. Coach Mike told me to be a captain of something, you don’t need to be the best or the show off. You need to show leadership, being able to bring people together and ensure everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Our team was unforgettable! We had a great season. One game none of us will ever forget was against our cross town rivals, Great Neck North. The game everyone comes out for is North VS South. The winning team is awarded the Crowley Cup, a trophy the team keeps at school until the next match up the following season. Since I’ve been on the team, my school has never lost the Crowley Cup, and this year was no different. After the first half the score was close, once the third quarter began my team let the true “Rebels” show, beating our rivals 9-3. We brought out the trophy when it was time for a team photo. My team put me in the middle to lift the “Crowley cup” into the air in my hands. Although I didn’t play the whole game, or make such an impact for the win, it was a huge honor for me. Coach Mike, Crowley, David, Anthony, Derek, Langston, Jayden, Eli, Tyler, Lucien and the rest of the 2021 Great Neck South Rebels Varsity Lacrosse team, you guys showed me that I don’t need to be the star athlete to be a part of the team. I am forever grateful for this experience and our friendship.