Over an athlete’s four years of high school, most dream of eventually reaching the college athlete status. We idolize collegiate athletes in a similar way as a kid does a parent. From the way they perform on the field to the way that they hold themselves in everyday life, collegiate athletes inspire everybody watching to become better as a player, and as a person. The class of 2024 has several students who will be continuing their athletic careers next year, including: Tobey Bellows, Julia Thurston, Zach Smith, Melony Snell, Emmett Lasai, and Abigail Leighty. We had the opportunity to sit down with the last two to get a sense for their commitment to their sports.
Emmett Lasai is one of the lucky few to be able to say they are going to college for sports. He is currently committed to SUNY Newpaults to play D3 Lacrosse. Emmett started playing lacrosse in the fourth grade. He always had a love for the game that drove him to be better. As he got older, and the competition started getting harder, he worked profusely to get to a level of play that he was happy with. He set himself high standards, which allowed him to push himself harder.
In his sophomore year, Emmett was called up as a varsity player. Being one of the only sophomores on the varsity roster meant that he had to work harder than everybody else to be noticed. He played mostly defensive middy that year, but by next year’s tryouts, there was a clear difference in his offensive game. Beautiful shots and great assists flooded the field whenever he had the ball. It was clear he had worked incredibly hard that whole off-season. Emmet says, “The summer before junior year, I worked hours and hours on the field every week, pushing myself to get better. I knew what it would take for me to get playing time and I’m more than excited to say it all worked out.” He describes a relationship with a certain coach to be his best influence: “Quinn Trabulsy of Athletes Advantage, a notorious 802 lacrosse coach, truly has been a huge help. He has taken my game to an entirely new level, the college level.” Emmett is incredibly excited to continue his academic and athletic journey at SUNY Newpaults and we wish him luck!!!
In addition to Emmett, Abigail Lieghty is another Highlander who has committed to continue her academic and athletic career. Her next four years will be at Fort Lewis College, also playing lacrosse. Abby started playing in fourth grade and has loved the game for the duration of her time playing. For years she too dreamed about making it to the college level. She is the starting goalie for the Harwood Union Girls Lacrosse team.
Abby says “I am so incredibly grateful for all of the support and love I’ve gotten from my team, my family, my friends, and my coaches. My game has developed so much and I cannot wait to continue my athletic ride.” If you can’t tell, Abby basically lives and breathes lacrosse. During our interview, she shared a video of her playing in the fifth grade. Although she was young, you could clearly see how much she truly loves this game. She told us that her dad is her biggest influence and he has always pushed her to be better. Her little brother Kyle also plays lacrosse and he is hoping to follow in her footsteps.
Only a small number of athletes actually get to the collegiate level, because of this small number it is clear to see how hard all of these players worked to get where they are. All of these student athletes showed that it can be done if you put all of your effort towards it and try your hardest, they also showed that they care so much about the sport that they were willing to put everything they have into competing at a higher level. Lots of younger student athletes dream of being in the same position as these athletes and they have all shown that it is possible if you try your hardest. We wish all of the 2024 Harwood (now collegiate) athletes the best for a successful future!
