For multiple years now I have striven to "think different" just as Keith did. I've chosen to use my strengths to motivate the younger generation around me to be hardworking individuals and kind people. I've done this through work through my high school lacrosse team and our CNS Youth Lacrosse Group. I've been a volunteer as a coach for young girls in lacrosse for years now and I've earned the title of Head Coach my senior year. Every week I get to come up with drills and activities to let the girls be able to advance their skills but also to just have fun. Lacrosse isn't always about winning, so by creating an environment that is inviting and requires them to think outside the box doing new drills and skills, it helps them in so many more aspects of life. I always tell them that it's okay to make mistakes while trying something new because that's how you learn and get better! My job as a coach has been to keep the kids well-being as my number one priority while also communicating with parents through modern sports apps like sportsYou and TeamSnap, keeping them updated on practice times and scheduling as well as cancellation/delays. 

My time with the girls has motivated me to also do my own lacrosse training as a side job, one on one with girls. I get to use my creative side to come up with a personalized drill plan for the girl I'm working with and really get to know the player individually. My teammates and coaches also play a role and help me out so that I'm not doing it all alone and I'm so grateful for them. With them being involved there is hope to also spark interest with our older varsity players to take on a role like mine and keep the program running, hoping to gain more and more younger girls into the program each year. The goal being to keep our program a powerhouse team and win another State Championship like we attained last year in 2024! Striving to implement the importance of team chemistry and bonding amongst girls as that was our true key to success. 

I've also had the opportunity to use my experience in Cross Country and Track & Field to inspire the younger generation of runners. The STARS Running camp is an amazing opportunity for younger runners interested in the sport of Track & Field to try out high school level events and just have fun at summer camp in the process. I've been a camp counselor for 3 years now and I plan to attend again in the summer of 2025. Even if a kid isn't good at what they are trying in a drill/activity it's my job as a counselor and former runner to help them get better and encourage them to keep trying new things to get out of their comfort zone. Whether that be jumping over a hurdle, doing a 50 meter sprint, throwing a ball, or even talking to a friend. These kids range from 6-12 years old and what we are striving to do is help them build character through sports and be nice to other kids and treat them as their teammates! By using technological platforms like Instagram we were able to display photos from camp and get our message out to the community in hopes to spark more interest in the running world. The main thing that I've gained from this and will take with me for years to come is just the fact to be kind to others, pick up a teammates/friends when their down, not be afraid to try something new, have fun, and think different! I truly feel like I've made an impact in my community and will continue to do it for years to come.