The Owls women’s lacrosse club is soaring into a new season with optimism.
The Owls are getting ready for their first game of their season against University of Cumberlands in Kentucky, followed by a series of games Owls against Georgia Tech, Emory and Mississippi State.
President of the club Olivia Ruiz and vice president Janae Rookard spoke about the 18-year history of the club and how she and her staff are keeping her team motivated for this season.
With a mix of continuity and fresh faces there are around 13 players returning to the squad this season and 12 new players on the roster.
“We have about a even mix of people coming on to this team,” Ruiz said.
The club is doing various events such as team bonding to boost chemistry this season. In her first year as president, Ruiz said there will be many changes to the club under her administration.
“Us as new officers are completely changing everything about the club this year and season,” Ruiz said.
Rookard and Ruiz were secretaries and treasures previously before they became president and vice president of the club.
When I asked Jana about transitioning to vice president she said,
Rookard said that the transition to vice president has been a new but successful experience.
“I was treasurer last semester and now I am VP this semester it is a new experience taking on this role,” Rookard said. “Being able to collaborate with Olivia and do a big turnaround with the team has essentially brought us up good within the club community itself and our team community as well.”
Having team chemistry and communication is always essential when creating a healthy and happy environment around any team to succeed and stay motivated throughout the season. Ruiz said that building connections is what she is most looking forward to this season.
“I would say building our team bond and being even more connected and winning games.” Ruiz said.
Rookard said she is excited to see how the club performs on the field after a good start to practice.
“What I am really looking forward to this season is seeing how we step out on the field as a team and how we progress through the games,” Rookard said. “This semester were already starting off well and seeing it in our practices and I want to see that in games.”
Having energy and motivation are key points in any sports team to keep their heads up and have a great and successful season.
“It is important,” Ruiz said. “I know like us as officers showing up here and coming to practice every day and showing that were consistent. Were like let’s do this guys, full pedal down and going straight forward. Having and keeping that energy throughout the season is really important.”
Recruitment is a huge part of any sports team. Every team wants to have the top athletes on their squads because every team wants to win a championship. Each team has their own way of recruiting talent and players.
Olivia and Jana primarily recruit their players through social media, specifically Instagram.
“Mainly most of the recruits we got were from our social media which is @ksuclublacrosse on Instagram,” Ruiz said. “Then also the student involvement fair as well. We had a tent. We had free gear. We were standing out there holding our GroupMe. Anyone and everyone is welcome.”
The Owls Lacrosse squad is ready to go and gearing up for an exciting season ahead.
