I hesitantly and begrudgingly signed myself up for Women’s Lacrosse league, in Jacksonville for the summer. The league runs for 6 weeks, last Tuesday was the first week of meeting. This women’s league is for recent hs/college grads or post college graduates. Given its been almost 17 years since I last saved a crucial lacrosse ball from passing by me in goal, I was extremely nervous and excited to try it out.

As I stepped onto the field, I felt immediately out of place, surrounded by cute 20 something’s (or younger) who were not only talented lax players, but sweet and welcoming. We did an introduction in the beginning and as I fastened my helmet, greeted the other girls and explained without aging myself that I played many years ago D1 Lax for Syracuse and D3 for SMCM. I quietly asked two girls to warm me up. Saving a majority of the shots I felt more confident and comfortable. When the game began, I stepped into the dusty and sandy half-faded crease, checked my angles with a semi-circle step, and banged my aluminum goalie stick against the posts. The whistle blew at the draw and I gulped down every last fear in now survival mode as adrenaline filled my veins.

It came to me nearly second nature, as the first save happened. I swung my stick swiftly and forced myself forward to make it happen. I thought to myself, ok. If I can do it again, maybe they’ll be impressed. I made save after save, communicating with the defense, even made a few interceptions. My clears left little to be desired at first, either way off over or underthrown. By the end of the game, my clears were accurately placed, high enough to get to the defenders stick for an upward press upfield. At the water breaks, a couple girls asked me how long It had been since I was in goal. I mumbled to them errr 2005? One girl seemed impressed enough to tell me verbally how well I was doing. Sexy Beast might be making a comeback afterall. We will see how this Tuesday goes. I am looking forward to the challenge and enjoyed every minute of my time back between the posts.

There is one person in my life who I wanted to share this story with immediately. That is Paige, my bff. We met years ago when we played for Syracuse Womens Lax program. Only she would love and appreciate this account in its entirety. My dear friends and loyal readers might get a kick out of it too.

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