Homegrown Lacrosse

Anne or "Annie" is from Arden Hills, MN. She started playing lacrosse in high school her sophomore year after a not so satisfying experience with track. She went on to play attack for Gordon College in Wenham, MA and midfield for Bethel College, MN. She is now an Assistant Varsity Coach for St. Paul Academy and Visitation's Co-Op Girl's Lacrosse team.

In 2009, Annie was the North Central Women's Lacrosse League's All-League First Team Attack Player. She also received the NCWLL's All-League First Team Midfield Most Valuable Player in 2010. 

When asked why lacrosse is special to Annie she replied, "Every sport I've played in my life I grew up playing as a kid. Lacrosse is the only exception. As a late joiner, it was particularly fun to be aware of my own improvement and learning process. Lacrosse was not a product of childhood habit but on my own volition and love for the game."

Annie has been taught self-reliance and discipline through playing lacrosse. It has enabled her to travel which has been something she might not have been able to do had it not been for tournaments.

Annie's favorite lacrosse memory is from her freshmen year at a rival game between Gordon College and Endicott. She admits, "As a Minnesota player on an East Coast team I quickly realized how much more I had to learn about lacrosse." Annie, the new Minnesota rookie, scored in this rival game and remembers it fondly as a grand accomplishment. 

Her biggest lacrosse influence was Bess Watson. Bess was her head coach at Gordon and Annie states that, "She taught me invaluable lessons about lacrosse and life - of showing kindness and sharing laughter with everyone no matter what their skill level." 

Annie's favorite coaching drill are "laps," she wittingly remarks. She coaches lacrosse because she genuinely loves the game. "I really enjoy analyzing the play, problem solving, and watching team improvement." On and off the field Annie believes more than anything else that, "Success takes mental toughness. And the nice thing about mental toughness is anyone can develop it."

Tidbits: Annie's favorite food is Thai and Jamba Juice. She wishes to travel to Cairns, Australia someday. Something you may not know about Annie is that she has been hit by a car. She does not want a go-to-gadget because she seems to break all the techy things she touches.