The motto of the Jesuit Women’s Lacrosse team is “Play for someone or something bigger than yourself.” This is exactly what the players and coaches in the program do.

In 2016,  this motto began to evolve  when the team recognized themselves as “playing for Ruby Gray.” As time went on, it became more prevalent to not only play for those they know but those who are strangers to them as well. The team began to play to empower others.

“Female empowerment is a big theme in the program,” head coach and freshman history teacher Ms. Blumhardt said. “The best way to empower yourself is to empower others.”

The motto further evolved into action:  bringing the service aspect into the Jesuit Women’s Lacrosse program. By working with organizations, the girls are empowering themselves by playing for someone or something bigger than themselves. The team is working with organizations such as LLS, CCA and Headstrong.

“We have always been a team who has the goal of playing with purpose, but -[this year we have really grown that goal,” senior Ella Smith said. “With season not starting until the end of February, we have already started incorporating service into our team which not only supports important causes but unites our team even more. We are very excited to continue that service and bond once the season begins.”

During the off-season the team participated in the Alzhiemer’s walk and plans to participate in the CCA Walk for Joy. Furthermore, the team plans to donate over one hundred and twenty articles of clothing to Saint Andre’s Church.

  During the season, service will continue to play a big role in the Jesuit Women’s Lacrosse Program. Instead of typical team bonding, the girls will hold team fundraisers for Headstrong, LLS, etc. and serve at food kitchens.

The team will also work hard to raise awareness for the Headstrong fund. Not only will they wear neon green laces and armbands to show support, but they are also participating in a match to raise money for the foundation.

The service is not only limited to organizations and donations. The team does smaller things such as make cards for people in the community, put together gift baskets and hold free clinics for those who want to try lacrosse.

“We like to reach out to the vulnerable in society and we like to go outside of our team and help bring the margins to the center,” Ms. Blumhardt said.