It was the dawn of my first semester at Stern College. I took a right out of Brookdale, headed straight down thirty-fourth street until after I crossed Lexington, took a left, and found myself at the bottom of the stairs of the Stern building for the very first time. I looked up at the revolving door, took a deep breath, and prepared myself to be surrounded by all things new and not-yet-comfortable. I didn’t know what to expect, and I didn’t know enough people to feel ready for what was to come.
I spent the day navigating tunnels of excited, screaming girls who had found some sort of home in this place which felt so foreign and isolating to me. Although I became more familiar with my school routine, my hesitations did not change until returning back to school after the holidays.
Despite having played basketball since I was three years old, I was unsure about trying out for the Lady Macs basketball team because I was worried about my impending workload. However, I was convinced to attend tryouts by one of the captains. My experience at tryouts was sweaty, to say the least, but I gained something more significant than just a good workout. I saw a group of girls who shared more than a love for the game of basketball. They acted like they had known each other for their whole lives, but had met each other just one year before. They laughed together, and also pushed each other to run lines just a little bit faster than they thought they could. Not only did I see a team, but I saw a family that I wanted to be a part of.
When anyone asks me about Stern, all I can talk about is the amazing, life-long friends I have made because I chose to join the basketball team. There isn’t a single teammate who doesn’t make me want to jump from excitement as I pass them on thirty-fourth street or by the Syms escalators. The feelings we get upon seeing one another is one we all hope to spark in our new fellow Lady Macs who will join the team this year. Because I spent most of last season on the bench due to a bad ankle injury, I used this summer to completely heal so that I can get back on the court this fall and rejoin the team. I can’t wait to be a part of building our new team alongside a family of dedicated and unique women.
The sense of family I have gained from joining the YU Athletics community is something I could not have found anywhere else. I would like to extend a big thank you to the YU Athletic Director, my coaches, and the Lady Macs family.