A role model is defined by Merriam-Webster as, “a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others.” However, whenever I think of a role model, or more specifically the one I want to be, I envision a confident, approachable and fun leader that everyone can look up to. Easier said than done though, right?

It was spring of junior year and my friends and I were all piled on my friend’s couch when the email arrived about the new sports coming to STA.
The list included flag football during the spring, wrestling during the winter and field hockey during the fall. I had heard of field hockey, of course, but
the concept and rules of the sport were completely foreign to me and my friends. Nevertheless, we all swore to try it during the open field practice.
The next thing I knew, summer had flown by and the August of my senior year was right in front of my eyes. I had yet to find my “niche,” or a way to become a role model to underclassmen, an ideal that teachers had seemed to echo for the past three years. And while the idea of trying a new sport seemed fun, I found the actuality of it a little scary. The title of being captain of the team only frightened me more, but there I found myself second week into practice, team captain alongside my two friends.

Numerous games and practices, a trip to Columbia, a taco truck, a “run” to Cane’s, Kylie Kelce, lots of black and yellow ribbon, a gender reveal and one win later, I blinked and the end of the season was here. Witnessing the scared, clueless and inexperienced senior I was in August be transformed into a confident role model was a change that I didn’t see coming, but it’s one I am so grateful for. I couldn’t imagine my senior year without it beginning with sore wrists and a shin guard tan line. I cannot express how grateful I am for the friendships I made with the underclassmen and the coaches as well: it was an experience I will always cherish.

The experience in its entirety only makes this place that I love so much all the more harder to leave, but you bet I’ll be rooting on the sidelines of the Stankowski Field at Mizzou when the team makes their voyage down to Columbia.

So, Merriam-Webster, I wouldn’t say that my behavior is exactly imitated, but I can say that thanks to the spontaneous decision I made to join field hockey, that vision of a confident, approachable and fun leader became a reality