Dodge, shoot, score ‒ My passions, but more like an obsession. An Obsession to be perfect at throwing a little white, rubber ball into a six by six net. An obsession to do my best, and be satisfied with nothing but the best. When the ball is headed towards me I can only think of three things: Ready, aim, Fire. 

Ready, I have to catch the ball before I can do anything else. As I track the ball like a laser beam, thoughts start to rush through my head. Thinking, what will happen if I don’t catch it? Forget that, all I need to do is catch the ball. Simple right, a small white rubber ball is headed my way at high speeds. I can’t let my teammates down, not now, not ever. Finally the ball hits my stick, I caught it, that issue is now out of the way.

Aim, now that I caught the ball I can lock eyes with the beautiful, orange, six by six net. This goal is a disease and I need to use this ball to find a cure. Again thoughts begin to rush through every part of my brain. I think of every possible “what if”, or predicted outcome, what is the worst that could happen? I shoot and I miss? I shoot and the goalie makes a save? But the more I think about it, the more things I think of that can go wrong. I need to clear my head, forget about everything and just shoot and score.

Fire, It all comes down to this right here. I need to shoot with power and accuracy if I want to get it past this goalie. Finally, I look the goalie dead in the eyes. That 36 square foot of net is not looking so big anymore. I shoot the ball as hard as I can, aiming for the top right corner. PING! My teammates go crazy. Not many understand the thought and contemplation that goes into a single shot. Being good at the sport is not even close to the most important part, being able to control your thoughts and emotions is.

Obsession is an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind. That is an understatement when it comes to lacrosse, this sport has slowly given me an addiction. I can’t go a day without playing or watching the sport. The adrenaline rush I get, and the feeling I get when I score is unbeatable. Or hearing the words “good game” from my mom after a game brings a great feeling of joy.

No matter how hard I try this sport continues to follow me, and will continue to follow me for the rest of my life. The three words:Ready, Aim, Fire. Have a special place in my heart and have taught me much more than just lacrosse skills. This addiction is one-of-a-kind and will last a lifetime, but I can’t complain.