With three years of experience on the Kingswood Oxford girls varsity lacrosse team, senior midfielder Captain Tori Swanson looks to lead the team into a new season after one year off.
COVID-19 interrupted what would have been Swanson’s third season playing for the team, and for her fourth and final season of being a member of the team, Swanson is more excited and motivated than ever to begin playing lacrosse once again.
For nine years, lacrosse has been a part of Swanson’s life. She began playing when she was nine years old and fell in love with the sport immediately. Since then, she has played on Kingswood Oxford’s Middle School lacrosse team for three years and then made the varsity team as a freshman.
Since her freshman year, Swanson has been a force to be reckoned with in the midfield. “Tori is scrappy and quick and hustles all over the field,” girls varsity lacrosse Head Coach Judy Bailey said. “She is a versatile player with strong skills. In games, she always gives 110%, and even when it looks like she may need a break, she finds that inner reserve of energy and just keeps going.” Tori continues to be an important asset on the team, and she has been named as one of three captains for the 2021 season.
Especially due to the pandemic, demonstrating leadership is more important than ever, which is something that Swanson recognizes. “As a leader on the team, I am trying to make sure everyone is safe and taking the right steps to keep us playing while being safe and having fun,” Swanson said. She works alongside her fellow captains to ensure each player can enjoy coming to practice and playing in games especially in a time like this. Swanson has begun planning team-bonding activities to bring the team closer together. “Tori is a real team player who is extremely coachable and will do what is asked of her for the benefit of the team,” Coach Bailey said.
Although the KO lacrosse program has been a major part of Swanson’s life for seven years, lacrosse is much more than just a sport for her. “Being a part of KO lacrosse has changed me as a person and taught me more than I ever would have thought,” Swanson said. “I learned valuable lessons on and off the field that I still apply to my everyday life.” Throughout her years at KO, she has made friendships and close bonds with the girls she has played with and, to her, that has been the most important thing. “To me, being a part of KO lacrosse has meant that no matter what happens on the field or in school these groups of girls will forever have each other’s back,” Swanson said.
Though Swanson doesn’t plan to continue her lacrosse career in college, she will forever be thankful for the opportunities and friendships that the sport has provided her with. “KO lacrosse has done so much for me and I am grateful for the girls I have met over the years,” she said. “The lessons and memories are some of which I will not soon forget.”
For now, Swanson plans on finishing out her last season and is grateful for every moment she is able to spend out on the lacrosse field with her teammates.
