West Point, to thee
AWoL,
If I was able to go back in time to the day I committed to Army women’s lacrosse, I would have never expected to be where I am now. Growing up in a military family, I always knew I wanted to attend West Point. I think the scariest part was not knowing what to expect.
Of course, there are stories from your parents, a family friend and even a current cadet, but nothing compares to your own experience.
We have all had those moments, those days and that thought of whether West Point would be right for us or not. However, I always had one thing that helped me stay on track. My teammates.
While deciding to come to West Point seemed like an easy decision at first, it has been anything but easy. At the R-Day barbeque, I remember coming together with the rest of the class of 2020, bright eyed and excited for the journey we were about to embark on. However, the next day I found myself standing in my sweaty white over grey uniform in the rain holding back tears as I desperately held on to my parent’s gaze from the bleachers.
We have all had those moments, those days and that thought of whether West Point would be right for us or not. However, I always had one thing that helped me stay on track. My teammates.
From the very beginning, our team has served as one of the most important support systems throughout my West Point experience. It’s interesting to take a moment and look back at those memories as a senior. Filled with fear of the unknown then, I finally know what the next few years will have in store for me. Those moments don’t seem as scary and all I can think now is how blessed I am to be apart of something like West Point.
To my teammates - we have achieved so much this year. The milestones we reached as a fifth-year program demonstrate our hard work and dedication to this team. Although our season was cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, the goals we reached and the memories we created will remain in our hearts forever.
To the freshmen, four seasons go by incredibly fast, make sure you take advantage of every moment. Sophomores, in the next few months you’re going to make a huge decision to continue on this path. It’s an exciting one so get ready! To the juniors, I am so excited to come back and see the ways you will carry this program as a senior class and what your military careers will soon become.
Although our team is young and breaking records every day, there is always room for improvement. I have no doubt in my mind that next year's team will be even stronger. With strength on the field comes bonds made off the field. I think this year we did a great job of establishing new traditions and following old ones.
My hope for the future is strengthening our alumni program and ensuring we stay connected. I wish I could stay with you all and play lacrosse forever, however, I am extremely excited to start my career in the Army. The best part about our program is that our team bond will never leave us.
So, as we reflect on our time cut short with one another, it is important to acknowledge that we will eventually be working alongside one another on an even bigger team.
I am grateful every day I was able to play alongside all of you. From the good times and bad, this team has helped shape me into the leader and woman I am today.
It’s crazy to think how much a sport can change your life. I almost didn’t play lacrosse. It took some tough love from my parents to ‘inspire me’ (they signed me up without telling me). If I hadn’t played lacrosse, my life would be completely different. To the daily laughs, the late-night study halls and countless American Burrito dinners, there was never a dull moment.
If I had not played lacrosse, I would not have met any of you and I am sure a big part of my heart would be missing. I am grateful every day I was able to play alongside all of you. From the good times and bad, this team has helped shape me into the leader and woman I am today. I cherish all your friendships and I am forever grateful for the love and support you all gave me as a lacrosse player. It is something I will hold onto forever. I love you all so much and I cannot wait to see the greatness you all achieve throughout your lacrosse and military careers.
To my coaches - thank you for guiding me throughout this experience. Seeing the goals, you’ve made for this program over the years unfold has been such an exciting journey. Not only have our seasons gotten stronger, but the gear has gotten even better. All jokes aside, I will miss you three so much.
Coach Waagbo, thank you for believing in me. I am so blessed to say I was a part of the Army women’s lacrosse team. It is crazy to see how far we have come in four years and I’m sure you’ll have many more seasons of greatness getting to coach such a great group of girls.
Coach Shan, you have been here since the very beginning and to think at one point you were helping me take a draw. Thank you for all the midfield knowledge and support you’ve given me throughout my career. If I ever get the chance to play again, I will always take a hard shot.
Coach Car, thank you for teaching me the importance of footwork. My defense was shaky at points in my career, however, you empowered me to find my inner defender and helped me reach my potential in so many ways. Thank you so much, all three of you, these years of lacrosse will stay in my heart forever.
To the class of 2020, graduation is right around the corner. Whether we like it or not, we will have to move on from lacrosse, school and our lives at West Point. Although we can sit here and think about the opportunities we could have had, we have to take these memories and remind ourselves how much we have achieved.
It’s exciting to think in a week we will finally get to graduation, a moment we’ve discussed forever. It’s all happening and I’m incredibly proud of every single one of you. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for everyone. I am blessed to have spent my four years at West Point with you all.
Love,
Sami Stewart
#10
To read all of the letters in the West Point, to thee series, please click this link.