From Buenos Aires to Poughkeepsie

Hello all!

Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Sarah Warner (aka “Swarner” to my teammates) and I’m a junior on the Women’s Lacrosse team. I’m from Ipswich, Massachusetts and an American Culture major concentrating in Sociology and Education with a minor in Hispanic Studies.

Just over a month ago I got back from spending a semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina with 14 other college students from all over the country. I lived with a host family there and took classes in sociology, history and political science. Staying in shape wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought it would be because there were many other DIII athletes in my program who were more than willing to go on runs with me and work out. I spent my days speaking a new language, navigating a new city and meeting new friends, which proved to be extremely rewarding and a wonderful change from Vassar life. I was absolutely devastated to leave the heavenly 85-degree weather for the frigid -10 degree weather in Massachusetts I still haven’t quite gotten used to. Studying abroad was a life-altering experience I would recommend to anyone, athlete or not, but now that I’m back I couldn’t be happier being back on campus.

My new classes are wonderful, my teachers are engaging, and even the ACDC food tastes a little better, but I have to admit I’m definitely most excited for lacrosse season to start. Last year we had three months of major ups and downs and I’m ready to see that inconsistency smoothed out to just a season of ups this year. We lost some great players, but from what I hear from my coaches and teammates, not only are fresh(wo)men going to be fantastic additions, but the returning sophomores, juniors and seniors have really stepped it up both in skill and leadership.

Most people dread pre-season, and I have to say I was one of those people the last two years, being intimidated my freshman year, and having just finished basketball season my sophomore year. Now I couldn’t be more thrilled to do sprints in the stuffy bays, to grow used to the feeling of always having a stick in my hand and, most importantly, to rejoin the lacrosse family I’ve been missing since last spring. I think being abroad rekindled a spark in me, or made me realize that I only have two seasons left, so why waste any time complaining about the long drives, the suicides or 7AM practices? I love this sport and I don’t want to regret anything when I graduate because lacrosse, and sports in general are my passion and hobby and a necessary part of my life I could never live without. I’m coming into this season with a completely fresh attitude of determination to win, enthusiasm to lead and devotion to my team that I can’t wait to share and instill in my teammates.