Alumni Spotlight: Natalie Jones

Today's alumni spotlight is GMHS Senior, Natalie Jones. Natalie played GYL from 2nd Grade through 8th, and has remained an active participant with the youth program. In addition to being a captain at Granby Memorial High School, she also referees for GYL and has committed to Roger Williams University next year.

Keep up the amazing work, Natalie, GYL is proud of you!

In her own words:

How it started: "I started playing soccer at a young age, but never really loved it. I didn't really know what the sport of lacrosse really was until my dad forced me to play a spring sport, giving me the choice to choose between lacrosse and softball. I don't know what led me to pick lacrosse, but it ended up being the best decision of my life. I was playing with the girls I had grown up with and saw everyday at school, and coached by my dad from 2nd grade to 8th grade. Playing for Granby Youth lacrosse allowed me to build relationships with my teammates, who ended up being my best friend's all throughout high school. Also, lacrosse gave me something that I could share and connect to with my dad as well, seeing as he put so much time and effort into coaching not just me, but every person on my team."

How it's going: "Going from youth lacrosse to high school lacrosse was a big jump. With all the time, hard work, and dedication I put into lacrosse, I made varsity as a freshman and competed alongside a group of very talented girls. I tore my ACL playing lacrosse my sophomore year, which although was very hard to go through, nothing really changed other than the fact that I couldn't play. My teammates and coaches still welcomed me on the team and kept me positive throughout my entire recovery process. Throughout all 4 years of high school lacrosse, Coach Z gave me endless opportunities to succeed and was/still is one of my biggest supporters on and off the field. Through my time with my high school team and playing summer/fall club lacrosse, I committed to play lacrosse at Roger Williams University for the next 4 years"