UConn’s Sydney Watson Takes Us Through Her Lacrosse Journey | LSN Interview

by Jon MacLean Nov 23, 2021

Sydney Watson may not be one of the biggest names in women’s lacrosse, but that could quickly change if she keeps on her current course. The senior midfielder from UConn who was on the 2021 Tewaaraton Watch List and led the Big East Conference in goals (56) and draw controls (136), just spent this past weekend in Dallas where she played for Team USA in the IWLCA Presidents Cup.

So what was that experience like? Watson told Lax Sports Network, “It surpassed my expectations. I knew going into it that it was going to be a fast game, competitive game, a lot different from what I’ve seen before, and it was exactly that. Playing next to the best players in the country was absolutely amazing and I was honored to be invited.” This was unfamiliar territory for Watson, but like so many times in the past, she handled this pressure-filled situation like a “pro”. 

Watson recalled growing up in southern Maryland and talked about the obstacles she had to overcome to get noticed and recruited by colleges. She said, “Lacrosse wasn’t very big here and I can truly say I thought I would never be able to get to a place like [the Presidents Cup]. UConn isn’t one of those big-name schools that usually have players invited to those types of events. And being from UConn and being invited there is just something I will always remember and always be happy and proud to have done.”

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges facing Watson is that she is African-American in a sport that is predominantly white. Watson embraces the idea of being a role model to other minority players. “It is a huge honor to play at this level in general, but especially as a woman of color…not many girls of color think they can be at this level or be as good as everyone else, but I want to be that person for them to see that you can do whatever you put your mind to no matter what you look like. If you love the sport-play it. Show other people that you're just as good as everyone else and there is no difference.”

Watch the full interview: https://bit.ly/3FBM3k7

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