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 Dream,
and Dream Big
by Carla Gigon
November 2003
I graduated from Syracuse University this past May with a Bachelors
degree in Marketing. A big part of my college education included the
memorable experiences and life lessons that I learned during my four
years of playing Division I college lacrosse. Syracuse women’s
lacrosse was a relatively new program when I came in as a freshman,
only two years old. However, when I graduated we were ranked tenth in
the country and had qualified for post season play all four years of
my career. I am honored to have played among such dedicated, talented
and hard working athletes, and the program we helped build will always
be a very important part of who I am today. Success comes with hard
work, dedication and commitment, a lesson taught by my coaches, but
most importantly, a lesson learned and lived by my teammates and myself
day in and day out.
Being a member of the Syracuse Women's lacrosse team and being the
starting goalie for most of my four-year career is something I will
never ever forget. Now that my career has ended, I wish it could have
lasted a lifetime. Nothing compares to playing at the Division I level,
the best of the best, going at it day in and day out, week after week,
all striving for that one spot at the top. Training hard everyday, practices
5 days a week, lifting and conditioning 3 times a week, to prepare yourself
to be the best player you can be and to be an integral part of a winning
program.
Individual workout sessions with coaches working on footwork and angles
were always a part of my training as well. The extra hours of practice
you put in, to be well prepared to play the next opponent, and to ensure
that you put forth your best performances for yourself, your teammates,
your coaches, and the University that you represent, are all worth it
in the end (even though at the time you’re probably wishing your
were doing something else…).
 Your
college career can only last 4 years, you have to make the most of it
and commit yourself to the game and the program you play for. The sweat
and agony you go through, wondering where the finish line is, or if
the running is ever going to stop. The endless breakout drills, trying
to hit each player right in the stick, starting the fast break and the
transition game. Seven on seven, working the team through the plays,
frustrating the offense and building up confidence of the defense in
front of you. Working together as a unit, and not just seven individuals
out there. The endless 8-meter shots, working on your foot and stick
work. The bruises that cover your body, they may sting at first, but
they remind you that even though you missed it with your stick, you
got behind it and still made the save.
As I reflect about my college career, the thought that there is no
next game, or next season for me, stings a little. However, I can say
that I walked away from my experience a better person and with a smile
on my face. There are things that I did and did not accomplish in my
four years; however, I find immense satisfaction in those things that
I did accomplish, many of which come with vivid memories from the last
four years that I will remember forever.
Playing against UVA my junior and senior year. Junior year at UVA,
pouring down rain, in the soccer stadium, first game of the doubleheader
with the men's team. The team had graduated a majority of the starting
lineup, but this new team came out and we all believed in ourselves
and our teammates. We beat UVA for the first time in our programs history!
Last game of the regular season, playing Dartmouth in the Dome, a vital
game for out playoff hopes and for seeding in the north, and just coming
out and making a statement. Seeing everything just go together, and
having everyone contribute in a must win situation.
My senior year, opening day of the season, stepping out on the turf
in the carrier dome, new bright orange goals with Syracuse Lacrosse
down the sides, and freshly painted lines on the spotless turf. We battled
into overtime, where I made a save to preserve our one goal lead in
OT and help Syracuse win the game. An overtime loss to Maryland in OT
the next week, knowing your team put it all out on the field and you
almost beat the #1 ranked team in the country. The next day when you
read in polls that "Syracuse is legit", after suffering an
OT loss…the respect we have been working for. Those are the things
I will miss about playing college lacrosse.
The moment the whistle blows to end the game, and your teammates turn
around to you, and you exchange hugs and high fives, you know why you
play the game. The games where you see the ball so clearly, and it seems
so easy, as if you are trying to catch a beach ball. Those moments,
when you know you are on fire, and nothing is getting by you, the moments
when you realize that you have intimidated the other team, and they
actually believe they are not going to be able to score. The moments
when you look at your teammates in front of you, and you couldn't ask
to be part of a better defense. The moments during the national anthem
and you look down the line at your teammates and you think to yourself,
this team is stacked with talent, and that rush of adrenaline you get
right as you step into your crease for the first time, right before
the whistle blows. Those are the moments that will stay with me forever
and the memories that no one can take away from me.
I'd have to say playing goalie for a college lacrosse team was an amazing
experience. Being an integral part of a successful program, knowing
that your performance will contribute and alter the outcome of the game.
I would not have wanted to play any other position on the field. There
are some days when you are in the spotlight and others when you take
the back seat, but no matter which position you are, you are always
just as important as any other person out on the field. Your teammates
will protect you and back you up, just as you do for them.
My advice for any aspiring goalies…dream, and dream big. If you
want to play in high school, strive to play on the varsity team, if
you want to play in college, strive to play Division I. Work hard and
always put the extra time in, because although you may not realize it
at the time, it’s all worth it in the end. The road may seem endless
at times and frustrating but looking back on it, it was all worth it
in the end. Dedicate yourself to the game, and strive for excellence.
Most importantly believe in yourself, because confidence is very important.
If you are already in college, still dedicate yourself. Enjoy each game
and each season to its fullest. It will be over before you know it.
Cause all you can do after that, is to give back to the game that has
given you so much over the years.
Carla Gigon
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