12/02/2022
This coach,dad, friend says it all so perfectly. These girls have to dig so deep and the path is definitely curved for many. Congratulations Sam and Go Danes for sure!
I have waited a long time for this day.
Congratulations to MY Samantha Moyer (St Pauls School, NH Tomahawks 2024) on her commitment to The University of Albany.
All commitments are meaningful to each player and their families, but its the individual journey to that commitment that is unique. For some, the progression to commitment is a predictable one filled with some struggles, but otherwise a smooth road to a top level opportunity. Samanthas journey appeared like it would be, until one cold Sunday morning at the Sportsplex in Jan of 2020 it wasn’t….ACL injuries are all too common in the women’s game. They test you mentally, physically and emotionally. You find out what you are made of, you find out who is with you on that ride and you learn a lot about yourself. As a parent,and a coach that has witnessed plenty of injuries, I knew that day that the journey had changed and the immense struggle that would follow. I cried a lot that first week, knowing that my girl would be forced to grow up immediately. I tried to shield her from the negativity and surround her with positive individuals who knew it could be done. But I know she heard the whispers of the naysayers and the doubters. It was impossible not to. People who were once very close, saying she would never recover, or things like, does she still want to play college lacrosse? I struggle to find any silver linings in that period, as doubts crept in and emotional pep talks were needed with even the smallest inevitable set back. Two positives come to mind though, she fell deeper in love with the game that had been stolen from her. She embraced the grind that was needed to come back. And as much as it pained me to see her hurting, I was able to spend an immense amount of time with her going from PT or bringing her to tournaments she was never going to be able to compete in, but wanted to go to still be a part if her team. She grew up in those 18months of recovery, but it was hard to watch and I cried and prayed plenty more times and some times together. When Sept 1 hit, and the interest wasn’t like that of her friends, she handled it with grace saying “my time will come, this is their time” and she was the greatest cheerleader for her teammates who committed. There was genuine joy in each text or call after her friends announced. I saw a level of maturity that I was envious of and a confidence that said her opportunity was going to happen. With each passing week, i wavered, she never did. We went to Dallas for the final tourney, after a lot of calls w coaches, and she knew it was a big tournament. As I sat by myself and watched her play, I cried. This time with joy, her confidence, her speed and her determination were on full display again. She had finally made it back. So many coaches reached out or viewed her profile. We enjoyed the tourney and prepared for the coming weeks. A weight seemingly lifted from her shoulders. She had done enough.
UAlbany and the staff watched every minute of every game and had seen all they needed to. They put together an offer. We set a visit up to see the campus. Within minutes, she knew it was right. It was like a family. The players and coaches were amazing. The style of play is exactly what she was looking for. The high level commitment to lacrosse and the opportunity to play the best, sealed the deal. It was an amazing fit. Coach Thomson, Coach Gallagher and Coach Frink see what we see. And they are amazing women who have created an empowered culture of success in and off the field. The drive back from Albany was hard, because its hard to drive 3hrs w tears in your eyes! But those were tears of joy.
There were so many people to thank that were there all along the way. So calls needed to be made, that was the fun part. For many, Samanthas commitment was embraced like it was their own child. It was a culmination of years of investment that paid off.
Samantha, we are so proud of all that you have become as a young woman. This experience has shaped you and humbled you. You are better for all of it. You have found the perfect school to call home. All that has brought you to this amazing opportunity, is what will ensure your success. You know the work it takes, and this is just the beginning of the next chapter. The hard work starts now. I know Coach Thomson will look back at this decision in 6years and know it was a great one. She got herself a Dawg! The best is yet ahead.
I love you so very much, and can not put into words how proud I am of you. We are here for anything you need, but something tells me, you got this. Your hard work has paid off, now is your time to go change the World.
Roll Danes!
