My Lacrosse Journey - Louis Zhao
Louis Zhao is a junior at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
How did you get involved in your sport and what do you love the most about it?
This is a fun story. In my second semester of 9th grade, I went to tryout the school’s basketball team and was not selected. But one of my friends told me that I should go to lacrosse, and then I joined the school‘s lacrosse team and fell in love with this sport. The reason why I like lacrosse the most is that I can feel my progress every day through daily practice. This made me believe that I would be rewarded for my efforts, and I began to be addicted to this feeling of progress.
What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced along your athletic journey and how did you manage to overcome them?
At the beginning of my sophomore year season, I was very nervous in every game. I was afraid to catch the ball or start attack. I just wanted to pass the ball out and was afraid of making mistakes. But these worries gradually disappeared with playing more games. The most impressive thing for me was to represent the Chinese team in the Hong Kong lacrosse Open. One game during that tournament, I scored my first goal in life. When the ball was shot into the goal, my fear and worry disappeared in an instant, leaving only my joy and confidence.
What inspires you to pursue your sport at the competitive level and what do you most proud of yourself to get to this level?
Through lacrosse, I found a sense of belonging. I can exert my strength in the varsity lacrosse team at school. It is a feeling that I want to be stronger every day. What I am most proud of at present is to play for the Chinese team and score the first goal in my life. As my journey progresses, I am becoming more confident than before.
How has your athletic journey helped shape who you are today? How will it impact your future?
My athletic journey has made me more tough and not afraid to do something new. It has also allowed me to be more competitive and more confident. It also helps me in leadership as I get better and more experienced.
What advice do you want to give to other Asian student athletes who want to pursue your sport or other sports in general?
Persevere, keep the passion, and always believe in yourself. Your body has more potential than you think.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your athletic career or your life in general?
By practicing lacrosse, I have become more mature in the past two years. Before playing lacrosse, I also played tennis and basketball, but I have never found the most suitable sport for myself. Even though I started playing in high school, lacrosse is the most suitable sport for me and I can play the best.
