Athletic Bag 2006

Athletic Bag 2006

The bag was from '06.
It was given to the field hockey players. On the back it has 2 loops to
hold a field hockey stick. I kept the bag & award, because it
represents a time in my life where I was going through great
transformation. Filled with turbulence, & success. I was experiencing
life changing moments. Lessons about myself, who I was, & how to
navigate creating a new life, & self, that I could be happy with.
Growing into the woman I kept hidden for so long. I was learning how
to love myself, be proud of my accomplishments, and to build
confidence when it felt like I was suffering in silence. Field Hockey
was my outlet. It was what I was great at. And I didn't have to prove
myself to anyone. I was finally in my element. I felt untouchable. I felt
valuable. I was unapologetically my entire self, mind, body, & soul. I
didn't care how people treated me, or what they had to say to me. I
felt alive. Anything Field Hockey related, had even more significance
after my girlfriend/teammate Alaine [MURPHY] passed away after
graduation. It was the 2 of us black sheep's that stuck close. We
were best of friends. Any time we were feeling down, or struggling on
the field, we had each other's backs. Being a goalie, I was always
getting smashed around, and used as a target for opposing players to
play dirty. Alaine would notice me being attacked in my cage without
complaint, and would come running over to bulldoze the women off
of me. She was great at intimidating the other players with her stick.
She and I would tag team, clearing out my circle in front of the goal.
Now, that she's gone, all I can think about is how she made my soul
feel so accepted, appreciated, & loved. Field Hockey brought us
together, & has forever changed my life.

2006