Spring sports swap

By Julia Lian and Ella Schrebler

Staff writer & Culture Editor

Two Silver Chips staffers, varsity girls’ lacrosse team member Ella and the varsity girls’ tennis team member Julia, swap sports for a day!

Julia’s lacrosse expectations

My only experience with lacrosse was as part of my middle school’s spring lacrosse team four years ago. I haven’t touched a lacrosse stick since, and even in middle school, I was quite the amateur. Going into the swap, Ella and I kept our practice plans under wraps, so all I’m expecting—and hoping—is to not get hit with the ball.

Despite playing tennis for many years, I personally think my handeye coordination could use a lot of work. The big racket head typically makes it easier for me to get away with hitting the ball even when I am not in the right position. However, as soon as I use the stick again— which has a significantly smaller head than my racket—I have no doubt that I will be missing many catches today.

Ella’s tennis expectations

Though lacrosse relies heavily on catching and throwing, my hand-eye coordination skills are abominable. Virtually all of my past tennis experience—which is limited to middle school gym classes and random afternoons after school— has been me swinging and missing.

The only real information Julia told me about tennis was that “it was easier to pick up than lacrosse,” which, considering my past experiences, was not entirely encouraging. Watching players hit perfectly timed balls as we approached the courts only increased my anxieties.

To my great relief, Julia left the tennis balls at home, and I got a few minutes to mentally prepare while she ran to grab them. After a shortlived relaxing talk with our photographer Fiona, I begrudgingly began my end of the swap.

Julia’s lacrosse practice

As I walked up to the field, I tried to recall what few lacrosse skills I had picked up in seventh grade. Unfortunately, all I really remembered were the post practice snacks and games. Nevertheless, I was excited to try the sport again and just curious as to whether I had retained any muscle memory from my middle school years.

The field was muddy and uneven—probably my fault for pick-