Brownsburg Magazine July 2024

Fruitful Festival

Beasley’s Orchard

Remains a Local and Regional Favorite for Upcoming Sunflower Festival and Much More

STICK-ING TO IT

BROWNSBURG GRAD ANIYAH JONES’S SUCCESSFUL LACROSSE

JOURNEY CONTINUES

6 RUN FOR IT Alex Baker Becomes a Marathon-Level Runner to Benefit Charities and Honor His Late Wife

10 NATIONAL UV SAFETY MONTH Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Melanoma

12 FRUITFUL FESTIVAL

Beasley’s Orchard Remains a Local and Regional Favorite for Upcoming Sunflower Festival and Much More

18 WELL-STAGED Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life Festivals Returning Bigger Than Ever 20 STICK-ING TO IT Brownsburg Grad Aniyah Jones’s Successful Lacrosse Journey Continues

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RUN FOR IT

ALEX BAKER BECOMES

A MARATHON-LEVEL RUNNER

TO BENEFIT CHARITIES AND HONOR HIS LATE WIFE

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

Alex Baker of Brownsburg had it all - a wife ofeight years and a 3-year-old son.

Then tragedy struck.

Baker’s wife, Amanda, was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, and after chemotherapy, radiation and 16 months of excruciating pain, she passed away in February of 2019.

“You never expect this to happen in your mid-30s,” Baker said. “You should never have to tell your 4-year-old that their mom has died.”

As a young single dad, Baker went through many of the struggles expected when losing a loved one. He had been the primary caregiver for Amanda and was left trying to figure out how to care of his son, Riley, in the best possible way.

Baker admittedly set aside his own needs. He wasn’t exercising, eating healthy or taking care of himself.

After a friend told him, “You don’t move on, you move forward,” Baker took the first step toward creating the life he wanted for himself and Riley.

Exercise Inc in Brownsburg offers a 20-minute workout once per week, and Baker thought he could surely find 20 minutes.

“I told the gentleman at Exercise Inc that my son shouldn’t lose another parent because I can’t find time to exercise, eat right or make better choices,” Baker said.

They inspired him by creating small benchmarks each week.

“It’s just a lot of little changes,” he said. “This week, drink more water. Next week, eat more vegetables. You look up 20 weeks later and you’ve changed all these habits. It worked for me, and I had stopped eating fast food and drinking soda.”

He lost an initial 25 pounds and was on a forward-thinking path, and then the pandemic hit, slowing everything down for everyone.

“I became sort of stagnant and really needed to get out of the

house, so I started walking,” he said. “I started small and added a little more each day. The Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge had begun that summer. I decided I was going to do it and I just focused on walking a mile each day, building up to several miles per day.”

He completed the challenge and didn’t stop there. “I thought, ‘If I can walk 500 miles, could I run?’” he said. “It’s something I could never do. There was no way.”

He found another challenge - run 100 miles over the course of one month - and did it again.

“As we moved into 2021 I started hiking, running 10 miles at a time, and coming up on the second anniversary of Amanda’s passing, I decided I’d run a half marathon,” Baker said. “It was something I never thought was possible for me.”

It hasn’t been without setbacks.

Baker credits Athletico Physical Therapy for getting him back on his feet after a running injury. They gave him a “tune-up” and relieved the pain for someone putting 20 to 40 miles on their feet each week.

He ran that half marathon, and since then has completed four half marathons. That accomplishment led to completion of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, which is a full marathon, and Baker hired a running coach to help with future plans.

Today Baker has a new goal in mind, and he’s joining an elite group of marathoners.

The Abbott World Marathon Majors consists of the six largest marathons in the world: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.

“I did the NYC and Boston Marathons already,” Baker said. “I’m scheduled for the Chicago Marathon in October. My goal is to finish the U.S. ones by the time I’m 40, and then complete the remaining international ones in the coming years after that. Only 12,000 people have completed all six.”

In honor of Amanda, Baker wants to give back too. He raised $6,000 for St. Jude

ORTHO

Children’s Research Hospital during the New York City Marathon, and will raise funds for charity again for the Boston and Chicago marathons.

While Baker has lost weight, is physically fit and continues to meet the goals he sets for himself, the mission is larger than just the physical benefits.

He became aware throughout his journey of the many people listening and watchingthe people on the sidelines cheering him on.

“I’m told it’s inspiring,” Baker said. “So many of us struggle with grief and loss. We struggle to get out of bed or move forward, and I do this in honor of Amanda. She loved the song ‘Strong All Along’ by 311 and I had some wristbands made with that saying. I’ve had temporary tattoos put on my arm with her handwriting to remind myself I can get through this.”

Riley is now 9 and is proud to see the

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Alex & son, Riley, after recent race

accomplishments his dad has made. He knows the marathons are in honor of his mom, and in a way it keeps her memory alive.

“It was painful and terrible to watch,” Baker said. “Amanda died a week after our 10-year anniversary. Losing your mom at 4 years old forever changes you, but through this we’re able to remember, we tell stories about her and we never forget.”

The daily runs have reminded Baker to take time for himself. They’ve also reminded him that he can undertake hard tasks, and he’s an example for his son that Amanda would be proud of.

“I think Amanda would have been a fantastic cheerleader for me,” he said. “She knew if I set my mind to do it, I’d be

dedicated. She’d encourage and push and help me get there, but five years ago if you told her this is what I was going to do, she would have laughed at you. The personal growth has been so important. For some it’s reading or learning a new skill. For me, running has been so instrumental to who I am today, I don’t expect it to go away any time soon.”

It’s hard to say what his next steps will be after he completes the marathons, but he hopes to continue sharing the message of hope and perseverance through difficult times.

Visit linktree/alexanderdbaker to donate toward Baker’s marathon fundraising event. Up next, he will be raising $10,000 and running for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Alex, Amanda & Riley - 2018

NATIONAL UV SAFETY MONTH

WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF MELANOMA

Writer / Dr. Lawrence Mark, Dermatologist at IU Health West

July is National UV Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays and how to protect ourselves from them. One of the most significant risks associated with UV exposure is melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Understanding the importance of sun safety and taking preventive measures can greatly reduce your risk of developing melanoma.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable. UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds is a major risk factor for melanoma. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can cause these cells to grow out of control and form cancerous tumors.

BEHAVIORS CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF MELANOMA.

Reducing the risk of melanoma starts with protecting your skin from UV radiation. Here are some tips to help you stay safe in the sun:

1. USE SUNSCREEN: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

2. SEEK SHADE: Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Seek shade under trees, umbrellas or canopies.

3. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Cover up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Dark, tightly woven fabrics offer the best protection.

4. AVOID TANNING BEDS:

harmful UV radiation that can increase your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Opt for sunless tanning products instead.

5. CHECK YOUR SKIN REGULARLY:

monthly self-exams to look for any changes in the size, shape or color of moles or other skin lesions. If you notice anything suspicious, see a dermatologist promptly.

SCREENINGS ARE IMPORTANT.

In addition to these preventive measures, regular skin cancer screenings are important. These screenings can detect melanoma in its early stages when it’s most treatable. During a skin exam, a dermatologist will carefully examine your skin for any signs of skin cancer and discuss any concerns you may have.

EARLY DETECTION IS KEY. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving the prognosis of melanoma. If caught early, melanoma is highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate of around 99% for localized melanoma. However, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the prognosis is much poorer.

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FRUITFUL FESTIVAL

BEASLEY’S ORCHARD REMAINS A LOCAL AND REGIONAL FAVORITE FOR UPCOMING SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL AND MUCH MORE

Writer / Melissa Gibson

Have you ever seen a field of sunflowers?

It’s the sort of thing seen on a road trip when you pull the car over and snap a few pictures. Now, Beasley’s Orchard is giving residents a chance to enjoy sunflowers close to home.

Beasley’s Orchard is a third-generation farm in Danville, started by Milton and Irene Beasley in 1946. Over the years, what began as a livestock farm on 80 acres eventually became a 165-acre agritourism destination.

By the 1980s families were taking trips to Beasley’s each fall to enjoy a traditional hayride and U-pick pumpkins in preparation for Halloween. In 1986 the first Heartland Apple Festival was held on the farm and quickly became a community tradition.

When the youngest generation of Beasleys came home from college in 2015, there was a huge shift to invest in agritourism, and in fact the family was one of the first in central Indiana to adopt the agritourism business model.

It seems like every year something new is added, from U-pick opportunities to festival days. The annual Sunflower Festival is a three-week event in late July or early August.

“We started the Sunflower Festival in 2020,” said Jim Finley, marketing manager. “We wanted something fun for

guests that would arrive a little earlier than our well-known fall season.”

Residents in Hendricks County and visitors across the state welcomed the addition wholeheartedly. More than 10,000 people typically visit over the three weekends. This year Beasley’s will be open throughout the week for the sunflowers too. The vast fields are something to behold, if for no other reason than to see them, but there are other benefits as well.

“There are over eight acres of sunflower blooms,” Finley said. “They get to be four and a half feet tall, and I think just scanning over the tops of all of those flowers amazes people. Most of them are yellow but we also have red, orange and multicolored flowers. It’s hard to have a bad time when you’re surrounded by a bunch of sunflowers.”

Visitors can cut one sunflower free with the cost of a ticket, but there are options to pick a bouquet in the unlimited stem bucket for an additional fee.

Like much of the agricultural world, the Beasley’s staff members don’t know exactly when the bloom will happen until a week or two ahead of time, so things often happen quickly, from announcing the festival to last-minute entertainment. What they know for sure is the festival includes highly anticipated activities visitors look forward to year after year.

Thousands want to have their photo taken against the beautiful backdrop of sunflowers and sunset, or the clear blue sky and colors of yellow, green and more.

Given the wild popularity of photo opportunities, Beasley’s has made a little change to the usual guidelines regarding photography. Typically, professional photographers are required to schedule and pay a fee for use of the farm. For the Sunflower Festival, it’s fair game.

“We ask that everyone pays their admission and photographers are welcome,” Finley said. “It’s not uncommon for photographers to have three or four sessions per day and we want to keep it easy for everyone.”

In addition, the sunflower event will bring all of the fun expected for fall festivals.

“There will be food trucks, beer and wine vendors, snacks, and the Barnyard Bonanza will be open,” Finley said.

The Barnyard Bonanza features the jumbo jumping pillow, sports target toss, cornhole, apple cannons and other activities for the entire family.

In addition, the Civil War-era Barn Market will be open, and will feature homegrown produce from the farm as well as locally sourced produce, including homemade apple cider (an award winner), homemade baked goods and more.

“It’s quite a bit of maintenance,” Finley added. “We’re fertilizing, watering and

weeding during the hot summer season. Every aspect of the farm takes a lot of maintenance. Mother Nature often has her own game plan so that can be a challenge.”

All of the maintenance and care put forth at the farm will pay off as Beasley’s moves into the fall season.

The popular U-Pick season begins in late May and June with U-pick strawberries. In June and July visitors can participate in U-pick raspberries. The sunflowers then emerge along with U-pick apples by mid-August.

They’re particularly looking forward to apple picking season.

“There are multiple reasons to visit the farm all year long,” Finley said. “Over the past three years the farm was severely impacted by a late spring frost. It sort of diminished the apple crop. This year we did not have that late front so we’re excited that the apple crop looks phenomenal. I think we’ll have more apple picking than we’ve ever had in 2024.”

Also new this year, the fall festivities will begin a week earlier than usual on September 14. Opening weekend is September 14 and 15, and will include hayrides, a trip to the pumpkin patch, the popular corn maze with a bicentennial theme, apple cannons, straw mountain and other Barnyard Bonanza activities.

Hometown Heroes will return on September 21 and 22, with a focus on expressing thanks to local first responders

and military personnel. Those men and women receive free admission and their immediate family members receive 50% off of admission.

The Heartland Apple Festival is September 28 and 29, and October 5 and 6. Enjoy two full weekends featuring live music, craft vendors, balloon magic, face painting and other activities.

Dog Daze at the Maze is October 12 and 13, and brings our furry four-legged friends to the farm. The weekend includes pet costume contests, talent shows and local animal rescue groups.

Finally, Halloween festivities will be on the horizon, October 19 and 20, and October 26 and 27, with pumpkin carving contests, pumpkin picking, candy giveaways and costume contests.

Even when the fall comes to a close, visitors can still catch Christmas at the Orchard, offering a special holiday-themed event. It makes Beasley’s a go-to location, more than six months of the year.

Finley said one of their most common questions is regarding the four-legged family members in our lives. Beasley’s is pet friendly. Just keep your furry friends on a leash and pick up after them.

“Our slogan is ‘Harvesting Family Memories,’” Finley said. “When you do all of this hard work and then see the customers come out and truly enjoy the farm, it makes it all worth it.”

Visit beasleys-orchard.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

TOWNE POST LAUNCHES NEW HYPERLOCAL COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Writer / Devon Dean

The Towne Post Network of publications is proud to announce the launch of a new, hyperlocal community events calendar - online.

Using an aggregating software partner, the Towne Post Events Calendar includes information from more than 200 sources across the regions the company serves. This includes LiveNation, VisitIndy.com, various chamber of commerce websites, and a wealth of other community calendars to give a complete rundown of fun things to do in your area.

As a user, you can filter by date, time, city, proximity, and even by event type. If you are hosting a local event, this is a free service with additional paid opportunities for expanded visibility starting at just $2 a day. As the Towne Post Events Calendar expands, an email will go out every Thursday to give subscribers the scoop on what’s going on around town each weekend.

“Summer is a busy time and it’s hard to keep track of everything that is happening,” says Towne Post CEO and Founder Tom Britt. “Our goal is to create another point of connection between people and the communities they live in by highlighting all the great local events coming up.”

See what’s happening at townepost.com/calendar. To subscribe for weekly emails, subscribe at TownePost.com and click the “Email Newsletters” button at the top of the website.

WELL-STAGED

BOURBON & BEYOND AND LOUDER THAN LIFE FESTIVALS RETURNING BIGGER THAN EVER

Celebrating its sixth installment, Bourbon & Beyond returns for its biggest year yet. Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the world’s largest bourbon and music festival is set to take the stage this September 19 through 22 at Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center. With two new music stages and 40 extra music acts for 2024, this expansion brings the total to five dynamic music stages hosting 100 talented artists, alongside captivating culinary and bourbon workshop stages, promising an unforgettable affair.

“Beyond the music, the festival has so

many great experiences,” said Chamie McCurry, chief marketing officer for Danny Wimmer Presents. “There is something for everyone there. We will have some special programming and great partnership activations throughout the event. It’s an amazing festival experience from beginning to end.”

This year’s all-star lineup of music artists spans generations and genres, with legends Neil Young and Beck on Thursday, Dave Matthews Band and Tedeschi Trucks Band on Friday, Zach Bryan and Cody Jinks on Saturday, and Tyler Childers and My

Morning Jacket on Sunday, along with Matchbox Twenty, The National, Whiskey Myers, Black Pumas, The War On Drugs, The Beach Boys, Mt. Joy, Fleet Foxes, Young the Giant, Maren Morris, The Head and the Heart, Melissa Etheridge, Teddy Swims, and many more.

The festival attracts concertgoers from all over the world. Indeed, Bourbon & Beyond’s annual success has made it a can’tmiss event. Fans come from all 50 states and over 25 countries to Louisville for an unforgettable four-day journey filled with great music, tasty bourbon and renowned

restaurant offerings.

Louisville is known for its southern hospitality. It’s where May is Kentucky Derby season, and now September has become festival season, stretching the city’s tourist season well into the fall. The tourism dollars generated from Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life have made it a true economic boon for the city that welcomes horse racing and sports fans.

Outside of the great music acts are the culinary experiences with Food Network stars and “Chopped” judges Amanda Freitag and Chris Santos, James Beard Award-winning Chef and Author Ed Lee, and Kroger’s Wine and Spirits Expert Chris Blandford. Each day will see bourbon panels, tastings and food demonstrations with artists, bourbon experts and celebrity chefs.

The music lineup at Bourbon & Beyond is extensive and spans generations of music. In fact, new acts are still being announced. “Our talent team prides itself on putting out the best lineup every year and being better than the year before,” McCurry said. “They have a lot of pride in curating that lineup specifically for the fans. We want to provide something new and something they love so people want to come back and experience it again.”

Passes are available to purchase at bourbonandbeyond.com and fans can lock them in as low as $10 down.

The weekend after Bourbon & Beyond, rock takes center stage for Louder Than Life, America’s biggest rock festival. With 140-plus bands over five stages, Louder will welcome Slipknot, Slayer, Motley Crue, Korn, Disturbed, Evanescence, Judas Priest and many more, September 26 through 29 at the same festival site.

Danny Wimmer Presents and the city of Louisville are ready to shine bright when they welcome the biggest eight days of music in the U.S., and host over 400,000 fans between the two festivals this September.

THE LINEUP INCLUDES:

Zach Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, Tyler Childers, Neil Young, Beck, Matchbox Twenty, The National, My Morning Jacket, The War On Drugs, Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Black Pumas, The Beach Boys, Mt. Joy, Fleet Foxes, Young the Giant, Maren Morris, The Head and the Heart, Melissa Etheridge, Teddy Swims, Koe Wetzel, Milky Chance, The Red Clay Strays, Chris Isaak, Lyle Lovett, KALEO, Sierra Ferrell, Charles Wesley Godwin, Shane Smith & The Saints, The Wallflowers, Cory Wong, X Ambassadors, Sunny Day Real Estate, Dinosaur Jr., Larkin Poe, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Lucius, JJ Grey & Mofro, Beth Hart, Allen Stone, Wilder Woods, Niko Moon, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The War and Treaty, Ole 60, Larry Fleet, Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, Mat Kearney, Arlo Parks, Hiss Golden Messenger, Smith & Myers, BRELAND, Patty Smyth, Wyatt Flores, Cimafunk, Futurebirds, The Bacon Brothers, M. Ward, Soul Asylum, Son Volt, Jade Bird, Neal Francis, Suzanne Vega, Wild Rivers, Dexter and The Moonrocks, KT Tunstall, The Dip, Meg Myers, Samantha Fish, Amigo the Devil, The Record Company, Taylor Acorn, Dan Tyminski, The Sam Bush Band, The Jerry Douglas Band, Yonder Mountain String Band, Tony Trischka’s EarlJam, Sister Sadie, Devon Gilfillian, Robert Finley, Abby Anderson, Abraham Alexander, Vincent Neil Emerson, Andy Frasco & The U.N Royel Otis., Mac Saturn, Jake Kohn, The Castellows, Madi Diaz, Motherfolk, Grace Bowers, Mapache, Maggie Antone, Briscoe, Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel, Hueston, Robert Jon & the Wreck, The Brothers Comatose, Theo Lawrence, Colby T. Helms and The Virginia Creepers, Nicholas Jamerson & The Morning Jays, New Dangerfield, Big Richard, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Chatham County Line, Tray Wellington Band, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Lizzie No, The Jacob Jolliff Band, East Nash Grass, The Local Honeys, Mountain Grass Unit, Kaia Kater, The Last Revel, Kyle Ray and more.

STICK-ING TO IT

BROWNSBURG GRAD ANIYAH JONES’S SUCCESSFUL LACROSSE JOURNEY CONTINUES

Writer / Melissa Gibson

Photographer / Amy Payne & Provided

Brownsburg High School senior Aniyah Jones will head to Delaware State University this fall on a scholarship for their Division I lacrosse team.

The athletic, humble and friendly athlete found the sport in the third grade and hasn’t looked back.

“I’ve always played basketball and I was on a rec team for Brownsburg,” she said. “We didn’t win a single game that year. My coach, Jason Koles, was starting the Brownsburg lacrosse team at the time and he invited us to give it a try.”

It’s a sport not many people know, but lacrosse is quickly growing in popularity and spreading throughout Hendricks County and beyond. Still considered a club, lacrosse is on the brink of becoming a sanctioned sport through the Indiana High School Athletic Association.

There are currently 60 boys varsity programs and 40 girls varsity programs in the state, and in the past three years the Indiana Girls Lacrosse Association has added eight new teams. It’s the success and growth Koles saw coming throughout Hendricks County.

In 2013 Koles’ son was playing lacrosse in North Carolina, but when they moved to Brownsburg, they had to travel to Zionsville or North Central to access practices and games.

A year later Koles started the first Hendricks County lacrosse program for youth boys, and shortly after that he was running a youth and high school program for both boys and girls.

The object of the game is to shoot the solid rubber ball into the opponent’s goal. The sticks can be used to catch, carry and pass the ball. The team with the most points wins.

What Aniyah found so many years ago was a competitive, actionpacked game that pushed her to work toward goals and accomplish them.

“I think it’s interactive and fun to watch,” she said. “Every year I’d set a goal for myself and when I achieve that, I pat myself on the back and then ask, ‘What’s next?’”

She continues setting those personal goals and boasts 620 career saves

and counting as a goalie, with a save average of 75%, and the team as a whole has been successful. They’re currently ranked third in the Indiana Girls Lacrosse Association conference, and the lacrosse community has noticed both the team and Aniyah.

“Even with the way Brownsburg lacrosse has grown, everyone knows her,” said Alexis Jones, Aniyah’s mother. “She has a good attitude; she’s a team player and humble. I’m super proud of her.”

Koles is too. He’s stepped back from coaching over the past year or two, but watched and advised Aniyah’s growth in the game of lacrosse for a decade.

“Aniyah is quick and athletic,” he said. “She’s an incredible kid. She gets fiery out on the field, but she takes what she’s experienced and has learned how to channel that into getting better. She’s incredibly coachable.” Part of that coaching was what led Aniyah to her scholarship.

For several years she was successful as a

midfielder, but ultimately found her place as a goalie.

“I think the change was tough for her at first,” Koles said. “She would let those goals that got past her get to her, but good goalies are hard to come by, and Aniyah is able to stand out there and shine in that role.”

Today, Alexis said Aniyah is the numberone goalie in the state of Indiana. It’s one of the many reasons she was sought after in her senior year, and is one of very few to be accepted to a Division I college from Brownsburg lacrosse.

She plans to major in sports management and hopes to play lacrosse for as long as she can. After all, as the world takes notice, her options will continue to expand and she is ready to take in every opportunity.

“Since middle school I’ve thought I want to play lacrosse for as long as possible,” Aniyah said. “There is a USA team, overseas opportunities, and I’ve thought about coaching.”

She’s getting a taste of coaching already. As a former midfielder and current goalie, her experience has led to helping younger players still learning the game. It’s the mentoring aspect she enjoys most.

“I think it’s an honor to have influence,” she said. “I have such a passion for this sport. I’m a highly skilled lacrosse player and I know a lot about the sport. I was a midfielder and if my freshmen midfielders have questions, I want to help them. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll find it.”

In fact, she expects that the relationships she’s formed over the years with coaches all over the state and fellow teammates will be lifelong.

“Some of my best friends are on the team,” she said. “I’m grateful to have built those relationships and I love them with my whole heart.”

It’s those relationships Koles could see happening back in 2014, as the team was being built.

The team regularly participates in community activities and the athletes know they are supported, whether they are involved in multiple sports or have another extracurricular activity they love.

Coaches and staff want all participants to have the best of both worlds.

“We really try to make our organization compatible with what the athletes are doing,” Koles said. “In the beginning it was hard to find people who knew the game, and it was important to get connected with those already involved. When there’s only one lacrosse team in town and the parents are just learning the sport too, it’s like we’re all learning at the same time and there’s an incredible level of excitement. It was a different environment than you might see in other team sports.”

Perhaps it’s the community atmosphere the keeps lacrosse athletes returning year after year.

Aniyah certainly has found her passion, and she’s seen time and time again how the audience responds.

“I think the play itself makes people want to come out,” she said. “If they give it a try, they would unexpectedly have a lot of fun. I’d recommend lacrosse to literally anyone.”

Her friends on the football team and in other sports have come out to a game, and like most, they’re fascinated by the competitiveness and excitement on the field.

“The group of girls that Brownsburg has right now is phenomenal,” Alexis said. “We do the parades every year and get involved in the community as a club sport. I think it speaks to the people involved and the program itself.”

Like the official sanctioning of lacrosse for high schools across the state, Aniyah’s future at Delaware State University is certainly something to keep track of.

With fierce determination and a love for the game, the sky is the limit.

DR. VICKI CRUM

Aniyah’s love for the sport started early