On Thursday, March 31 our Varsity Girls Lacrosse team attended a virtual meeting with other lacrosse teams across the country to listen to the organization, 15 for Life. The not-for-profit has the mission to “shed the shame around needing help and normalizing the conversation around mental health by creating awareness.” The organization was launched in 2021 in memory of Robert Kavovit who took his own life in March at age 45. He was an All-American lacrosse player at Yorktown High School and Syracuse. Throughout his playing career Rob wore the number 15 as a representation of his family of one girl and five boys.
“I related to the discussion about how student athletes are under pressure of juggling school, sports, family, and friends,” reflected captain Charlotte Semlies ‘22.
The organization focuses on “checking in” on your teammates, and understanding the differences and struggles we face each day. “You get so caught up in the moment, you don’t know what your teammates are going through, so even if you are having a bad game you have to try to stay positive,” added Charlotte. “As a captain, I always try to keep the morale high and let my teammates know they can come to me for anything. I want the girls to feel comfortable talking about how they feel.”
For more information about 15 for Life visit their website: https://15forlife.org/