Sophomore Grace Pruett is a multi-sport athlete at Lake Forest High School, earning spots on both the varsity lacrosse team and the varsity field hockey team as an underclassman. Known for her dedication and spirit she has quickly become a valuable contributor to both programs.
When did you start playing lacrosse and field hockey, and what originally drew you to these sports?
“I started playing lacrosse in 3rd grade through the Bandits program in Lake Forest. As I got older, I wanted to take it more seriously, so I joined the club team, Team One, the summer going into 8th grade. In the fall of my freshman year, I made the highest team, which was a huge accomplishment and made me want to keep playing throughout high school and hopefully into college. I was originally drawn to the sport because my mom played in high school and loved it. Once I started, I met a lot of girls I enjoyed playing with and it became really fun alongside soccer. I’m so glad she introduced me to it because it has become a huge passion of mine. I also started field hockey my freshman year because it seemed fun, was another stick sport, and my cousins play in college.”
What was it like stepping onto the field for the first time as a freshman on varsity lacrosse?
“Stepping onto the field the first time as a freshman on varsity was such an exciting and unforgettable experience for me. I was really happy to be playing alongside upperclassmen who are so talented and who are really supportive. Being surrounded by players on my team and opponents who play at such a high level really helped me to improve and the first game of the season gave me a glimpse of the competitiveness on the field.”
How has being a part of two varsity sports helped you build friendships across grades?
“Being on two varsity sports has created such a strong sense of community for me. In both lacrosse and field hockey, it’s given me the opportunity to meet so many new people, especially upperclassmen who I wouldn’t otherwise see. Being on a team with girls from all different grades has brought all of us together because we are united by a common goal, and representing Lake Forest High School.”
How have your teammates and coaches influenced your experience on varsity?
“My teammates and coaches have influenced my experience on varsity by creating a positive team environment and culture that pushes everyone to do their best. Both my teammates and coaches have encouraged me to be the best player I can, disciplined, and supportive.”
What was going through your mind during tryouts, how did you handle that experience as such a young player?
“Very early on I set a goal to make varsity lacrosse my freshman year, so I was committed to putting in a lot of work both in practice and outside of practice. I was self motivated and took every practice seriously. During preseason, I went to weightlifting sessions and open turf to prepare and to get to know Coach Cat and the girls on the team. I also ran striders and practiced conditioning on my own to make 12 during tryouts. Going into tryouts I was nervous but knew I had done all the preparation I could and was ready to play my best. On the first day we ran striders, and once I was on the line I blocked everything out and focused on getting 12, knowing I wasn’t going to let anything stop me.
During field hockey tryouts, I knew what to expect conditioning wise and I knew a lot of the girls because I started freshman year. Even though it wasn’t my main sport I worked really hard and pushed myself to make varsity. I wanted to play at a higher level, but also improve as an athlete overall.”
What skills and or qualities do you think helped you succeed so early in both lacrosse and field hockey?
“I’ve always been a really hard worker both in sports, but also in academics, and self-motivated, which I think has played a huge role in helping me succeed in both sports. I’m constantly finding ways to improve, so each practice I come with the mindset of getting better.”
What challenges have you faced juggling two varsity sports, how do you manage to keep up with school and other activities?
“Juggling two sports has definitely been a challenge in itself, but also balancing schoolwork alongside that has been hard. There were some nights I would come home late and I would barely have enough time to finish homework or studying, so I would take advantage of every studyhall, PLT, and do my homework as soon as I could when I got it, even if it were a Friday night. At the beginning of each week I try and plan out my schedule so I can manage my time better, and know what to expect going into the week if I have a test or multiple assignments due.”
How do you think playing varsity sports so early has shaped you as both an athlete and a person?
“Being on two varsity sports has taught me to bounce back from minor setbacks that I face and not let anything get to my head. I have used this skill that I learned to help with other challenges that I face outside of sports which has definitely helped me be a more resilient person. It has also taught me to work really hard for my goals, and be supportive of my teammates but also other people.”
Lastly, what is your favorite part about being on a varsity sport?
“My favorite part about being on varsity sports is the community I have and the coaches pushing you to be your best, playing at a high level, and the traditions we have as a team. Some of the times I’ve had the most fun is being with my team. One of my favorite traditions is Coach Cats letters to the team the day before each game. The purpose of the letter is that it teaches us a lesson and that the whole team is opening the letter at the same time before we go to bed, which creates a good team culture and gives us good luck. Something for field hockey that we also do is wear our juicy tracksuits on the second day of school, on the bus to our St. Louis tournament, and during state week which is a fun thing for our team to do.”
