Fresh off a conference championship and trip to the NCAA Tournament last year the Castleton women's lacrosse team was poised for another successful season as they returned virtually their entire roster. In addition to the core of veterans, a number of newcomers were expected to make an impact; however, in the early going one person has stood out for her toughness and infectious attitude, despite being the smallest on the field.
Lexi Cross has made her presence felt as a part of the Spartans' team despite the fact she has never played lacrosse before or is even old enough to attend Castleton. This year the 10-year-old became a part of the squad through Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening illnesses by pairing them with a college athletic team. Lexi was diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia at age four and has relapsing polychondritis, conditions that have kept her from ever taking part in organized sports, until now.
This year though the women's lacrosse team drafted Lexi to be a part of their squad. The idea was the brainchild of sophomore Chelsea Fisher. She heard about the organization from a friend and was immediately interested in trying to get her team to participate as she thought it could be a great experience for everyone involved. Fisher became the ambassador between Team IMPACT and the Spartans, providing the follow-through necessary to draft Lexi in time for the spring season. The early success of her efforts was evident in a note that Lexi's mother Kelley recently wrote to the Castleton athletic department.
"The women's lacrosse team has taken Lexi under their wing and made her a part of their team," said Cross. "These women have given my daughter a sense of belonging she has never felt before. After her first practice with them she said to me 'mom I finally belong somewhere.' They have given Lexi so much more then a place on the team. I just thought everyone should know how amazing these women are and not only for their amazing moves on the field."
The players on the team however are quick to assert that Lexi has been as much a source of inspiration for them as they are to her. "She's just so inspirational with all she has been through," said junior co-captain Sarah Clark. " It's kind of cool to have someone we can look at and admire who is younger than us."
"Sports helped make us who we are and she doesn't have that chance, so giving her that opportunity is a way we can give back," said sophomore Maddy DaCosta. So far this year Lexi has attended practices and games, helping with various sideline tasks, while also taking the time to bake cookies and make bracelets for team members. Freshman Meghan Els, who is from Long Island, was moved when she and a few teammates were able to visit with Lexi's family at her house.
"They were very welcoming to us," she said. "It just felt really nice to be part of a family while going to school so far from home."
With a month left in the season the Spartans and their newest member look to build on the relationship they have already formed together and make the 2013 season one to remember.
For more information on Team IMPACT and their mission be sure to visit their website at www.goteamimpact.org. As evident through this story, Team IMPACT does live up to its acronym of: Inspire, Motivate, Play Against Challenges Together.