WOL Women in History Month Student/Athlete of the Week

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Recently, around the world we have all been learning about great women as March is Women in History Month. Let's be honest, since the beginning of time in front of every great man has been an even greater woman. It is always the woman that is the backbone of any operation holding everything together. What is criminal about this is women are only getting a month to celebrate and empower each other. Oh, you think I'm brown nosing women? Well, being raised by a single mother, I can tell you I have every right to slobber all over this rocking gender! Mom, you frigging rock!!!

So, with all this being pointed out, I felt it appropriate to share another profile this week but make it be about the strongest young woman I could find within the Conroe Independent School District.

I met this amazing young woman a few years ago as I was looking for a real good lacrosse player, and in particular a good shooter to help with the many youth girl's goalies that had been coming to me for goalie training. I was assured by the referring coach that she was personable and loaded with gumption. Those are qualities you must have when coaching young athletes. We were set to meet at McCullough for our first lesson together on a typically hot mid-summer day. With the feels like probably 110 degrees, we were the only people brave enough to be out there. She drives up, parks and walks over to me and introduces herself. There was something about her that absolutely floored me. Have you ever met someone and felt like you were in the presence of a great person the first second you meet them? Call me dramatic but I promise you I'm being genuinely honest. She had a confidence about her that just put you at ease. The atmosphere around her seemed to gleam, as if even the air molecules were fighting just to get that much closer to her.

What you're about to read will be heartwarming, honest and sincere. Remember, I said HONEST. She won't paint a rosy picture at times and it's possible you may not agree with her, but she spills her heart out and lays it all out there. This brand of bravery is so refreshing and I know you'll have so much respect for her in about five minutes. See you soon!

For this week's Woodlands Online WOMEN's Student Athlete of the Week, I am so privileged to introduce The Woodlands High School Lady Highlander lacrosse player, my friend EG (Emily Grace) Traweek:

1) How long have you been playing lacrosse? How did you become interested in LAX?

I've been playing lacrosse for seven years...my favorite character on my favorite TV show played lacrosse so I picked up the sport because I wanted to be like her.

2) What other sports did you play growing up and why did lacrosse win out?

I played soccer and tried cheer/gymnastics but lacrosse won because I enjoyed
the pace of the game. A lacrosse game completely consumes your brain and forces you to be alert, intuitive, and risky.

3) Describe the 2021 TWHS women's varsity lacrosse team and why you enjoy playing for the Highlanders?

In all the years I have played for TWHS, I believe the team we have this year is the most tight-knit group of girls I have ever been around. Everyone is friends with each other and it's very obvious that we all show up to practice every day with the intention to get better at lacrosse. I could not have found success on this team had it not been for the help of my teammates. Whenever I look up at the attack I can always find either Devon (Suess), Rayne (Dobson), Mia (Kouletsis), or Ashleigh (Cox) wide open, soaring through the middle of the eight (8 meter arc). Our defense is always stacked with EB (Emily Billig) and Kool Whip (Mackenzie Kulick) down low and Lola (Kiliddjian) and Grace (Renaud) up top. It seems to be a foolproof system. I've deemed Jesse Cole the backbone of this team. Every time I see her in goal I feel a wave of confidence shine over me because we have the strongest and most reliable goalie in the Houston area.

Jesse is nothing less than a superstar and my best friend on the team. Finally, the brains of the operation being Coach Amy (Markwort). I would not be the player I am today had it not been for Coach Amy. I have known her since I was in 6th grade and she has been an outstanding mentor to me. I feel comfortable looking to her for advice and confiding in her when I don't feel 100%. She has been a great coach to all of us and she plays a key role in the spirit you see on the field.

4) Do you like TWHS and why?

I don't like TWHS and I think that the culture surrounding TWHS is damaging to those who don't fit the ideal stereotype. Playing lacrosse for TWHS is the complete opposite of attending school at TWHS. My own personal experience with TWHS has not been one that I will enjoy reflecting on in the future.

5) What colleges are you looking into attending? Do you know what your field of study will be?

I want to attend the University of Oregon and I wish to study marketing.

6) What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?

I hope to settle somewhere and start my career path. I want to travel the world but I don't know if I should do that before or after I get rich. (laughs)

7) What do you enjoy doing away from school and lacrosse?

I enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching tv/movies, and learning about history.

8) Who is your role model for lacrosse?

I wouldn't say that I have a particular role model but I have run into NCAA champion, Taylor Cummings about four times in my life so I would have to say her.

9) Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do in your life.

My family is very supportive when it comes to lacrosse. I enjoy seeing my family at games cheering me on.

10) If you were given a million dollars and had to give it to one charity, which one would you choose and why?

I would donate to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence because I myself am a victim of domestic abuse and I believe it is extremely important to teach adolescents how to have healthy romantic/platonic relationships.

11) Three things people don't know about you.

1. I am a Taurus

2. I played lacrosse year-round from 6th grade - 11th grade.

3. I hate avocados.

12) When is the last time you danced? Where? You any good?

I dance around all the time with my friends no matter where we are. Ironically, I love to dance but I am not the best at it.

13) What is your favorite song in your phone now? Do you have a favorite group?

My favorite song at the moment has to be Mr. Glock by Key Glock or Hey Baby Drop it to the Floor by Pitbull Feat. T Pain. I like all kinds of music.

14) Your favorite movie of all time.

My favorite movie of all time is Bonnie and Clyde (1967). I love old movies.

15) If you were sentenced to death but you were allowed to go on one last date, who would the lucky guy be?

I wouldn't bring a man, I would bring my best friend, Sabrina. She is the only person I could imagine spending time with at my upcoming and untimely death.

There you have it. Do you think she's brave? Yeah, me too! She's also an excellent lacrosse coach and I hope she gets the opportunity to coach more and more in the future.

If you are a victim of domestic violence and need help, learn about and contact the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence here...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Coalition_Against_Domestic_Violence

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