The gradual escalation to the moment of playing in the first Premier Lacrosse League game always seemed right in front of us. The process has been engaging, collaborative: a feeling that as a player, there is a intrinsic dedication to the formation of our new league, and a new commitment to the players and the fans that we’ve only dreamt of.

I love to win. I don’t care what we are playing, I am trying to win. But even more so, I hate to lose. I hate losing more than I like winning. Other players will be bigger, faster and stronger than me, but no one will match my will to win and absolute dread of losing.

When I picked up my first lacrosse stick 20 years ago, I never could have dreamed of all the opportunities the sport has provided to me. From the places I’ve been fortunate enough to travel, to the memories and relationships I’ve made along the way, I find myself more and more thankful for this game each year.

In the summer of 2011 I was playing in the Syracuse shootout, and after my final game was approached by a man wearing purple and gold and a straw hat and flip flops. What I was unaware of was that the man, that would soon give me a big hug and an opportunity of a life time, was UAlbany Head Coach Scott Marr.