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VYPE-U: The Impact of Lacrosse on Katelyn Sclafani

VYPE U takes a look into Katelyn Sclafani's lacrosse career, how she has been impacted by the sport and what the secret to being a successful student-athlete is.

Lacrosse is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports. Katelyn Sclafani, a junior at Southlake Carroll Senior High School, plays lacrosse for GRIT Dallas and Southlake. Sclafani has been playing lacrosse for ten years. She is an attacker who has sensational dodging skills, footwork, stick skills and speed.

All of these elements led to her noteworthy goal during the Steps 2022 vs GRIT Dallas game. Let's take a look at that highlight: Sclafani starts off at X, which is behind the net, and receives the ball from her teammate. She remains vigilant of any cutters or any open players so she can proceed to pass the ball, but she soon realizes that she has the perfect opportunity to score a goal. Sclafani initiates a couple of jab & stutter steps in order to confuse her defender. Because of these movements, her defender leaves just enough space for Katelyn to execute a perfect roll around the crease into a question mark dodge and score with just one minute left in the first half. Not only does this yield a goal but it showcases the level of perfection Katelyn's skills have reached.

As any student-athlete knows, sports become a huge part of an athlete's life. For Katelyn, it has taught her so many life lessons and the importance of working hard.

"Lacrosse has taught me the importance of loyalty and standing up for what you believe in. Through lacrosse I have discovered the importance of having a family-focused culture and always supporting my teammates. Lacrosse has also taught me to never ever take anything for granted because you never know what could happen," said Sclafani.

Through any sport we always like to find a way to influence, in a positive way, the younger generation and we like to become a role model for them. The next group of lacrosse players will make a big impact in the lacrosse world, just as Katelyn has done and will continue to do so. When asked what piece of advice Sclafani would give a younger lacrosse player, she said:

"One piece of advice I would give a younger lacrosse player would be to have fun. Enjoy every moment you get to spend on the lacrosse field and create strong friendships with your teammates because those are the people that will support you the most."

Sclafani has recently committed to play D1 lacrosse at East Carolina University in North Carolina as a Junior.

VYPE-U wishes her all the success in the world.