February 2nd is National Women and Girls in Sports Day and MacaroniKID Fort Mill was lucky enough to score some time with Colby Dugdale, a member of the Women's Lacrosse team at Queens University of Charlotte. She shared with us some of her passion and how sports have made her who she is today.
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FMMK: How long have you been playing lacrosse, Colby?
Colby Dugdale: I have been playing Women’s lacrosse for fifteen years now. I have played on many levels starting with rec league then playing travel lacrosse, then High school varsity for all four years, and currently I am lucky enough to be playing on one of the top Division 2 teams in the nation. Last year (2021) we competed for a National Championship and sadly fell short by two goals, but we are ready for this year!
FMMK: What's it like being a female athlete - what have you gained?
Dugdale: Being a female athlete has given me a sense of self-discipline. I've learned to hold myself accountable for my workouts and show up to practice on time. This has also translated to everyday life - I show up. I work hard. I do it for myself and for those around me.
FMMK: Is there anything that's been a particular struggle for you?
Dugdale: The biggest struggle for me (and many of my teammates) is the constant feeling that I have to prove myself: prove that I belong on the team and prove myself to my doubters. This is something I think women feel slightly more than men. These thoughts challenge me and also continue to make me a stronger player and better person, overall.
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FMMK: What can parents do to help young athletes prepare for a lifetime of sports?
Dugdale: Parents can encourage their girls to play sports by just supporting them in every way possible. I found the most joy in playing sports because of the constant support from my dad and family. The joy it brought to me after finishing a race or a game and going over to see my dad and to see him smiling from ear to ear, win or lose, he always tells me “I just love watching you do what you love”. That is also a key factor to any girl playing sports if you don’t love the sport try new things, find what you love and just run with It. I played many sports before I chose just one, I swam, dove, competitively jump roped, ran track, did acrobatics, played soccer, until I found lacrosse and just continued to love the sport and everything about it.
FMMK: Talk to me about coaches - they play such an important role. What have you experieced?
Dugdale: Coaches play a huge part in your sport. If you don’t like your coach, you likely will end up losing your love for your sport. I have been blessed to have an amazing group of coaches. I still speak to my High School coach on a regular basis and look to her as a mentor. My current coach is so passionate about the sport it's contagious and just makes you want to come out to practice every day.
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FMMK: Any words of wisdom for parents?
Dugdale: If you feel that you are kind of forcing your child to go to practice when they don’t want to and it’s a regular thing maybe its time to try out something new. If they don't love practice, they won't love the rewarding moments that come out of those long hard practices. Throughout it all, passion and goals are incredibly important - whether it's your sport or your classes or your job. I always wanted to play lacrosse at the collegiate level. When you set your mind to something there Is nothing you cant do and Iit's so rewarding when you have the opportunity to achieve those goals.
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Colby Dugdale is a 21-year-old Junior at Queens College. She was born in Raleigh and grew up in Davidson, where she graduated from Hough High School. When not playing lacrosse, she loves to hang out with friends and bake. Last year, in fact, she started her own cookie business. You can also catch her working out sometimes at Burn Bootcamp Southpark and, unless she's getting serious during a game, with a smile on her face.
