This story initially appeared on Behind the Whistle, the official blog of the IWLCA, and is being republished with permission from the organization. Garlyn Henderson graduated from Tampa in 2019.

During the first week of January, I attended the first ever BIPOC Coaching Symposium (virtually, thanks to COVID-19). I was surrounded by members of the lacrosse community who looked like me, had similar stories to mine and/or all had the same dreams/aspirations to continue being an active member in the lacrosse world.

The experience was definitely a first for me. I always knew there were more players that looked like me, and I would see a couple at summer tournaments growing up, but this was the first time I was fully surrounded in one “room.” And it felt amazing!

The main agenda of the symposium was to encourage BIPOC players, both current and former, to enter the world of college coaching. For me, the agenda was met and surpassed. I left the last networking session ready to apply to each and every college coaching position open (thankfully, I resisted and gave myself 48 hours to collect my thoughts and feelings about the experience).

I finished the symposium knowing that every single one of the presenters, facilitators and hosts were fully supportive of me, and all the other participants, in joining the college coaching world. The repetition of motivating words never grew tiresome, but rather reassured me that my imagined dream of being an assistant college coach could be more realistic with some true effort and discipline.

I was listening and learning from coaches, both former and current, that have true knowledge and insight into this lifestyle. (College coaching is more than a profession, it’s a lifestyle, for those of you who don’t already know.) I was reminded about all of the duties of a college coaching staff, from practice, to recruiting, to buying enough bagels and fruit snacks for an away game bus ride. But there is so much more to coaching that I had never even thought about, and that is what impacted me so much — learning the unknown.

I learned that college coaching, and coaching in general, is just as much about the team’s statistical success and growth, as it is about the success and growth of each individual as a part of the team. And this newly acquired knowledge came with self-projects. In simple terms, I left the symposium with ... homework!

Long-term project homework. Homework that requires uninterrupted time, full focus and self-honesty. Homework that, in a college course, is assigned at the very beginning of the semester and not due until the very end, so you have enough time to put forth all effort. Homework like developing a coaching philosophy. But homework I was, and am, actually motivated to complete because I know its true purpose. (I have started all of the projects; none are fully completed, but I am making progress!)

So, I gained motivation. I gained knowledge. But lastly, and most importantly, I gained role models. I can easily recall all the lacrosse role models I have had over my 15-year playing career. They spanned from older teammates to collegiate players (now former). I have had 15, ironically. Out of those 15, only four were players of color.

This symposium has now increased both numbers. The increase of Black lacrosse role models was something I honestly never expected to happen this late in my lacrosse life, but something I have graciously and full-heartedly accepted. I looked and listened to these women and men talk about their experiences in the lacrosse coaching world, and I was able to relate to parts of their stories. I remember other players making comments about my “biological” speed. Or finding that all the club teams in the surrounding area required an expensive commitment. Or growing up as “that Black girl” on each and every team.

And then I look at these women now. Entrusted by hundreds to lead their own team of players to success. To a Black girl in the lacrosse world, you cannot call that anything else but a shining example of success. A success I now want. A success I am going to get.

So, to say again: the coaching symposium’s agenda was met and surpassed. I want to thank the IWLCA for not only seeing and acknowledging the need but creating a space for players of color to come together. I am beyond thankful to have been one of the inaugural symposium participants and am excited to see where and how all this newly acquired motivation, knowledge and role models take me, and my fellow participants.