This story initially appeared on Behind the Whistle, the official blog of the IWLCA, and is being republished with permission from the organization. Shana Hecht is a senior goalie at Temple University.

The Future Leaders of the Game: IWLCA Students of Color Leadership Academy was comprised of guest speakers, group discussions and presentations about diversity, teamwork and leadership over the first two weeks of the new year. The Academy was the first time I was in a lacrosse-based setting that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) were the majority. BIPOC women, who love the sport we play, came together to share our experiences as leaders and as lacrosse players.

That sentence in itself is empowering. The meetings over those two weeks were all with people who looked like me, who wanted to grow BIPOC representation in the game, who wanted to grow their leadership abilities and shared a similar feeling when it came to their sports teams. Some of us were one of a handful of BIPOC student-athletes in our university’s program, while others were the only ones. Every story shared, and every value or thought, reflected our experience as lacrosse players. My biggest takeaways were why I decided to join, how it felt being part of this learning experience and what I get to look forward to.

WHY I DECIDED TO JOIN

Growing up, I was the only Hispanic Jew in my friend group, the lacrosse team or in the classroom. I was not white enough to be considered white, but also too white for People of Color. With just one look, being “mixed” created assumptions about me, my interests, my personality, etc.

I got questions like, “Where are you really from?” or, “Are you really Jewish; you don’t look Jewish,” and even, “Are you adopted?”

It never felt isolating, but it was a weird way to interact with some people I barely knew. These questions made me hide my identity. Going into college, my identity as an athlete put me into a leadership role that made me more confident about my racial identity, something I was not as proud of when I was younger. This confidence grew when I transferred to Temple University. I felt more comfortable with who I was. I was not the only Person of Color on my team, and I had representation among my coaching staff. I wanted to meet more BIPOC lacrosse players and learn how they own their identities and how they lead their teams.

HOW IT FELT

Exciting. The college coaches that facilitated the Leadership Academy were eager to meet, speak and share their experiences with us.

I remember how excited they were to meet us all and excited for us to continue building our values and strengths as leaders. Meeting coaches and players from every level of the NCAA and NAIA was a great way to get to know the people, as well as get to know their stories as People of Color in the lacrosse world.

In one meeting, my group discussion focused on how it felt when our successes or job positions were attributed to a “diversity quota.” I was told being recruited for Division I Lacrosse “must have been easy” because I am multiracial. I have been complimented for getting jobs, awards, etc., with the connotation that my racial identity was the only reason I earned them. Some people said they shrugged it off, others internalized their frustration and some people addressed their concerns. Words like uncomfortable, frustrated, angry, confused, were always used when talking about experiences we had.

I will never forget one person saying, “It feels like I am overlooked for the wrong reason.” These are situations that would cause a leader to shut down or decline.

WHAT I LEAVE WITH

The IWLCA Leadership Academy gave me more perspective and tools to bring with me as a member of the BIPOC community and as a leader. Tools I can share with my teammates and in any other future setting where someone needs to step up.

As a Person of Color, I have found new friends and new people to reach out to if I ever feel alone in this sport. Leaving the Academy, I feel like I have definitely owned my identity in a way I never have before. Not only am I a Hispanic Jew, but I am also a daughter, a friend, a student and an athlete. It makes me optimistic about what comes next for this sport and in other organizations for the BIPOC community.

Just look at the power Lin Manuel Miranda had with “Hamilton,” retelling the American story of the founding fathers, with the people of the “New America.” Watching TV shows and movies, I am seeing more faces that look like mine, who look like my grandmother. This all makes me look forward to when I hang up my cleats, knowing I will see more girls who look like me taking my place on the field.