This story initially appeared on Behind the Whistle, the official blog of the IWLCA, and is being republished with permission from the organization. Jacy Sterritt is the assistant coach at Lycoming College.

March 11, 2020 … I unknowingly played my last game as a Tampa Spartan.

At the time, COVID was a small thought in the back of our minds, and no one knew how serious and uprooting it would become. While sitting in the team locker room before our game, we received an email telling students that our classes would be going remote. In that moment, we all knew what that email really meant, even though we did not want to admit that reality to ourselves.

For the seniors, it was an abrupt end to our collegiate lacrosse careers, with a win one day and one final practice filled with lots of fun games and bittersweet tears the next. It was a whirlwind of emotion while I walked out of Naimoli Stadium for that last time as a college lacrosse player. I was sad, frustrated and very much in denial. In the weeks to come, we all dispersed and went home to finish out our school years virtually. We finally graduated by watching our names scroll by on our TV screens.

Now the big question for me was, “Well, now what?”

I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life or what career path I wanted to pursue. The job market was at a low because of the pandemic, and options were very limited, especially for a new college graduate. I ended up accepting a position in sales and quickly learned it was NOT for me. I felt very lost and did not know where to turn.

It became clear to me that getting into coaching college lacrosse was a job I knew I would enjoy and thrive at, as I come from a lacrosse family. My mom, Jen Foresta, was a two-time national champion at Ursinus College, coached for 25 years at my high school and now is a referee. I have been surrounded by lacrosse my entire life and started playing when I was in third grade. I have been coaching club for four years and always look forward to the summer season.

Having my senior season stripped from me for uncontrollable reasons made me realize I was not done being involved in this game at the college level. I knew I wanted to give back to all the talented young women playing the game now.

In the midst of 2020, I was fortunate enough to find a coaching home at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. As a coach, I want to take all of the valuable lessons I have learned from my teammates and coaches and pass them onto my players to make them a better team and resilient young women. The series of unfortunate events I endured as a senior student-athlete in the spring of 2020 led me to find what I am passionate about: Coaching.

I would like to thank Lycoming’s head coach, Sarah Quigley, for taking a chance on me and allowing me to be a part of the Lyco lacrosse family. I also want to thank my Tampa coach, Kelly Gallagher, for the amazing four years I had at Tampa and for giving me guidance and support to navigating my way into the coaching world.

I would also not be where I am today without my mom, Jen Foresta, and my other “lacrosse mom,” Maureen Burger, Director of Dynamite Lacrosse and a Ursinus lacrosse graduate.

Lastly, to all the amazing young women playing college lacrosse, do not take this sport and your four years for granted. I truly did not know how thankful I was for the opportunity to play the sport I love until it was gone. Enjoy it! 2020 was difficult for so many.

I can confidently say that the 2020 senior athletes are a group of gritty and hardworking individuals who rise above in the face of adversity. I am very excited to see what we all accomplish in the future.