Behind the Whistle: A Mission Abroad

This story initially appeared on Behind the Whistle, the official blog of the IWLCA, and is being republished with permission from the organization. Kayla Ifásanmí Àdìgún Manani Rose is a rising senior on the Howard University women's lacrosse team.

I am Kayla Ifásanmí Àdìgún Manani Rose, a rising senior Psychology major and Biology minor hailing from Uniondale in Long Island, New York. When I was in the seventh grade, I picked up an STX stick (the kind that came with the goggles and matching bag) for the first time, and I haven’t looked back since. I like to think that this article is not only an ode to lacrosse — the game we all adore — but also a thank you to my past self for never giving up on what I knew I could achieve.

In May 2020, I graduated from Long Island Lutheran High School and made history by being the first Female Scholar-Athlete to further both my education and athletic career by playing lacrosse at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). That HBCU in question is no other than Howard University, the mecca of Black knowledge. Upon my arrival at Howard University, I was taught the root of importance to a game I thought I knew so well.

Coach Karen Healy-Silcott made it one of her first missions to teach us about lacrosse, or “The Medicine Game,” created by the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. I pay homage to them and their ancestors, as I have been able to have success and joy in this sport.

Along with my collegiate career as a student-athlete, Howard brought me closer to my roots in academia as well, offering a surplus of African languages I would be able to learn, and eventually master! Eager to do so, I started learning Yoruba in the fall semester of my freshman year. Confused but not deterred, I found myself in Yoruba 4 by my junior year. With faith and plenty of prayers, I applied to the Fullbright-Hays Intensive Advanced Yoruba Group Project Abroad, to study at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria. My prayers were answered when I got my acceptance letter in March 2023!

In April 2023, I succumbed to my first in-game injury playing the game that I love. Although I was eager to get back in the game that same day, I was later diagnosed with an end-of-the-season injury. The calls I made back home that April were probably the most I’ve made in my whole collegiate career. Every single day seemed to get harder; and although it was spring, my days seemed dull. As I began rehab, I would often wish I was somewhere else. I’d dreamt of Africa before, but until I got here, it just seemed like a faraway dream. It wasn’t until June 2023 that this dream came to fruition.

When I finally got to Yorubaland, I was convinced I didn’t know Yoruba at all! Everything was different; accents were heavier, and culture shock almost sent me back home. It was in those moments that I am most grateful for mentors and family who remind me of my own strength. I realized I didn’t only come this far and that my mission was only beginning! I am a vessel for those who might not have the opportunity that I do, and that means being able to take advantage of everything put in front of me. Being grateful for the thunder, just as much as the sunshine. 

Nigeria welcomed us all with open arms. We were given Nigerian names, host families and educational materials to help guide us during our eight-week journey. Thus far, I have been able to travel to historically renowned cities — just to name a few: Ibadan, Ile-Ife, Lagos, Abeokuta and many more to come! Being able to see the world and speak the mother tongue has opened doors to conversations I never thought I would be having.

While I find creative ways to continue my rehabilitation process in Africa, I am reminded, by one of many Yoruba Proverbs, “Onísùúrù ní i fún wàrà kìnnìhún,” meaning, “It’s the patient person that milks the lioness.”

So, I am determined to stay the course; to stay MY course. I am still young, but old enough to know that if you do truly want something, you must go through every emotion to be able to get it. Patience will see me through. Patience has led me to Nigeria. Being here has helped me appreciate every part of the game, especially those that take place off the field. The wisdom I collect in Nigeria will help me bring back even more purpose to this game, and further fuel the fire of the champion inside of me.  #4ROSES #444