Bobbi Jo Evers, staff writer

Exceptional. The Augsburg women’s lacrosse team has some players on their 2023 roster who fit that word. They are being recognized by the school and the Midwest Women’s Lacrosse Conference for their noteworthy contributions to the team. 

Sophomore Mackenzie Galazen has been nominated for the Women’s Rookie of the Year Auggie Award for her performance in the 2022 season, and first year Jade Wilson has been named MWLC Offensive Player of the Week. Galazen wrote that she “feels honored and very thankful for being nominated for Rookie of the Year. Even more exciting, our team can be represented at this year’s Auggie awards.”

I took the opportunity to write to these players and get some insight on what drives them. Wilson wrote, “I am motivated by my strive to keep on improving. It’s really motivating and satisfying to watch our whole team grow and that makes me want to keep pushing even more.” 

So far in 2023, the team has had a losing record, but that doesn’t keep these girls from pushing themselves and working as a team. Galazen offered some thoughts on the closeness she feels with her teammates, writing, “What made my 2022 season memorable was my teammates. We were genuinely all friends and so close. With their encouragement, support, and jokes, they are a huge part of this award for me. They helped turn me into the player I am today, and I am forever grateful for them.” 

I was curious what their thoughts were on the ongoing season and how they are improving throughout, to which Wilson wrote, “I realized that I am pushing myself more and more everyday to keep up my energy and evolve my lacrosse skills. I have a completely different mindset than what I came in with.” Looking forward to the rest of the season, Galazen wrote, “With our season’s motto, RISE, we are continuing to build our team and come back from last year. My hope for the remainder of the season is to work hard, put in 100% of what I have, and make it to the playoffs.” It’s so great to see athletes that have self and team success, as the ones that have both always emphasize the importance of their connection with their teams. 

Both Wilson and Galazen contributed to the Auggies’ 16-9 win over Wartburg College on Wednesday, April 12. Wilson broke the school record for the most goals scored in one game with a total of nine goals. Her nine goals broke the old school record of seven, that she had tied earlier this season. Her nine points tied the single-game school record, set in 2019 in games by Mikayla Jones and Mikayla Knudson. 

Also at the game against Wartburg, first year Eleanor Flynn scored two goals, senior Rylan Lee added a goal and two assists, senior Alexa Martin scored a goal, and Galazen scored a goal.

For information about these athletes and the season so far, please check out their page on the Augsburg Athletics website.