Kent State of Mind: Allie Lee - Giving Back
10/2/2024 8:21:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
I grew up in San Diego, California.
And when I told my friends I was going to start playing lacrosse, they looked at me like I was speaking another language.
And in a way, I was.
California isn’t exactly known as a hotbed for women’s lacrosse.
I’d never even seen a game before I started playing in third grade.
But I was willing to give it a shot, and soon, lacrosse became my sport.
I loved the physicality and the speed of the game, and I also enjoyed the tight-knit lacrosse community.
So, in high school, I decided to put all my energy towards the sport.
It was a decision that would change my life.
In my grandparents’ footsteps
I always played sports and had the full support of my parents.
But I was especially motivated to excel in lacrosse because I was a minority in the sport.
My grandparents immigrated from Korea when my dad was five, and I felt like I could honor their struggle and sacrifice.
I wanted to be a role model for Asian-American girls and show them that they can compete at the highest level of collegiate sports.
My grandparents faced many challenges when they moved to the United States, and I wanted to use their experience as motivation to keep pushing myself to be the best lacrosse player and person I could be.
And I also wanted to use my platform to advocate for opportunities for all people, regardless of their background.
I was blessed with the opportunity to be a student-athlete, and I believe everyone should have access to the same opportunities.
That’s why I’m so passionate about my major in human development and family science.
I want to work with low-income families and help their children get into college or pursue their dreams in sports.
I want to be an advocate and a resource for those who may not have anyone else in their corner.
My grandparents had to rely on each other to build a better life in a new country, and I want to be that support system for others.
A new world
Kent State is a long way from San Diego.
When I first visited Ohio, I had never even seen snow before.
But the adjustment to the Midwest wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be.
I was fortunate to have a great support system in my teammates and coaches, and they helped make the transition a smooth one.
I was also able to lean on my teammates when I was dealing with injuries.
I’ve had to sit out for extended periods in each of my years at Kent State, and I can’t begin to tell you how difficult that has been for me.
It’s not just the physical pain, but also the mental anguish of not being able to help my team.
But I’ve learned to look at my injuries in a different light.
I’ve learned to appreciate every opportunity I have to step onto the field and play the sport I love.
I’ve also learned to take better care of my body and to have a positive attitude, no matter the situation.
And I try to bring that same positive attitude to my team each and every day.
I know how difficult it can be to get up and face the day sometimes, but I also know how some smiles and kind gestures can change your outlook on life.
I try to live my life with that same positive vibe, and I believe it’s made a big difference.
Doing more
When I was asked to join the Gender Equity Committee here at Kent State, I was a little nervous but also extremely excited.
I had never been a part of something like that before, and I was eager to get started.
I was also a little surprised to find out that I was the only student-athlete on the committee.
I was sitting in a room with the university’s President, Athletic Director, and various professors and head coaches.
I felt a little out of place at first, but I also felt an overwhelming sense of pride and responsibility.
I was honored to be a part of this committee, and I was determined to help in any way I can.
We’ve been comparing data from previous years to this year in terms of athletic facilities, gear, and travel to make sure everything is equitable between all the women’s and men’s sports.
It’s been a real eye-opening experience for me.
I’ve learned so much about the inner workings of the athletic department, and I have a much better understanding of all the unseen work that goes into running a successful athletic program.
I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to Pittsburgh to meet with student-athletes from the University of Pittsburgh and exchange ideas about how we can improve the athletic experience for all student-athletes.
It was awesome to connect with other student-athletes from around the country.
I’ve had so many amazing experiences at Kent State, both on and off the field, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to give back to the university that has given me so much.
It means a lot to me to represent my family, my culture, and my community and to be a voice for those who may not have a seat at the table.
I know how fortunate I am to be where I am today, and I want to be a positive advocate for change and make the world a better place for those who come after me.
That’s what I love most about my time at Kent State – the opportunity to learn and grow and make a difference.
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