Problem Solving

Over the course of my lacrosse career I faced many challenges on and off the field. Each  challenge gave me an opportunity to learn more about myself and gained an understanding that  problem solving had to be practiced to be effective.

On the field I learned to adapt and solve problems quickly under pressure during a game. My position as a face off specialist in lacrosse is unique, and the role requires split second decisions. During games, problem solving involved quick analysis of my opponents speed and skill and potentially finding a counter move if they were more effective than I was. In my mind it was like a high speed game of chess, and I would have to do this multiple times per game to be able to minimize the opponent or problem that I had to go against.

Problem solving strategies for a lacrosse game are not only on the field but in the locker room too. By studying each opponent’s previous performance and game plan through film, and with my own self-evaluation I used problem solving techniques to plan for multiple scenarios.

Being a part of a team has its own challenges. Teams require problem solving solutions for travel and logistics, to move players and equipment to each game.  I was assigned as the team leader for food coordination for the entire season and used my know-how to place each order, and verify that it was within the team nutritional requirements. On game days I had to  make sure there was enough for all players, coaches, and trainers, and that it was delivered on time, to each location and was within the teams food budget.