Junior Anderson Strange commits to West Point military academy to play D1 lacrosse and further her academic career.

Like most things worth having, junior Anderson Strange’s appointment to West Point military academy did not come easily. Grueling games, countless calls, and endless interviews with coaches and colleges were all a part of her commitment process. Despite all of the ups and downs, the results were worth it. Playing for both the Potomac Falls varsity team in the spring and Pride Lacrosse year around, Strange keeps busy being the goalie in the game. Strange has known since middle school that she has wanted to play collegiate lacrosse.

Strange explains that in order to even be considered to play a college sport, you have to have a skill that stands out or find the one thing that you are good at. “It is all about being different from everyone else and showing that the talents you have are better than those around you,” said Strange.

The recruiting process has not been easy for Strange as COVID is still a determining factor for tournaments and games. “It was especially difficult this year with COVID; everything got delayed with the class above mine, the 2022s, which delayed my class, the 2023s, on getting recruited,” Strange added.

Through the commitment process, many athletes lose their love and drive for their sport because of how stressful the process is, but for Strange, this was not the case. Strange has kept her love for lacrosse since the fourth grade when she started playing for recreational league, Algonkian Tribe. 

Strange discovered that West Point was interested in her after a lacrosse tournament in Dallas, TX during the weekend of Nov 19. After the game, she was contacted by the Army coach. “The decision [to commit] was so easy to make. I knew this is what I wanted. There definitely were many bumps and bruises along the way there, but in the end, I just thought back to why I decided I wanted to play lacrosse in college,” said Strange.

Strange is most excited about meeting new people and making friends at West Point. Of course, with new beginnings comes nervousness, too. “I am nervous about the rigor of the classes and being away from my family. I will miss everyone at home so much, but I know there are only good things ahead,” said Strange. 

Strange knows that she will balance school and sports through the help of her professors, coaches, and counselors at West Point. “Everyone is so supportive and more than willing to do anything it takes to see a Cadet succeed,” said Strange.

West Point requires their students to serve in the military for a minimum of five years after their schooling. Strange plans on deciding on whether or not she will continue with having a job in the military or having a civilian job after her service in the Army. 

Although Strange is committed to playing lacrosse at Army after her senior year, she has yet to send in her official college application. “I will be applying in February to make my admission into the academy official,” said Strange. This application will be a confirmation of her enrollment into West Point. 

“My family is beyond happy… over what I have accomplished, and the honor it is to play a D1 sport at the United States Military Academy… I am more than thankful and blessed to have the supportive, loving, encouraging family I have,” said Strange.