Although many athletes are used to the experience of sports in high school, the connection of Blue Valley schools coming together to play on one team is often overlooked.
Freshman Bella Hamo has not taken the usual route of making varsity as an upperclassman, let alone as an underclassman. Hamo played varsity lacrosse as an eighth grader. She has been playing lacrosse for the past two and a half years and plays on the Blue Valley Titans lacrosse team and the club team Mad Dog West Elite. The idea of signing up for lacrosse didn’t just come from Hamo herself.
“It was 10 at night, and my mom walked into my room and said she signed me up for the lacrosse team,” she said. “The next day I thought it was a dream.”
At the beginning of her lacrosse career, Hamo lacked confidence in her ability to make a top-level team.
“When the coach called me and told me I made varsity, I actually started crying,” she said. “I didn’t know what to say when she called because I was planning out what to say when she told me I didn’t make the team.”
Becoming a part of the Titans was nerve-racking but the help of a kind environment relieved Hamo’s worries.
“I love the community — it’s way different than anything I’ve ever been a part of,” she said. “I played a bunch of different sports, and with all the schools, the community is so positive and happy all the time.”
Even though she had a confident group of people to support her, Hamo was still nervous due to being the youngest and newest player joining the team.
“I went into it thinking, I’m not going to be the best on the team and that’s OK — I did not think I was going to be a starter,” she said. “I was thinking I’ll get better from this experience and I did. All of it was so shocking.”
Hamo enjoys her time on the Titans as she feels closely connected to each and every one of her teammates.
“Playing for Titans is less strict than club — it’s more like you’re playing for fun with your sisters,” she said. “We all have the same goals, but on a high school team, you’re playing with your family that holds a bunch of different skill levels.”
With more time spent on the field, Hamo has a strong bond to the game.
“After school I go out and play — of course I’m trying to get better, but I’m also having fun,” she said. “Playing with my brothers levels out my game even more.”
As a result of Hamo’s hard work and dedication, she has received many awards honoring her skill.
“I’m a two-time All American, I made varsity MVP as an eighth grader, and I made the All American West team my second year,” she said.
According to USA Lacrosse, an All-American is one of the best players within their respective area of the country while also embodying excellent sportsmanship.
Hamo is excited to continue playing lacrosse in the upcoming season.
“I’m looking forward to the same experiences as last year, like team dinners,” Hamo said. “The environment at the games is the best thing ever.”
