|
Robbie Berardi
Indianapolis
Men's Lacrosse
Sr., Strongsville, Ohio
Major: Physics and Biomedical Engineering
This whole situation has put life into a whirlwind. I went into this season knowing it was my last year of competitive sports, and I rehabbed from an injury from last season so that I could help get my team to a National Championship. We tasted what it was like to make a Final Four last year, but we knew what it would take to make it to Championship weekend in Philadelphia. Our whole motto this off season was “Road to Philly.”
We embraced the grind that is fall ball, and new faces brought tenacity and toughness that made everyone feel like we were the best team, not just in the GLVC, but in the country. It just sucks we did not have a chance to prove we really were. Being one of the “old guys” on the team, I had to fight my body to get to places it didn’t want to be. But these young guys just made it all worth it. The skill and work ethic just made showing up to practice every day fun.
I feel for my parents and my sister (our team photographer) the most during this, because in five years, including a redshirt for injury, they did not miss a single game. Thousands of miles traveled, over a hundred nights in a hotel room, just to see me and the boys play. I know I appreciate it now, but I am sure I don’t really grasp the sacrifices they’ve made over my career. I can’t thank them enough for feeding us, loving us, and supporting us through everything that building a new program brings.
I chose UIndy because I knew we could build something special. We proved that true, but just missing out on my last season after five games really leaves a bitter taste. I know this program is a dynasty, and will only continue to show the country what Greyhound Lacrosse truly is!
Just wish I could be in the uniform one last night, and not in the bleachers.
Are you a student-athlete, coach, administrator or a part of the athletics support staff on campus, and want to share your story during these challenging times? We are Somone To Listen. CLICK HERE to submit your story today. We would love to hear from all of you!