Princeton University Athletics
Photo by: Beverly Schaefer
From The Locker Room To The "Locker Zoom" With Women's Lacrosse
May 07, 2020 | Women's Lacrosse
Socially distant… Always connected.
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That might be the lasting legacy of the 2020 Princeton Women's Lacrosse team as the Tigers have found multiple ways to carry on the tight-knit bonds that foster the continuous success that head coach Chris Sailer and her team achieve year after year despite the abrupt end to the 2020 season due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Tigers have spread across the country, returning to 10 different states as well as D.C., but are connecting together as a team numerous times on a weekly basis.
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"Our program is only as good as the team bond we build each year," said Sailer. "That closeness we share over the course of a season is something that is passed on from team to team because it is something we all believe in and cherish. Things are not 'normal' this season, but we are fortunate to have 29 players, a dedicated group of coaches, and a passionate base of alumni who have chosen to navigate these times together – just like we would tackle any challenge put in front of us."
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Rather than the team room at Class of 1952 Stadium or a bus ride together to Hanover, the connections that will live on for the 2020 Princeton Tigers are formed virtually.
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Whether it is full-team Zoom meetings, 1-on-1 FaceTime calls with coaches, team "Game Nights" or a full-scale Class of 2020 celebration, the Tigers are connecting multiple times a week.
"We've made sure to find a variety of ways to stay in touch," said Sailer. "There are times we're meeting with a specific goal in regards to preparation for next season, and there are times there is no agenda at all and it's just the usual wide-ranging banter that we enjoy when we're all together in person. We're trying to find as much normalcy as possible, and I think it's appreciated by everyone in our program."
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In addition to virtual meet-ups, the team has created a private Instagram account for members of the team and coaching staff to share moments of happiness and inspiration. It's evolving in an online database of the emotional journey the team is on together this season.
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"It has been a real source of joy for us all," Sailer said about the social media push. "We all feed of each other's emotions and being able to scroll through the submissions from everyone and see where they're at in a specific moment and send along a note of appreciation and support is important."
The players are also enjoying the opportunity to share with each other despite the difference.
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"Although everything was kind of cut short, we've remained in steady contact and been there to support each other," said tri-captain Katie Reilly. "It's the little moments that have mattered the most to us, finding ways to share photos and videos with each other. It's not just about lacrosse, we're sharing the parts of our day that make us laugh, think, cry and smile – just like we do when we're all together in the same locker room."
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The bonds are not only being formed between the current group of Tigers. On a regular basis, Sailer is welcoming in members of the vast base of alumni who have played for her during her 34 seasons as head coach. In April, alumni joined one of the full-team Zoom calls and the floodgates of stories opened.
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"This was a huge hit," said Sailer. "Our Princeton Women's Lacrosse Family is so supportive of each other. We always see that at games with our passionate crowd, but I know both the players and alumni cherished the opportunity for some story-telling and connection."
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In addition to another similar Zoom call scheduled for next month, the alumni are staying involved as part of a mentoring group where players will be paired up with alumni who are currently working in a field the player hopes to enter upon graduation.
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"We are all part of the tradition of women's lacrosse at Princeton," said Sailer. "Whether you were on one of the first varsity teams or will graduate this May, you proudly represented the Orange and Black and have a shared experience that is unrivaled. Any time we can all come together and celebrate that shared bond is special."
Â
That might be the lasting legacy of the 2020 Princeton Women's Lacrosse team as the Tigers have found multiple ways to carry on the tight-knit bonds that foster the continuous success that head coach Chris Sailer and her team achieve year after year despite the abrupt end to the 2020 season due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Â
The Tigers have spread across the country, returning to 10 different states as well as D.C., but are connecting together as a team numerous times on a weekly basis.
Â
"Our program is only as good as the team bond we build each year," said Sailer. "That closeness we share over the course of a season is something that is passed on from team to team because it is something we all believe in and cherish. Things are not 'normal' this season, but we are fortunate to have 29 players, a dedicated group of coaches, and a passionate base of alumni who have chosen to navigate these times together – just like we would tackle any challenge put in front of us."
Â
Rather than the team room at Class of 1952 Stadium or a bus ride together to Hanover, the connections that will live on for the 2020 Princeton Tigers are formed virtually.
Â
Whether it is full-team Zoom meetings, 1-on-1 FaceTime calls with coaches, team "Game Nights" or a full-scale Class of 2020 celebration, the Tigers are connecting multiple times a week.
Â
"We've made sure to find a variety of ways to stay in touch," said Sailer. "There are times we're meeting with a specific goal in regards to preparation for next season, and there are times there is no agenda at all and it's just the usual wide-ranging banter that we enjoy when we're all together in person. We're trying to find as much normalcy as possible, and I think it's appreciated by everyone in our program."
Â
In addition to virtual meet-ups, the team has created a private Instagram account for members of the team and coaching staff to share moments of happiness and inspiration. It's evolving in an online database of the emotional journey the team is on together this season.
Â
"It has been a real source of joy for us all," Sailer said about the social media push. "We all feed of each other's emotions and being able to scroll through the submissions from everyone and see where they're at in a specific moment and send along a note of appreciation and support is important."
Â
The players are also enjoying the opportunity to share with each other despite the difference.
Â
"Although everything was kind of cut short, we've remained in steady contact and been there to support each other," said tri-captain Katie Reilly. "It's the little moments that have mattered the most to us, finding ways to share photos and videos with each other. It's not just about lacrosse, we're sharing the parts of our day that make us laugh, think, cry and smile – just like we do when we're all together in the same locker room."
Â
The bonds are not only being formed between the current group of Tigers. On a regular basis, Sailer is welcoming in members of the vast base of alumni who have played for her during her 34 seasons as head coach. In April, alumni joined one of the full-team Zoom calls and the floodgates of stories opened.
Â
"This was a huge hit," said Sailer. "Our Princeton Women's Lacrosse Family is so supportive of each other. We always see that at games with our passionate crowd, but I know both the players and alumni cherished the opportunity for some story-telling and connection."
Â
In addition to another similar Zoom call scheduled for next month, the alumni are staying involved as part of a mentoring group where players will be paired up with alumni who are currently working in a field the player hopes to enter upon graduation.
Â
"We are all part of the tradition of women's lacrosse at Princeton," said Sailer. "Whether you were on one of the first varsity teams or will graduate this May, you proudly represented the Orange and Black and have a shared experience that is unrivaled. Any time we can all come together and celebrate that shared bond is special."
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Players Mentioned
A
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