By Kaci Benoit
What does it truly mean to embrace the grind? Being a member of the Syracuse University women’s lacrosse team is more than just playing a sport – it’s about upholding a legacy. Here, lacrosse isn’t just a game; it’s a culture, a community, and a tradition that the city rallies behind every week. Wearing the Syracuse jersey means stepping into a lineage of remarkable athletes and teammates, and every day, I feel immense gratitude for this opportunity.
Early Lessons and the Turning Point
When I first picked up a lacrosse stick, I was drawn in by the thrill of scoring, the camaraderie of tournaments, and, admittedly, the cool gear. Hard work was second nature, instilled in me by my parents from a young age. But true commitment – what it really meant to grind- didn’t fully click until the world changed with COVID.
Suddenly, as a high school freshman, my world shrank: no games, no practices, no teammates, and no clear timeline. With all external pressure gone, I was left alone with my stick, my goals, and a lot of uncertainty. Instead of seeing this as a setback, I saw an opportunity. This was my moment to decide: would I embrace the grind and chase my dreams, or let them slip away?
The Quiet Work
During that time, my work ethic shifted from proving myself to others to holding myself accountable. I practiced in my backyard, tracked my progress in chalk on the driveway, sprinted down my street, and lifted weights in my basement, even when I was tired or sore. I learned that consistency isn’t loud. It’s quiet, repetitive, and sometimes lonely. But it’s in those moments – when no one is watching – that real growth happens.
Growth Through Change
Looking back, every stage of my lacrosse journey demanded something new. As a kid, it was about learning skills and falling in love with the game. I high school, it became about competition and striving for the next level. Through every transition - new teams, new schools, new friends – my parents were my constant, pushing me, supporting me, and teaching me the true meaning of grit and faith.
What I didn’t realize then, but know now, is that growth doesn’t come in leaps. It’s built through small, uncomfortable adjustments, through being open to coaching, and through trusting that effort compounds even when progress feels invisible. That’s what embracing the grind means to me.
Leadership and Legacy
Now, as a captain, my perspective has shifted again. Success isn’t just about my own performance; it’s about the standards I set and the example I provide. Leadership isn’t about speeches – it’s about showing up, caring about the details, and modeling the culture I want for my team. It’s in how you warm up, how you treat teammates, and how you respond to setbacks. It’s about working hard when no one is keeping score.
Advice to My Younger Self
If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say: Don’t rush to become who you are meant to be. Trust the process, especially when it feels slow. Motivation fades, but discipline endures. Embrace change, new roles, and new challenges – every moment is preparing you for something bigger, even if you can’t see it yet.
Confidence isn’t innate; it’s built through repetition, failure, and the courage to show up after a tough day. The only race that matters is against who you were yesterday. Leadership starts long before you earn the title.
Most importantly, remember: the moments no one applauds – the extra rep, the extra sprint, the extra chin up – are the ones that shape you. They carry you through adversity and turn potential into reality.
The Honest Grind
The grind isn’t glamorous, but it’s honest. If you embrace it early and stay open to growth at every stage, it will quietly take you further than you ever imagined.