Jaworavich looks up to her upper-year peers, who greatly influence a student-athlete’s life. “Inspiring them to follow in their footsteps so they can leave the program in good hands.”
Coaches also play an important role in making the transition to college athletics easier. “My coaches help and support my development by getting to know who I am off the field,” she said. “And they actively meet and engage with me to understand me. Then, when we get on the field, they know how I learn constructively and provide feedback from a genuine place.” As Jaworavich points out, it’s important to always feel like you have someone to lean on when things get hard.
Why lacrosse? Jaworavich has always had a passion and love for lacrosse. Her inspiration to play here at Hartwick came from visits with her team and coach. “I was inspired by my current teammates and captain,” she said. “But, I was also inspired by my coach because she would constantly check in with me over the summer and it made me feel very supported.”
Her family has also supported her in any way, shape or form. “My family supports me by attending as many events as they can,” she said. “They also keep in touch and ask me about my experiences.”
And the biggest surprise about being a student-athlete? “How manageable it was! The key is time management, which, according to Jaworavich, is a crucial part of being a collegiate athlete. Hartwick’s small campus allows them to shine in their academics and sports. Her advice to anyone pursuing Hartwick or athletics at a higher level after high school is this: “Do it! It’s worth it. You will always feel so much better for yourself after getting stuff done. Whether it is practice or school work.”
Spotlight by Brianna Liebro ’25
