BY CAROLINE REYNOLDS, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD- Destiny Black is a sophomore at Blythewood High School and 2016 was her year in the spotlight.
As the end of the swim season was rapidly approaching, Black decided she wanted to play lacrosse. Little did she know, she would be making the varsity team in her first season.
Freshman Kylie Turner also swims for Blythewood and was on the team with Black this year.
“She’s a great team player, always makes everything a little easier,” Turner said.
Black decided to play lacrosse in the spring so she could stay in shape for swim, but later realized she loved lacrosse just as much as swimming.
Rashiekqua Thompson, also a sophomore at BHS, should be credited for getting Black into lacrosse.
“Honestly, she convinced me to do it with her. At first I was apprehensive, considering I had never played before, but after the first practice I knew it was going to be a great sport and season for me,” Black said.
Black and Thompson both agree that joining the lacrosse team was a great choice and will definitely be playing next year.
The two girls even say that lacrosse has made their friendship better and will continue to do so.
“Lacrosse has definitely affected our friendship in a positive way. It has brought us even closer together,” Thompson said.
Staying in shape is not the only improvement in her life do to playing lacrosse.
“Playing has really improved my grades. This is the first time i’ve made honor roll.” Thompson said.
Richland 2 requires a 3.0 GPA if someone would like to play sports..
Although being on a varsity team can be a lot of work and can be difficult, it also motivates Thompson.
“It encourages me to work hard to get everything turned in on time and get good grades,” Thompson said.
Although Black loves being on varsity, some struggles come with it.
“The worst struggle I had was actually moving up to varsity. I had already started bonding with the girls on the JV team and it was hard to be separated from them during the season,” Black said.
Black also loved meeting Coach Lisa Grazioli, who is also Blythewood High’s Resource Officer.
“One of the best parts of the season was creating a bond with coach as well as seeing how much improvement I’ve had in a short span of time,” Black said.
Black’s love for her teammates is always radiating and many of the girls love her for it.
“Destiny is always in a good mood and can make the whole team smile. It has been awesome having her on the team,” freshman Renee Mayo said.
Black loves each and every girl on the team and is always someone they can come to with any troubles in their lives.
“She is always talking about how much she loves everyone on the lacrosse team,” Thompson said.
Not only does Black play a spring and fall sport, but she also plays cello in Blythewood’s Chamber Orchestra and likes to play piano.
“Destiny is a wonderful student and I love teaching her,” Orchestra teacher, Chris Corde said.
Although it was Black’s first year playing lacrosse for BHS, it sure has been a year of great improvements and happiness for her.
