As the sun shined down on Scotty Wood Stadium, anyone in attendance for yesterday’s women’s lacrosse game witnessed a rare sight. Before the starting lineups were announced, my team and Widener forgot the name on the front of our jerseys and stood silently as one team, one unit, and one family. Surrounding the Mule emblem, my teammates, coaches and I held the hand of two Pride players in order to remember a tragedy that struck among the national lacrosse family.

I’m sure you know that I’m referring to the tragic accident that left the Seton Hill University women’s lacrosse team and community in despair. Coach Kristina Quigley died on Saturday after the bus swerved off the road en route to a matchup with Millersville University. Multiple players also sustained injuries.

A non-identified group created a Facebook page called Play 4 Seton Hill. This page is not only receiving national attention among fellow lacrosse players but also among all athletes, playing a variety of sports, at all levels. With the simple request to wear crimson and gold ribbon in their laces, sports teams have unified themselves in order to show support for the Lady Griffins and the Seton Hill University community.

Over the years, all athletes have been asked the same basic questions: “Why do you love the game so much?” “What is so great about being an athlete?” Whether you’re fighting through an injury or riding a low during your season, many athletes have asked themselves the same questions. Although there are an infinite amount of answers, there is one that is universal among all athletes: “I belong to a team. I belong to a family.”

To non-athletes that might sound cliché, but to anyone who has ever played a team sport, the response is as natural as breathing. The Seton Hill accident made me realize that being an athlete is not only belonging to the team you play for, but also belonging to “One Family” on a national scale.

Playing for the cure, volunteering with children, or in this case, playing in memoriam, are only a few examples of how athletes from the same sport come together as one family in order to show their support for the community. Playing for and honoring Seton Hill is no exception as lacrosse teams across the nation have united under the slogan, “OneLaxFamily.”  

Whether you’re an athlete planning to go pro or one praying that you will find a decent job after graduation, some of your most satisfying memories come from the little things you’ve participated in during your athletic career. Although the Seton Hill accident is a memory of sorrow, I believe that numerous lacrosse teams and the sports community have responded and continue to respond with care and grace.

It is a clear reminder that playing a sport is not all about the championships or recognition, but instead about the camaraderie and the unification by a group of individuals who choose to share one common love. Being a part of Play 4 Seton Hill allowed my teammates, coaches and I to show our common love, respect and support for the not only the sport of lacrosse, but also anyone else who identifies themselves with the lacrosse family. Having the opportunity to partake in moments like Play 4 Seton Hill is a primary example of why I take pride in being a Mule.

Please visit Play 4 Seton Hill Facebook page to see the amazing tributes that are being made in honor of Coach Kristina Quigley and her team. #ONELAXFAMILY

– by Tiffany Kreider (Muhlenberg senior goalkeeper)