Since graduating from Minnetonka High School in 2019, Lily's path has been anything but ordinary. She earned her undergraduate degree at Fordham University, where she majored in Journalism and minored in Bioethics while also obtaining her EMT license. Her time in the Fordham EMS Agency led her to become a Crew Chief, handling emergency calls in the Bronx, an experience that required leadership, teamwork, and the ability to perform underpressure—skills she first developed with the Lakers.
"Going from a high school student in Minnesota to working as a Crew Chief in the Bronx in less than two years was a big jump. Luckily, my time with Lakers made me comfortable in leadership roles and working on teams."
Lily also played club lacrosse at Fordham and worked with Bronx Lacrosse, a nonprofit providing athletic and academic support to youth.
Now, she is completing her Master's in Public Health at Columbia University while working as an EMT and holding a fellowship with the United Foundations and the Reykjavík Global Forum (RGF), an Iceland-based initiative focused on women in leadership. She credits her first leadership experiences to her time with the Lakers and often speaks about the impact of team sports on personal development.
The Lakers Impact
Reflecting on her time with the program, Lily highlights stepping out of her comfort zone as one of the most valuable lessons she took from the Lakers.
"If you're not uncomfortable, you're not growing. I first learned this when I didn't want to catch righty in practice as a natural lefty. But that same mindset carried me through every major decision I've made—from moving to New York to applying to graduate school to working in emergency medicine."
The Lakers also emphasized accountability, leadership, and being present—values she applies daily in high-pressure situations.
"Lakers taught me to give 110% in everything I do. Whether I'm responding to an EMS call or working with global leaders at RGF, I stay focused and engaged. It's a privilege to do the work I do, and I always want to show up the way I did at Lakers—ready to work."
Advice for Future Lakers
For players considering the Lakers, Lily emphasizes that this program is about developing the whole athlete, not just the lacrosse player.
"The coaching staff cares about who you are as a person, not just how you play. Not many programs focus on building independent, well-rounded athletes like the Lakers do."
Her biggest piece of advice? "Walk your own path."
"It's easy to compare yourself to teammates, friends, or people on social media. But at the end of the day, you are the only person who lives your life 24/7. Do what makes you happy and surround yourself with people who push you to be your best."
What's Next for Lily?
Lily is set to graduate from Columbia in May 2025 and will be moving back to Minnesota. She hopes to continue her career in public health and emergency medicine while also coaching and officiating lacrosse at the youth level.
"The Lakers were such a huge part of my life, and I want to give back to the sport that shaped me."
We're incredibly proud of Lily's journey and can't wait to see what she does next.
Want to follow in Lily's footsteps? The Minnesota Lakers are committed to developing players beyond the game—preparing them for their next level and what comes next, whatever that level and what comes next is.
Visit our 'Playing for Lakers' page to learn about how you can become a part of the Minnesota Lakers program.
