Lindsey Devir is a student-athlete at a school right in NDB’s backyard: Stanford University. She is a starting midfielder on the women’s lacrosse team and exemplifies commitment, dedication and drive. She shares her experience with lacrosse, her motivation and advice she would give to younger female athletes.
The Catalyst (TC): Do you have a highlight or best memory from your college lacrosse experience so far?
Lindsey Devir (LD): I would say my highlight would be beating Denver in the first round of NCAA last year. It was the farthest that Stanford women’s lacrosse has ever gone, and it was a team that we lost to earlier in the season. It was a really proud feeling when we finally got there; it felt like we took the program one step further, beating a team we had never beaten before. So it was something that was so exciting and made us excited for what’s to come for our team.
TC: What is one piece of advice you have for girls who want to play a sport in college?
LD: I would say dream big and work hard. I truly think that anything can be accomplished if you are gonna go for it. The only thing that you then have to do is work hard, and if you’re willing to truly commit to that goal, then it is possible. You just have to follow the process that will allow you to get there. But I think just always set your goals high, and go after it.
TC: How do you mentally prepare for big games?
LD: I would say definitely listening to music before the game, kind of get hyped. And I think just recognizing that you’ve done the practice, you’ve watched film, you’re prepared for this game, and reminding yourself to trust your process. You put in the work for this, and to go out there and be confident is the best way to go into a game.
TC: What is one lesson lacrosse has taught you that applies to life off the field?
LD: It has definitely taught me a lot. I would say the biggest thing is discipline. You learn that a ton as an athlete because you are held to a very high responsibility at a very young age. … It has taught me a lot of discipline, and I have been able to apply that to other areas of my life.
TC: Is there something you wish more people knew about women’s lacrosse?
LD: I wish they knew how exciting it is. I think women’s lacrosse is a really fun, fast and interesting sport. … In women’s sports in general, if more people would give them a chance, they would realize how incredible some of these women athletes are and how fun it is to watch their sports. I think that more people should go out of their way to watch women’s sports more.
TC: Is there someone who inspired you?
LD: I would say my older sister. She also plays college lacrosse, and she just showed me that hard work can get you a lot of places. It made me realize that even though I had decided I wanted to play in college a little later than some of my friends, if that was what I really wanted to do and it was something I was willing to work hard enough for, then I could. She kind of showed that in her own life, and she has been a role model in my life in general, but she made me want to commit to it, too.
TC: Is there something that set you apart when you were getting recruited?
LD: I would say what set me apart the most was that I am ambidextrous. It was definitely helpful when a lot of coaches looked particularly for left-handed players. So, it played to my advantage that I could easily switch between both hands.
TC: How do you balance school with so much lacrosse?
LD: I would say learning to get really good at time management. … Being really intuitive with how you’re using your time allows you to get everything done.
TC: What is your favorite pre-game hype song?
LD: Anything by Rihanna. That’s something we play a lot in our locker room, and it is always good vibes!
Lindsey Devir is an inspiration to young athletes, and she exemplifies following your dream. She has proven that you can accomplish your goals with motivation, drive, and passion.
