Photo Courtesy of Vanessa Tomer
Kileigh Tomer
Kileigh Tomer is a 17-year-old senior at Durant High School and plays Lacrosse for the Cougars Lacrosse team.
How long have you been playing lacrosse?
I have been playing for 3 years now.
What made you want to try out for the team at Durant?
My cousin played the sport during my sophomore year. She made it seem super fun, uplifting, and different from something I had ever seen before.
What’s your favorite thing about Lacrosse?
I love the team dynamic – working with all of the girls every day, trying out new things with them, and in general building friendships on and off the field.
Is there a rule you would change in lacrosse? If so, what and why?
If I could change anything it would be that in girls lacrosse you are not allowed to hit players with your stick to try and get the ball from them. I feel that if we were allowed to do this it would allow for a more dynamic and interesting game, because the current rule restricts a lot of what someone on the attack position can do.
If you plan on going to college, do you want to continue playing lacrosse?
Yes, I plan on attending Valencia College in the fall of 2025. Unfortunately, they do not offer lacrosse as a sport, but I am looking into joining one of their club sports to still be involved with athletics.
What’s your favorite memory when playing lacrosse?
When we were doing so good in a game during my junior year that our coach got so excited he accidentally punched himself in the face, knocked his glasses off, and almost knocked himself out too.
What’s an area on lacrosse that you’d like to improve in?
As someone who plays attack, I always want to improve in my defensive skills in order for me to be a more versatile player.
Has lacrosse taught you any life lessons?
Over the years, lacrosse has taught me how to be a better communicator. Whether it’s when I’m on the field and have to yell for the ball or when we are having a conflict in our team dynamic, communication is a big part of growing as a player and playing over the years has really helped me home in on being better at it.
When you’re not playing lacrosse, what are you doing in your free time?
I love to bake anything from cookies, to cakes, draw, craft, really anything that gives me a creative outlet.
What’s your favorite songs to get you hyped before a game?
Hotel room service by Pitbull because no matter how I’m feeling before a game it never fails to bring my mood and motivation up.
