The Aurora University women's lacrosse team is preparing for their event of Homecoming Weekend: the alumni game. What began just a year ago as a new initiative has already become a proud tradition, reuniting graduates and current players on the same field.
 
Head Coach Christina Fried said she expects nearly 25 alumni to play in this years game, which kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday October 11 at Spartan Athletic Park. "Last year, being the first one, there was a lot of excitement. This year, not only is the current team excited to see alumni, but the alumni are just as excited to come back and play." Fried remarked.
 
When asked where the idea for the game came from she said that she wanted to host an alumni game once the program had enough alumni to field a competitive roster. "I was really excited to have the event because a lot of other school do it," Fried emphasized the lasting connections that the event fosters. "It's nice for older girls and younger alumni to see each other, and for more players to hear stories and share experiences. It's nostalgic, it builds traditions, and reminds everyone the pride of being a spartan," she said.
 
Graduate Assistant Coach Alexandra Graham added that the game is about more than competition. "The alumni game represents the pride and success of the women's lacrosse program at AU. Lacrosse in the Midwest, while rapidly growing, is still rather new compared to other regions of the county so being able to host an alumni game with participants from 12 years ago is a testament to the part AU has done in promoting and growing the sport so many girls and women love today".
 
For Alumni like Danielle Cobbett, now the team's offensive coordinator, the game is a joyful return. "Honestly, the alumni game is a yearly reminder that I'm not as young as I used to be," Cobbett joked. She returns every year because, as she put it, "the team is my second family." Her advice to current players: "Enjoy every second — even the conditioning, even the early practices. It goes by way faster than you think, and the memories last a lifetime."
 
For current players, the game is highly anticipated, the team is thrilled to get back on the turf with their former teammates. Sophomore Attacker Eva Taute said she is eager to face off against former teammates. "It was always fun to play with them, but now we get to be more competitive," she said. "I'm hoping this shows the freshmen what our team culture is all about."

Freshman defender Lily Crews admitted she's nervous but also excited. "Coming straight from high school to going against very experienced college players, I'm afraid I'll feel out of place," she said. "But I also know these players built this program's history, and I can't wait to learn from them. It's a chance to see what it really takes to play at this level."
 
Beyond competition, the alumni game brings together generations of Spartans. New bonds form, teammates reunite, and Coaches get see their former players. The alumni game is truly a heartwarming event that displays the family like culture and love within the Spartan lacrosse program. "This is a family through and through — and that doesn't end after graduation. Each year this tradition grows, and each year it brings us all back together." Coach Fried said it best, "Once a Spartan, always a Spartan."