Julia Rossi- the Ultimate Teammate

Julia Rossi loved life. She always made you feel special when you were around her. She brightened up each day with her incredible wit, infectious smile and laughter. I found myself reading an old article about Rossi in the local paper the other night after having seen an Instagram post about how much she was missed by her best friends. “People are inspired by the way she plays,” Coach Fisher said. “She loves to be outside, she loves to play, it’s honestly refreshing to see a kid like that. She goes out there and has a good time, makes a great play with her stick, and gets everyone else going.” That's how I remember her. The ultimate teammate. She thrived on making the play that would ultimately set up her teammate. “Nothing gives me a bigger rush than regaining the ball for the team. The mood of the game changes, your teammates get excited, the crowd cheers and your confidence just boosts because you are the one that potentially just started something big for your team,” Rossi said. “When I am playing good defense, I hear my coaches, team and parents cheering, which gets my adrenaline pumping.” Rossi inspired, challenged and engaged her teammates and coaches. Our lives were so much richer because of Julia’s vitality and sincerity. She was the ultimate teammate. I've come to realize that sometimes things are not what they seem and that we all struggle, often on a daily basis. I just wish she knew how many of us were cheering for her. It's never too late to turn things around. You're always in the fight. There is always someone to talk to. If you are struggling and need someone to talk to please reach out. #oneheart