A next-level love of the game

There were moments where Rachel Rose thought she may not be able to continue playing lacrosse after her time with Douglas High School’s club team.

However, her determination combined with chances to play across the country allowed her to find her fit at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio.

Rose will keep pursuing a sport she’s loved since she first started playing in sixth grade.

“I loved the game so much and I was so sad when I thought I might have to stop after high school,” said Rose.

Rose will join “The Storm,” which compete at the Division II level in the Great Midwest Conference where she will be an attacker.

A three-time all-region selection at attack, Rose also earned first team honors, posting 154 assists and 137 goals over her varsity high school career.

It’s fitting to have so many assists while giving up countless hours of her own time promoting the game in her community.

JACKIE PITTS AWARD WINNER

Along with her on-field awards, Rose has garnered recognition for her work in the community and in the classroom.

A few months ago, Rose was named the 2024 Jackie Pitts award winner for Northern Nevada, exemplifying a player who goes “above and beyond” in service to her team, school and community.

The award honors seniors who help develop the game of lacrosse in their community, show high academic achievement and are role models within their school.

It was a highlight to find out she had been selected for the honor.

“I was ecstatic. It’s a nationally recognized award and I was so honored to get it because that award has a deep history, especially for women,” said Rose. “My family and I have always gone and volunteered. … We’ve gone to several elementary schools; I’ve gone to Reno. It’s all about growing the game in the community.”

Her passion for a non-traditional sport she first started in sixth grade has been a driving presence in her life.

The impact those around her have had on her own game spurred the push to give back to others around her.

“I think for me it’s the love of the game. When you start out in a sport that is complicated, it’s really easy to give up and not want to continue,” Rose said. “I was super thankful for all the coaches and players that have taught me this non-traditional sport. I wanted to give back to the young people in my community to show that you can love more than just a traditional sport.”

Academically, Rose earned a multitude of other honors and scholarship money that helped her make the decision to head to Ohio.

When she gets to Lake Erie College, Rose says she has plans to study equine facility management.

“I think I’ve wanted to play college since eighth grade,” Rose said. “I like the finesse about the sport. It’s a pretty complicated sport because you are using so much of your body and you are using so much skill.”

(Douglas High’s Rachel Rose cradles a ball on the attack. Rose will head to Lake Erie College this fall to continue her lacrosse career at the Division II level. / Courtesy Anissa Rose)