By: Cameron Thrash
Walker Moore laces up his cleats before practicing lacrosse. He is training at Crooked Creek Park in Chapin, South Carolina.
Walker stretches to warm up for his practice. Stretching before a workout is good for mobility and increasing blood flow.
Walker puts on his helmet for safety. Lacrosse is a high-impact sport, which makes protective gear a crucial part of the sport's uniform.
Walker shows off his University of Mount Saint Vincent lacrosse shirt. He played lacrosse at the university for four years.
Walker scoops up a ball with his lacrosse stick. “I play defense, close defense, specifically, and I play with a long pole, which is six feet.”
Walker goes to retrieve the ball. Individual practices allow athletes to hone their skills.
Walker looks over his shoulder mid-drill. Off-season practices help athletes avoid fatigue-related injuries.
Walker rests his stick over his shoulders while standing near the goal. “I used to play goalie, I started as a goalie, and then in my second year in college, I switched to goalie for half a season.”
Walker launches a ball toward the goal. “I’ve played lacrosse for ten years. Four in college, and then six in middle school and high school.”
Walker jogs toward the lacrosse ball. Defense players must run fast to stay ahead of potential offensive attacks.
Walker cradles the ball in his lacrosse stick as he jogs across the field. Cradling protects the ball from opponents and allows the athlete to maintain control.
Walker practices stick-handling on the field. Defensive lacrosse players rely on their stick-handling skills to shield the ball from midfield players.
Walker pivots during his drill, revealing his jersey number. “I was about twelve years old when I started playing.”
Walker prepares to launch the ball across the field. “In my senior year of high school, we won the district region championship for the first time.”
Walker released the ball downfield. “It’s the fastest game on two feet, and it requires a lot of dedication and precision, and I like that.”
Walker stretches after his off-season lacrosse practice. Stretching after practice increases flexibility and reduces muscle soreness.
Walker sprawls out on the field. Practicing in the summer heat can be tiring.
Walker takes off his gloves after running lacrosse drills. Gloves protect a player's hands from impact, as stick checking is a standard part of defensive play.
Walker knocks the dirt out of his cleats. Clean cleats have better traction, allowing athletes to move faster.
Walker departs for the field after a long practice. He uses a duffel bag to carry all of his equipment.
