Another one: George looks to continue family tradition of athletes

Yanni Kouiroukidis, Contributing Writer

Being one of five sisters in a house full of athletes is a unique environment, but for sophomore lacrosse athlete Juliana George, it’s all she’s ever known. 

George, who plays in the attack position, said her introduction to the sport mostly started at a young age, influenced by her father and older sister. 

“We’ve always been like a big lacrosse family,” George said.

Her speed on the field is one thing that separates her from her opponents. It’s a special trait that people like Tyreek Hill and Usain Bolt are most known for. 

“I think that’s something that anyone could see watching film or a game,” coach Jen O’Brien said. “It’s difficult to defend her because of that.”

George is ranked first on the team for assists and second for scored goals in the 10 games played so far this season. 

Although her coaches and teammates recognize George by her speed, she said she still needs to improve in other aspects of her game. 

“My team plays a big part — just because I’m fast doesn’t mean I can do it all,” George said. “My speed might be one of my strengths but I can still keep working it up.”

Juliana George’s older sister, Jessica George, played lacrosse at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. Her younger sister, Mia George, will be attending VCU next year to join the lacrosse program. 

The Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, native hails from the same hometown as fellow sophomore attacker Meghan McLaughlin. McLaughlin and Juliana George went to high school 15 minutes apart and played on the same club team together.

“When we played club together she was always like the speedy one,” McLaughlin said. “Within the team she just brings so much energy every day in practice and during games she always hypes everyone up.”

The COVID-19 pandemic brought her freshman year to an unexpected halt, but Juliana George isn’t a stranger to major setbacks. As a freshman, she came into the program fresh off of an ACL injury, which can take up to 16 months to fully heal. 

“Coming in, I didn’t do anything full speed, and that was obviously a big setback,” Juliana George said. “This year, I think I have a lot more confidence, which has changed my game so much. Just knowing I can do it, like the mental mindset has helped me drastically from freshman to sophomore year.” 

With her sophomore year coming to an end, Juliana George wants to take more away from the game than just statistics. 

“Obviously lacrosse is a big part but this program has taught me a lot more outside of lacrosse and outside of the field,” Juliana George said. “I’ve been here for maybe less than a year because of corona, but I’ve already learned so much.”

The Rams look to take on A-10 conference opponent Davidson in North Carolina this Friday at 6:30 p.m.