Emily Hawryschuk
PROFESSIONAL LACROSSE PLAYER & COACH
I am a professional athlete for the NY Charging and a Box Lacrosse World Champion. I had the honor of serving as the captain of Team USA’s first-ever Women’s Box Lacrosse Team, leading an incredible group of athletes to a historic gold medal. Beyond playing, I am dedicated to growing the sport of lacrosse. I founded 51 Stars Lacrosse, a skills-based training company designed to develop and empower female lacrosse players through elite coaching and mentorship. I am also a proud Syracuse Lacrosse alum and currently serve as an assistant coach for the RIT Women’s Lacrosse Team, where I help shape the next generation of student-athletes.
My journey has been shaped by the people around me. First and foremost, my family has been my foundation—their unwavering support has allowed me to chase my dreams and push past obstacles. My coaches and teammates have also played a crucial role in my development. The relationships I have built through lacrosse have challenged me, inspired me, and ultimately molded me into the player and person I am today. I am forever grateful for the lessons this game has taught me, both on and off the field.
I am incredibly fortunate to have my dad as both a role model and mentor. He introduced me to lacrosse and has been by my side since day one, encouraging me to work harder, think bigger, and always strive for my best. His dedication and passion for the game have deeply influenced my journey, and I hope to carry that same impact forward in the lives of others.
One of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced was tearing my ACL during my fifth year at Syracuse in 2021. The recovery process was both physically and mentally exhausting, testing my resilience in ways I had never experienced before. However, through the struggle, I found growth. It reinforced my love for the game, strengthened my mindset, and taught me to embrace adversity as an opportunity to come back stronger.
I have been proud of many moments in my career but some of my top achievements would be winning gold at the inaugural Women’s Box Lacrosse World Championship while representing Team USA—a moment that not only made history but also reinforced my passion for growing the sport, becoming a professional athlete with NY Charging (WLL) and competing at the highest level of the game, and founding 51 Stars Lacrosse, giving young female athletes access to the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to elevate their game. https://51starslacrosse.com/home
Looking into the future, I hope to continue growing the game of lacrosse—not just in the U.S. but worldwide. I want to expand access to high-level training for young female athletes, breaking barriers and ensuring that the next generation has even more opportunities than I did.
I envision the future of women in sports to be a world where young girls can dream of being professional lacrosse players the same way boys dream of playing in the NFL, NBA, or MLB—and have the resources and pathways to make it a reality. True progress will be achieved when women’s sports receive equal recognition, resources, and investment, allowing female athletes to compete, inspire, and build careers without limitations.
Looking ahead in my career, I want to continue playing at the highest level while also expanding 51 Stars Lacrosse to reach even more athletes. I plan to develop new training programs, camps, and opportunities for young players to elevate their skills, confidence, and leadership in the sport.
Additionally, I hope to stay involved in coaching and mentorship, using my experiences to inspire and guide the next generation of female lacrosse players.
