As captain,
To become someone who is needed by those around you

College of Arts and Sciences Third-year students
Captain of the Women's Lacrosse Club
Graduate of Kanagawa Prefectural Jogo High School

Kanami Yamaguchi

Main content

Toward a J. F. Oberlin University where you can learn broadly without confining to a specific field

I've always been competitive since childhood. I've always loved sports, and I was a member of the tennis club in middle and high school. I dedicated myself to tennis every day, even organizing morning practices because I wanted to get better.

I entered College of Health and Welfare J. F. Oberlin University because I wanted to obtain a teaching license in health and physical education. I heard that you can also take liberal arts and classes from other academic departments, and I was also attracted to the broad learning experience.

Having previously participated in individual sports, I was drawn to the women's lacrosse club because it offered a team sport. The student-led approach to practices and game management, as well as the strong camaraderie among the members, were also deciding factors in my decision to join. Lacrosse is an intense sport with a lot of contact, but it's incredibly fun. I quickly became completely engrossed in the sport.

A disappointing first year as captain

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the upperclassmen retired early, so I was appointed captain in my third year. Last year, we aimed for promotion to the second division, but unfortunately, we were relegated. Looking back on that time, I think we might have been defeated by our opponents in terms of mental strength.

This year is my last year with the J. F. Oberlin University women's lacrosse team. Of course, they are focused on returning to the third division and achieving a perfect win. If you have the arrogance of "it's okay to lose once," cracks will inevitably appear somewhere. We work hard from the start of practice, and in match-style practice, we approach it with a mindset of pushing to the end.

I'll be the most vocal and create a positive atmosphere for the team.

This year marks my second year as captain. However, I still don't think I'm suited to being a leader. I feel that I've been able to continue as captain only because of the support I've received from the coaches, executives, and everyone in other grades.

My strength is being the most vocal player during practice and games. I try to keep the team positive and create a good atmosphere for matches. Because our women's lacrosse team currently has a small number of members, each and every one of us has to perform well. No one can be left out; everyone is expected to perform beyond their usual abilities. I hope you'll come and see us running around the field more than any other team.

After graduation, I decided not to pursue a career as a teacher, but instead to work for a general company. After graduation, I want to gain experience as a working adult and one day become someone who is needed by those around me. I hope to put my best effort into both club activities and work, and become someone who can contribute to my friends and colleagues.

Interview date:
This was done in September 2023 for the "Obirin Sports" website.

As captain,To become someone who is needed by those around you

Main content

Toward a J. F. Oberlin University where you can learn broadly without confining to a specific field

A disappointing first year as captain

I'll be the most vocal and create a positive atmosphere for the team.

Related content

As captain,
To become someone who is needed by those around you