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The fun of lacrosse and
We aim to be a team that pursues victory.

College of Arts and Sciences Third-year students
Women's Lacrosse Club
Graduate of Yamanashi Prefectural Yoshida High School

Yuka Oikawa

Main content

Experience of achieving victory with a small, elite team

I started lacrosse after entering J. F. Oberlin University. Until high school, I was a member of the handball club, but I wanted to try something new, so I knocked on the door of the girls' lacrosse club. I was also drawn to the bright atmosphere of the team and their positive attitude toward the sport.
 
In 2024, we had a small number of team members, which made things difficult in the Kanto Regional Student Lacrosse League. The string of losses significantly lowered the morale of the entire team. However, by seriously considering "how we could win" as a team, we were able to win the relegation match to stay in the third division. It was a great experience for me as well, and I think it allowed me to rediscover the appeal of lacrosse as a sport.

With pride in having competed in the third division, they will fight as a combined team.

I am currently the captain of the women's lacrosse team. Unfortunately, we were unable to assemble the necessary 12 players for a match, so we have decided to participate in the 2025 season as a combined team. We do basic training on weekdays and then travel to the practice field of the university that will be forming the combined team on Saturdays. Although we have different approaches to lacrosse, we all encourage each other with the motto, "Let's go and beat the single team."
 
We often receive praise from players from other universities, saying, "J. F. Oberlin University has great stamina." We take pride in this because we have cultivated this through rigorous daily training to fight through the third division league. To meet those expectations, we will not neglect basic training and strive to improve the physical strength and skills of each team member.
 
Having a small number of members has also led to some new insights. Previously, the executive members were mainly responsible for deciding the practice menu, but now we also have the younger members participate in the meetings. This has fostered a sense of ownership, as we discuss areas for improvement and strive to constantly update our practices. Of course, with fewer members, we need to share tasks outside of practice, such as administrative work, but each person is aware that they are a key player and is involved in running the club.

Our goal is to win the 4th division championship as a combined team, and next year we want to participate in the league as an independent team.

This year, our goal is to win every division league as a joint team. To achieve that, it is essential for each member to improve their level. We will strive to make the members of the joint team think, "I'm glad I played with J. F. Oberlin University" and "J. F. Oberlin University is strong."
 
I feel that I'm expected to be a versatile player, capable of handling various roles in both offense and defense. In particular, as a midfielder, I'm crucial for the transition between offense and defense, and I'm required to keep running around the field until the end of the match. I'm confident in my physical stamina, so I want to give it my all in matches to help the team win.
 
Lacrosse is a sport that most people start playing in college. Its appeal lies in its fast-paced game and the way offense and defense constantly switch. We have first-year students who want to join the club in 2025, and we want to convey the fun of lacrosse so that they will come to love the sport.
 
I definitely want to participate in the league again in 2026 as a standalone team, together with many of my teammates. I want us to continue to be a team that is committed to winning and continues to pursue the joy of lacrosse.

Interview date:
This was done in June 2025 for the "Obirin Sports" website.

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