MARCH 6, 2025 | SPORTS | By Tessa Frantz (Co Editor-In-Chief)
On Sunday, March 2, women’s lacrosse played Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. In many ways, the game was typical. The sun was out, the field was immaculately green, and the crowd stirred excitedly. The game started at 11 a.m., with the Tigers on the sidelines and in the stands cheering enthusiastically. But this particular match wasn’t just another game in a repeated rivalry between Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Colorado College. For Kelsey and Holly Shankle, it was a means to commemorate their mother, who recently passed.
Kelsey Shankle ‘25, an attack for CC, has routinely played her twin sister each year of her lacrosse career. Her sister, Holly, is a goaltender for the Claremont Athenas.
This game, in particular, became a tribute to the girls’ mother, a CC alum herself. “It was definitely a big game for our family in general,” Kelsey Shankle said. Many of the Shankle’s friends and family attended the game, showing support for the girls. “It was really special, just seeing everyone who came out to support us.”
Both girls are seniors on their respective teams and have taken on leadership roles. Shankle mentioned how this game was also particularly meaningful because it was the last time they would compete against one another.
Shankle contends that her main focus during the game was showing up for her team and trying to secure a win. “My family is pretty competitive, so I think trying to win was first and foremost what my mom would have wanted us to do,” she said.
And win they did. The Tigers pulled ahead and ended the game with a score of 16-11.
Shankle admits that her journey with lacrosse had not always been straightforward. “My freshman year was pretty tough. It just wasn’t a great season,” she said. But during her sophomore year, her team and coaches took on a more supportive role in her life. “I think that really changed what lacrosse was for me. It really became my rock throughout college and the team, it’s like my second family.”
Shankle contends that women’s lacrosse has been a particularly positive team experience. As a spectator, one notices that every player on the bench is on their feet, cheering for their teammates. They remain engaged throughout the entire game and radiate optimism and joy. “I don’t think every team puts fun and enjoyment as much at the top of their list as we do, and I think that attributes to a lot of our success in a way,” Shankle said.
Shankle’s mother influenced her choice to come to Colorado College in the first place. “She’s definitely one of the main reasons I came here,” she said. “I think she was everyone’s number one fan and biggest supporter. I think the four of us, her kids, were the biggest joy of her life.”