Despite still being a junior, Hannah Rosenbusch has committed to Eastern Michigan University to play Division I lacrosse as a midfielder.
Eastern Michigan University is a public university in Ypsilanti, Michigan. As a D1 lacrosse university, the Swoops finished fourth in the Mid American Conference (MAC) standings. They were ranked second overall in the MAC during their preseason and ended the season with a 10-7 record.
“[I chose EMU because] most importantly, the team was incredibly welcoming. Hearing how much they love the program and their teammates made it clear that this was a culture I wanted to be part of,” Rosenbusch explained.
As a three-year varsity athlete, Rosenbusch brings many qualities and benefits to her team. Recently, Rosenbusch scored her 100th career point. In lacrosse, career points are based on an athlete’s goals and assists (passing the ball to the person who scores), which are counted throughout the athlete’s varsity career. Rosenbusch had a total of 73 goals and 27 assists, and her points will continue to grow as her varsity career continues next year.
Her ball skills as a player are not the only contributions Rosenbusch will bring to the EMU lacrosse team. Rosenbusch will also contribute to her team by being a good teammate, a friend and a versatile player.
“I plan to bring a ‘team-first’ mentality and a high level of on-field IQ. My versatility as a midfielder allows me to adapt to different game situations and being a player who is easy to coach and quick to adjust. I want to be a benefit to the team not just by scoring or making plays, but by being a reliable teammate who works hard on and off the field,” Rosenbusch said.
No matter how skilled the athlete, the college application process is grueling for everyone. Applying to Eastern Michigan University was a new experience for Rosenbusch, and because she applied to a high-performing school early, Rosenbusch had to develop incredibly strong perseverance skills. She also had to learn to adapt and focus on all-round skills in order to catch the eye of college recruiters.
“When it comes to recruiting, you have to put yourself out there. I would send email after email to coaches to make sure I stayed on their radar. Beyond my skills, I focused on being versatile, consistent and maintaining a high work ethic. Coaches don’t just look at your on field skill, but your coachability, teamwork and ability to recover. Combining that on-field play with a relentless mindset during the recruiting process is what allowed me to find my home at the D1 level early on,” Rosenbusch commented.
Rosenbusch has a long history with lacrosse. She started playing in second grade knowing nothing about the sport, only playing out of love for the fast-paced game. Rosenbusch’s dedication to lacrosse has enabled her to improve and grow as an athlete, which enabled her to play at the highest level possible.
Even though Rosenbusch has spent time pushing herself to become a better player, it was her father who has made the biggest impact on her lacrosse success.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my dad. He has been my biggest support system through every long car ride and flight, every tournament, nagging me to edit my film, send my emails and all the highs and lows of the recruiting process. All the love, support and always believing in me. I wouldn’t be here without him,” Rosenbusch exclaimed.
Lacrosse has made a major difference in Rosenbusch’s life. It has enabled her to develop new skills on and off the field and has ultimately brought Rosenbusch to her “best-fit” college, securing an opportunity to continue her lacrosse career.
