While most athletes learn to play a sport from a parent or participating in parks and recreation leagues in their youth, OHS senior Madi Eschberger learned from watching YouTube videos.
The three-year varsity lacrosse player for the Wildcats was introduced to the game in seventh grade as a spectator.
‘I actually saw my cousin play and really fell in love with the game and I just taught myself how to play while watching Youtube videos,? she said. ‘I just repeatedly watched the videos over and over again and then started taking clinics and camps to develop my skills.?
Her hard work paid off as she signed to play at the next level for Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan on Oct. 17.
‘Last year at this time, I would have never thought I was going to be taking a scholarship. I didn’t even think about playing college lacrosse up until about half a year ago,? she said. ‘This is one of my biggest dreams. I couldn’t be more excited.?
While she was recruited by several other schools from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan, Eschberger said she ‘fell in love with Siena? on her first visit.
‘After a few months of going back and forth between colleges and taking an overnight visit with the team I decided to sign with Siena Heights and Coach Cindy Hill. I really liked the atmosphere around campus along with the small class sizes,? she explained. ‘When I was at Siena visiting I met and played with the team and it instantly felt like home. Joining a program, which is on its way up and playing for the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Coach of the Year, is a great opportunity for me.?
Her parents Jon and Stacey agree as well.
‘We’re just extremely proud of her and very excited for a new step for her future,? said Jon. ‘We’re looking forward to (her) hopefully having a good education at Siena.? ‘We couldn’t be happier with the choice,? added Stacey. ‘Coach Hill, the campus and everything, we found a good place.
Oxford’s Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coach Andrew Bausack is glad to see her continuing the sport after high school.
‘Madi’s gotten better every year that she’s been here. She plays in the off-seasons, she works on her skills all year around,? Bausack said. ‘I think she’ll do well and I am excited for her to keep playing.?
When not playing for the Wildcats, Eschberger competes with the Detroit Coyotes and the Mid-Michigan Arrows.
Siena Heights Head Coach Cindy Hill said they are happy to Eschberger sign with them.
‘We’re really excited to have her. She is a great person, great athlete, hard worker and she is going be a great addition to the team,? Hill said. ‘She’s got enthusiasm and loves the sport. It’s great she’s going to be able to continue that as she pursues her degree (in pschology) at Siena.?