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APRIL 2022 23 BY KRISTIN THURMAN A fourth-year captain on the 2022 women's lacrosse team, Annie Dyson has been through her fair share of ups and downs during her time at Virginia. Dyson was a highly touted recruit out of Alexandria, Va., and started immediately for the Cavaliers. Just five games into her first year, Dyson tore her ACL at William & Mary. The injury ended her season and required a full year of rehab. "Obviously, injuries can be really tough, especially when they are more long term," Dyson said. "[When I tore my ACL] it was a devastating blow, but I was determined to rehab and come back strong for the first game the next year, which I was able to do. "Throughout the recovery process, I tried to take one day at a time rather than look- ing too far ahead at the bigger picture. It was important for me not to look at the length of recovery in its entirety, but rather focus on small, key milestones throughout the process. If you reach these milestones, and build on them, then you've put yourself in the best position to recover from your injury and succeed on the field." Dyson's hard work paid off and she was back in the starting lineup as a second-year. The experience offered her a chance to grow in different areas of the game. "It was hard not being out there with my team, but I always reminded myself that there was still so much I could learn even on the sideline. In a weird way, you learn a lot and see the game from a different perspective than you would if you were on the field. Most importantly, tearing my ACL made me realize the importance of not tak- ing anything for granted, and enjoying every second I have played the sport that I love." Her second year was the 2020 season when COVID-19 cut the year short. Dyson's first full season of lacrosse was in 2021 when she earned a spot on the Tewaaraton Award Top 25 list. The growth can be seen on the field where she led UVA in almost ev- ery category as a third-year, but it can also be seen off the field as she has become a leader on the team. "As a first-year, I deferred to the older girls because everything was new to me," Dyson said. "Over the past four years, I have seen myself change and people look up to me the same way I looked up to older girls. I enjoy this responsibility because it gives me the opportunity to lead. "I have noticed myself becoming more of an outspoken leader, as I previously was not as outspoken. I also think that as you get older, you have a good pulse on the team and can foster transparent communication with your coaches." Her leadership on the team is obvious, and prior to this year, the Tewaaraton watch list selection was voted co-captain. "As a captain, people look up to you both on and off the field." Dyson said. "It is im- portant to set a good example for the team because what you do matters, and it sets the tone for the rest of the team. One important added responsibility is accountability. "This applies to both me and others, because you cannot ask teammates to do something that you aren't doing yourself. During games, I try to stay even-keeled and not let my emotions get too high or too low." Dyson has continued her success on the field for UVA this season, helping the team in every aspect of the game. That is the part of being a midfielder that she has always enjoyed. She impacts the game on offense, defense and in transition. It is not just on the field that Dyson has been making an impact. A nursing student, she has been balancing school and la- crosse throughout her four years. "Balancing nursing school and lacrosse is a lot, but I love both so much that it has definitely been worth all the hard work," Dyson said. "Balancing both has taught me a lot of life lessons that will help me in the future. "My schedule throughout the past four years has taught me the importance of time management and staying on top of my schoolwork. I am very fortunate to have supportive nursing faculty and coaches who have made this balance much easier." As she gets ready to graduate, Dyson plans the take the National Council Licen- sure Examination to obtain her registered nursing license. She hopes to get a job OUTSPOKEN LEADER Midfielder Annie Dyson Has Developed Into An Impactful Player And Team Captain For The UVA Women's Lacrosse Squad Dyson earned All-America honors in 2021 after leading the team in draw controls (56), finishing second in ground balls (34) and third in caused turnovers (14), and ranking fifth in points (35). (Photo courtesy UVA) " Over the past four years, I have seen myself change and people look up to me the same way I looked up to older girls. I enjoy this responsibility because it gives me the opportunity to lead. " DYSON