University of Delaware Athletics
Kristen Maxwell Balances Both Lacrosse And Army ROTC
2/11/2020 10:27:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
Kristen Maxwell is a woman of pure ambition, heart, and grit.
These characteristics are part of her everyday life as Maxwell balances a schedule including Division I lacrosse, ROTC, and school.
Maxwell is a junior attacker on the Delaware women's lacrosse team. Practicing five to six times a week, along with games, video sessions and team meetings, Maxwell is a dedicated student athlete.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team," said Maxwell. "UD has given me 35 best friends and allowed me to be mentored by such great coaches."
Not only does she take on the physical and time demanding expectations of being a lacrosse player, Maxwell is also an active Army ROTC member. Army ROTC is extremely physically challenging. She has to train for multiple fitness tests like the six-mile ruck and the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).
The six-mile ruck consists of marching/jogging for six miles carrying 30 pounds on your back. The APFT is a two-mile run paired with both a sit-up and push-up evaluation. As Maxwell advances in her training, the testing requirements increase as well.
"I knew it would be a challenge, but I was up for it," said Maxwell. "I wanted to be a part of a program bigger than myself."
While managing a hefty sports and ROTC schedule, Maxwell has still found time for her other passions.
This past January, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Budapest, Hungary. From learning how to make apple strudel, goulash, and spaetzle to witnessing the immense beauty of the Hungarian Parliament, Maxwell is thankful for her two-week journey across this breathtaking country.
As an International Relations major, with a regional specialization in Europe, it was only fitting that Maxwell studied in Budapest.
"I wanted to visit a city in Europe with great history and architecture. I knew Budapest was it," said Maxwell.
With the upcoming lacrosse season beginning soon, it was also imperative that her time abroad did not interfere with her schedule.
"I chose this program because it was a micro-program (only two weeks) to fit around my lacrosse schedule," Maxwell said. "I also couldn't do summer abroad programs because of summer training for ROTC."
Keeping up with school, ROTC, and lacrosse has had its challenges. Her greatest challenge, however, has been facing ACL injuries. Maxwell has torn her ACL two times, once in high school and once her freshman year at Delaware. These injuries temporarily stopped her participation in all physical activity.
Rather than bringing her down, these injuries have inspired her.
"The recovery of both these injuries has made me the person I am today," Maxwell said. "It has definitely forced me to understand when I am pushing myself too hard and when I have to put myself first."
Her positive attitude is grounded in her support system of family, teammates, friends, and coaching staff. With teammates who have suffered from similar injuries and military family members, Maxwell is surrounded by motivation.
"My motivation is my entire family. Just knowing how proud my mom is of me gets me up in the morning," said Maxwell. "My dad, who is a retired marine, motivates me on the ROTC side of my life because he understands the work ethic required for such training."
Maxwell's character helps her succeed in whatever she puts her mind to.
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These characteristics are part of her everyday life as Maxwell balances a schedule including Division I lacrosse, ROTC, and school.
Maxwell is a junior attacker on the Delaware women's lacrosse team. Practicing five to six times a week, along with games, video sessions and team meetings, Maxwell is a dedicated student athlete.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team," said Maxwell. "UD has given me 35 best friends and allowed me to be mentored by such great coaches."
Not only does she take on the physical and time demanding expectations of being a lacrosse player, Maxwell is also an active Army ROTC member. Army ROTC is extremely physically challenging. She has to train for multiple fitness tests like the six-mile ruck and the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).
The six-mile ruck consists of marching/jogging for six miles carrying 30 pounds on your back. The APFT is a two-mile run paired with both a sit-up and push-up evaluation. As Maxwell advances in her training, the testing requirements increase as well."I knew it would be a challenge, but I was up for it," said Maxwell. "I wanted to be a part of a program bigger than myself."
While managing a hefty sports and ROTC schedule, Maxwell has still found time for her other passions.
This past January, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Budapest, Hungary. From learning how to make apple strudel, goulash, and spaetzle to witnessing the immense beauty of the Hungarian Parliament, Maxwell is thankful for her two-week journey across this breathtaking country.
As an International Relations major, with a regional specialization in Europe, it was only fitting that Maxwell studied in Budapest.
"I wanted to visit a city in Europe with great history and architecture. I knew Budapest was it," said Maxwell.
With the upcoming lacrosse season beginning soon, it was also imperative that her time abroad did not interfere with her schedule."I chose this program because it was a micro-program (only two weeks) to fit around my lacrosse schedule," Maxwell said. "I also couldn't do summer abroad programs because of summer training for ROTC."
Keeping up with school, ROTC, and lacrosse has had its challenges. Her greatest challenge, however, has been facing ACL injuries. Maxwell has torn her ACL two times, once in high school and once her freshman year at Delaware. These injuries temporarily stopped her participation in all physical activity.
Rather than bringing her down, these injuries have inspired her.
"The recovery of both these injuries has made me the person I am today," Maxwell said. "It has definitely forced me to understand when I am pushing myself too hard and when I have to put myself first."
Her positive attitude is grounded in her support system of family, teammates, friends, and coaching staff. With teammates who have suffered from similar injuries and military family members, Maxwell is surrounded by motivation.
"My motivation is my entire family. Just knowing how proud my mom is of me gets me up in the morning," said Maxwell. "My dad, who is a retired marine, motivates me on the ROTC side of my life because he understands the work ethic required for such training."
Maxwell's character helps her succeed in whatever she puts her mind to.
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Players Mentioned
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