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Sports will be something I share with my family forever.

Growing up, sports were a way for me to connect with my three older brothers. We could talk about an epic Federer vs. Nadal match at the dinner table, or I could count on them to help me work on my inside roll dodge in the backyard. Whatever it was, sports were a common ground that bound us.

They also connected me to my dad. My partner in crime, I have vivid memories of sitting in traffic on the GWB on the way to lacrosse tournaments, chatting about my week at school over a box of Teddy Grahams and blaring pop music on the radio. In his weeks of nonstop chaos, he always took the time to show up for me.

That is what sports have come to represent in my life: an unbreakable community. However, coming to school, I was worried that once I stopped pursuing my sport I would be isolated from that community.

I was sorely mistaken.

Choosing to not pursue lacrosse at Harvard was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, yet I can’t help but think that it was simultaneously one of the smartest. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in the Sports Board, and dedicate my time to sharing our athletes’ stories.

Having experienced athletics from a different vantage point, I think I was well-poised to do so. Understanding the time, dedication, and commitment our athletes put into representing our school on a national level imparted in me a similar dedication to ensuring that our athletes were equitably represented in our news cycle, and lauded for their achievements.

But to do that, I had to impart on our board that showing up matters. Over my four years covering the men’s lacrosse team, I’ve proudly attended every home game, and have made it a priority to travel to almost every away game within a 250 mile radius. Certainly not the norm, but I desired to show up for my team and for the Sports Board.

As a beat reporter, investing time into building that relationship is critical, and the work and time spent doing so pays dividends. Showing up for your team does not go unnoticed. You become a member of that program, and a familiar face on the sidelines. Showing up and taking the time each weekend to travel, cover their games honestly, and share their stories fostered a relationship where it was abnormal for me to not be cheering them on.

Before my tenure, men’s lacrosse received coverage for maybe three games a season. It was not what we consider to be a “big beat,” yet I believe I have turned it into one.

Enjoying the work matters as much as the product itself, and bringing a love and passion to each article is what makes our stories so unique. And, I can confidently say that I have loved every moment of my time covering the lacrosse team: the friendships I’ve fostered, the people I’ve met on the board, and the true exhilaration of seeing a program become a national, storied, success.

The Sports Board has become a home for me, and I’ll forever cherish my time at 14P.

- KAF

– Staff Writer Katharine A. Forst can be reached at katharine.forst@thecrimson.co