In 2013, the women’s lacrosse club KULAX was founded at Korea University. This provided female students eager for team sports with the opportunity to experience the unfamiliar yet fascinating sport of lacrosse. With two regular training sessions a week, participation in competitions hosted by the Korea Lacrosse Association, and shared meals, KULAX fosters teamwork that goes beyond just sports, and continues to take to the field with passion and joy.

What first got you into lacrosse and why did you join KULAX?

Ji-yeon: I started playing lacrosse casually at a friend’s recommendation, but before I knew it, I truly loved it.

Ga-bin: I was drawn to lacrosse because it was a team sport that even beginners can enjoy without feeling pressured. I was looking for a club where I could start with basic skills and found KULAX.

Ellie: I’ve been playing lacrosse since I was nine in Maryland, USA. I was really happy to be able to continue playing it in Korea.

Ji-won: The current club captain recommended lacrosse to me, saying, “I think you’d be good at it.” That’s how I first got introduced to it.

What attracted you to lacrosse?

Ji-yeon: I love the balance between cooperation and competition. Every passing and retrieving of the ball is thrilling.

Ga-bin: It was difficult at first, but through continuous training, I discovered the joy of teamwork. As my bond with my team mates grew, I began to enjoy it even more.

Ellie: The structure of the sport means that each player’s role is important, yet cooperation is essential for victory, and this is appealing.

Ji-won: There was not much of a difference in skill between team members, so I could play without feeling pressured. I am enjoying the process of learning the fun of team play step by step.

What was the most memorable moment in KULAX?

Ji-yeon: My first sixes game with Seoul National University’s club! It was hectic, but so much fun.

Ga-bin: The 2025 Indoor League was the most memorable for me. With the fewest substitutions that day, everyone had to play almost the full game, and it was tough. What made it worse was that it was not a competition with many college teams like the Korea National Sixes League (KNSL), but rather a competition where many national team players and coaches were also participating. It was challenging in terms of physical strength and skill, but I was really proud to score my debut goal there. I also remember the day trip where I cooked American home meals with Ellie! I can vividly remember all the laughter and chatting we had there together.

Ellie: I enjoyed the after-party, chatting over food with the Seoul National University team.

Ji-won: One of my most memorable moments was on a snowy day, when a few of us gathered together and quietly practiced passing.

What was most difficult when you first started learning lacrosse?

Ji-yeon: The stick itself felt unfamiliar, so it took some time to get used to it.

Ga-bin: Maintaining consistent stick feel was harder than I thought.

Ellie: Cradling was the most difficult for me. I often missed the ball because my wrists were not used to it.

Ji-won: Because I am left-handed, I was a bit perplexed with the instructions designed around right-handed people.

What kind of students are in KULAX?

Ji-yeon: There are many cute students who prefer rice and desserts to meat.

Ji-won: Our members are mostly quiet and somewhat shy, but they become passionate during matches. They are charming students just like cute little animals.

Any tips or routines for balancing sports and schoolwork?

Ji-yeon: With the mindset of “Let’s do it first!”, I register for training and go.

Ga-bin: Training two hours a week, as part of a routine, is helpful for both my physical and mental health.

Ellie: I maintain my physical strength by running along the Jeongneungcheon Stream.

Ji-won: Health comes before studying! Sweating helps me focus better.

What about you has changed since taking up lacrosse?

Ji-yeon: I realized the importance of communication during a game. I learned that I had to make an effort to both speak up and listen to others.

Ga-bin: Before entering college, if someone asked me what my strength was, I could confidently answer “commitment.” After entering college, I realized I was not even good at that anymore. However, since I started playing lacrosse, I have been consistently participating in training up until today, in my junior year. Now I can count commitment as one of my strengths again.

Elie: Through KULAX, I have gained confidence and met many great friends.

Ji-won: I started to think a lot about teamwork. I often think about how to build great teamwork.

How would you describe your club in one phrase?

Ji-yeon: It’s “fun” itself.

Ga-bin: Quiet and consistent sport.

Ellie: Uplifting, positive, supportive!

Ji-won: Becoming a team!

What would you say to those who are curious about playing lacrosse?

Ji-yeon: This is the time to start! KULAX is always open to you.

Ga-bin: It may seem overwhelming, but as you train with us, you will fall in love with it.

Ellie: Don’t worry even if you’ve never played it before. Let’s all learn it together slowly!

Ji-won: Join KULAX for meaty training, improved physical strength, and monthly competitions. If you don’t, you lose (for real).