Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridgette Laskey.
Hi Bridgette, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Dade County but moved to many cities for college and career opportunities. However, my degrees and work within science-related fields led to returning to Miami to teach biology, anatomy, and physiology at a private school. My love for teaching and coaching helped create opportunities to give back to young ladies within the community. See, I was introduced to boys’ lacrosse when I was 10 years old. Miami lacked lacrosse for girls until the late ’90s. I began the first club team affiliated with girls’ high school lacrosse when I moved back to Miami after graduate school in 1998. We were recognized for the 1st time as a high school team in 2000. Since 1998, I have created 2 girls’ lacrosse club teams and started 5 school teams for girls. I have been coaching various sports since I was 18 and teaching science-related subjects for 24 years. My passion for education and mentoring is what guides the creation of successful lacrosse programs to this day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest struggles has also been a blessing. Lacrosse is quickly growing in South Florida, but we lack coaches and field space. I constantly must restart each year with building coaching staffs and trying to secure teams to play practice fields, and often funding my team expenses out of pocket. Coaching is far from lucrative when you are out there for the kids and to grow the sport. As many coaches understand. It is also often a battle to be a strong female in athletics with a passion to make a difference. Teaching is also very tough with all the societal changes and various hats one must wear to be successful. Our nation is seeing the impact of the last 2 years on education and the toll is certainly felt. The demands of a teacher and coach schedule can be a challenge. Especially when I want to be the best I can be in both settings.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently teach 6th and 7th-grade science at a private school, and I am the head coach of the girl’s lacrosse program. I have taught for 24 years in various states and at varying levels such as: high school, middle school, and college. My background is in biological sciences, psychology, and exercise science. I would think my strongest aspects within the educational realm is being a lifelong learner and staying abreast with research so I may try to relate to the students while conveying modern takes on the subjects. I am proud of the organic “aha moments” when a student’s eyes light up from grasping the concepts we are covering, and when I find out a former student is now contributing to the world of medicine/sustainability/research/sciences in general. I am also proud of the student-athletes that give back to their communities because they have the passion to be involved beyond their playing years. I strive to create communities of giving and of support in and out of the classroom which I hope leads to confident young leaders. I also am involved with DEI initiatives/committees. I am unsure if my selflessness behind the scenes of teaching and coaching is noticed by the kids, but I would state my all-in attitude is what sets me apart from others at this time.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I am unable to pinpoint just one childhood memory that stands out the most due to having an amazing childhood. I come from a large family so there were numerous occasions where we had family trips to visit relatives and those experiences along with the shenanigans that would ensue would be the best memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.miamithunder.club
Image Credits
Raquel Alvarez
