A Growing Tradition for Oregon Lacrosse
By: Courtney Mains
The pre-game buzzer sounds, signaling the game is about to begin. The Oregon women’s lacrosse team lines up, making a tunnel for team introductions. The starters are called on by number. Junior Ali Scharkey is the last through the team tunnel, just like every game, and runs over to shake the visiting coach’s hand.
Scharkey then makes a sharp turn to sprint toward center field, where she is handed a microphone. One of Oregon’s most physical and vocal defenders will sing the national anthem before she starts competition, a rising Oregon lacrosse tradition.
Five years ago, Sami Kiser, an Oregon lacrosse alumna, started this tradition. During Kiser’s first season, the team had heard through the grapevine that she could sing and found the perfect opportunity on a fall ball bus ride to have her anthem audition.
“It was my tryout,” said Kiser. “So, the first home game on the old Papé Field I sang the national anthem for the first time. It was an awesome experience.”
Kiser made singing the national anthem a tradition and trademark for the Oregon women’s lacrosse home games. During Kiser’s senior year, no one expressed an interest in stepping up to sing the national anthem when she graduated. As the team was goofing around in the locker room one day, Scharkey burst out in song and Kiser instantly knew who she would pass the torch off to.
“Last year, after my senior day, when I sang my last national anthem I turned to Sharkey and said, ‘I can’t wait for you to do this next year,’” Kiser said.
Despite her initial nerves, the junior defender has been happy to keep the tradition alive.
“I think it is really special to have one of us sing it at the beginning of the game and it is something that our team is known for,” said Scharkey.
A dominant defender and passionate leader, Scharkey plays with heart and an evident love for the game. She has had to adjust her pregame routine to save her voice before home games this season.
“I am a total yeller and encourager, so usually I am hoarse by the beginning of the game,” she shared. “It has been weird this year to have to save my voice before, not getting to yell in warm ups.”
Kiser returned to Papé Field for senior weekend this year and was able to see Scharkey sing at a home game.
“I am so so proud,” said Kiser. I was getting teary eyed and I am so happy I passed the torch down to her. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to take that place.”
