Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1405271
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 21 Meet the Athlete Greg Rushing Born in Rochester, New York, and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, Greg Rushing picked up lacrosse aer growing tired of baseball in eighth grade. From there, Greg won a state championship at Fossil Ridge High School his junior year and nabbed All-American honors his senior year before playing four years at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Greg played for clubs in Melbourne, Australia, and New York City before moving to Seattle to pursue a career in private equity. He now plays for the WAC men's team and also enjoys working out at the WAC and spending time in Hagerty's. Q. How was the overall experience playing lacrosse in college? A. I can't imagine college without lacrosse. You're always pushing your body and mind. e competition is world-class, and the guys you play with end up being your friends for life. Q. What was the move like from high school to college? A. I was easily one of the worst players on the team when I showed up as a freshman. I really focused on fitness and getting better with my stick skills. When I returned as a sophomore, I earned a starting spot about halfway through the season. Q. What's your favorite part about the sport? A. e best thing about lacrosse is that you can play forever. Even though it's physical, you can play well into your sixties. It's like basketball or soccer in that sense. You can stay connected to the game for a long time. ere's also a great sense of community within the sport. Q. Any advice for young players with aspirations of making it to the collegiate or professional level? A. For college, get good grades. Most of the schools that have good Division I programs are also great academic schools. One of the reasons UMass wanted to recruit me was because I had good grades. I think it also helps to be a multisport athlete. Most coaches will tell you they prefer kids who play two or three sports. living fit meet the athlete / instructor insights C O U R T E S Y P H O T O Basketball has given former pro player and University of Washington standout Donald Watts opportunities across the globe. Donald started coaching basketball lessons at the WAC almost 10 years ago. "Teaching people how to live a healthier lifestyle and preparing them for challenges that they face beyond basketball, through basketball, is what I really get excited about," he says. Donald has helped several players reach the Division I and professional levels. Born in Seattle to SuperSonics legend Slick Watts, Donald has had a basketball in his hands as far back as he can remember. During his senior year at Lake Washington High School in 1995, Donald nabbed consensus state player of the year honors. He then put together an illustrious four-year career at the University of Washington, including reaching the Sweet 16 in 1998. Following his time at Washington, Donald played professionally in Bel- gium, South America, and in the NBA D-League (now G League). His favorite part about training young athletes? "When one of my students is facing something off the court and they call me and say, 'Coach, I was having this tough time, but I overcame it with the lessons I learned with you.'" Donald Watts coaches on Saturdays in the 8th Floor Gym and also offers private sessions. Schedule with Athletic Programs Manager Darin Barr at dbarr@wac.net or 206.464.3074. Instructor Insights Donald Watts E M I L I O H U E R TA S