The typical season for a collegiate women’s lacrosse player spans from late February to early May, with a chance to extend the year in postseason competition. For Mikki Brown, a junior on the Fort Lewis College Skyhawk’s roster, her competitive season extended through July.
Brown earned a spot on the Italian Heritage team, an extension of Italy’s national team, and enjoyed a championship clean sweep at the World Lacrosse Festival in San Diego. Her team opened the festival with a tone-setting 14-1 rout of Women’s SkyFire and never looked back, outscoring the opposition 74-22 on its way to an 8-6 championship victory over SDC Blue.
“I’m going through the process of earning my dual citizenship. It’s a challenging process, and I’m tackling it on my own,” Brown said. “Until then, I’m playing on the heritage lacrosse team for Italy. I tried out for the national team in January and got good feedback from the staff, but until I get my passport, I am enjoying competing with the heritage program.”
The festival is the official tournament surrounding the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship, placing Brown and others in the middle of some of the world’s most elite lacrosse talent. It’s fitting for a Skyhawk who has missed just two games since setting foot on campus in 2021. Watching the California native compete, it is clear that she has the makings of an elite lacrosse player, nimbly and swiftly tearing down the field with a competitive fire uncommon for a young player.
“I was a late bloomer, only starting the sport during my junior year of high school. Immediately I knew that I had the potential to excel,” Brown said. “When I set my mind to something, I feel confident that I can accomplish that goal. That’s a big part of why I believe I can compete for a high-level team and be successful in my final two seasons at Fort Lewis.”
In addition to her athletic prowess, the rising junior is equally as imposing in the classroom. A political science major, she earned Academic All-Conference and All-District honors in 2023.
Of the opportunity to play beyond the traditional college season, Brown said, “Playing beside people who are like me and come from a similar background is really special. I’ll never take these chances to play the sport that I love for granted, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this can help me grow as a player and a person.”
