From The Future: Dear First-Year Meag

Dear First-Year Meag,

Your dreams came true. You're a Lehigh basketball player. Those 18 years at camps in Rauch Fieldhouse and in the stands at Stabler have manifested themselves into a Lehigh career of your own.

But buckle up. These next five years are going to have some highs and lows (Yeah, that's right, I said five. Surprise.).

I could waste your time right now and tell you what all of those highs and lows are, but why bother? They're going to happen anyway.

Instead, I thought I'd talk about two major lessons you learn about yourself during your time as a Mountain Hawk.

The first is that you are infinitely stronger, both physically and mentally, than you thought possible. A lot of things are thrown at you while you're here, and even though it feels impossible sometimes, you always find your way to the other side of them. Give yourself credit. And cut yourself a break every once and a while (It's okay to cry. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise). Being a Division I athlete is hard, but you're capable, just prove that to yourself.

Truthfully, all you learn is how unstoppable you are.

The second is that you are way more than an athlete. I know that sounds crazy to you since that's the way you've defined yourself for your whole life, but it's true. I'm going to be honest, your time on the court during these five years isn't going to be close to what you want, but that doesn't define you. Working hard defines you. Being a good teammate defines you. But the seconds on the floor absolutely don't.

Plus, as long as you put in the work, you hold up your end of the bargain and after that, it's out of your control. Why waste energy on something you can't control?

When you learn that, you realize how much you matter to the people around you. The people who care about you don't base your value on your minutes, so why should you? I mean, sure, they want to see you play, but they'd rather see you happy. You owe it to them to realize that.

Whew. I'm a little emotional writing that (no surprise there I'm sure).

Let's go over some quick highlights, just to brighten it up a bit in here.

You really find your passions. You graduate with a double major in two things you love. You become a part of an engagement group that changes your life (Hi, Roseann, love you). And finally, you end up studying to get your Master's in Education, something you didn't expect when you started but now can't imagine doing anything else. What else can you ask for in a school?

You find the greatest friends -- the kind that will always tell you what time it is.

Across all five years, you have the best teammates who always know how to make you laugh until your face hurts. Every single one has an impact on the way you grow as a person at Lehigh. "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

There aren't enough words to explain how your time at Lehigh passes, but take it all in, the good and the bad, because one day it ends and you're going to wish for just a couple more days.

Honestly, I'd tell you how it all ends, but you'd never believe me. Just remember to watch the clock wind down at Colgate.

See ya when I see ya,
Fifth-Year Meag

Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Monmouth on March 19, 2026 , Loss , 62, to, 72

Completed Event: Women's Basketball at #2 Holy Cross on March 15, 2026 , Loss , 70, to, 77

Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus #1 Navy on March 12, 2026 , Win , 81, to, 76 , OT

Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus #5 Loyola University Maryland on March 9, 2026 , Win , 68, to, 54

Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus American on March 4, 2026 , Loss , 60, to, 62

Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Bucknell on February 28, 2026 , Loss , 45, to, 57

Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Boston University on February 21, 2026 , Win , 76, to, 61

Lehigh University Athletics

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