For many athletes, game day traditions go beyond just warmups and pre game rituals. On the lacrosse field, one of the most cherished and stylish traditions is game day hair. It’s a ritual that’s about more than just keeping flyaways in check; it’s a celebration of friendship, superstition, and team pride.
When talking about the practicality and fun of game day hair senior Harper Grace said, “It’s a mix of both. Getting a regular pony out of the way definitely helps, but all the extra braids are just for fun. Sometimes they help hold our baby hairs back though.”
But beyond function, it’s about confidence. Grace said, “The best part is it definitely makes you feel more confident and translates to playing better. Look good, feel good, do good, you know?”
Many players have their go-to stylists on the team. Norah, Edie, and Makenna are often the masterminds behind the intricate braids, “Norah or Edie always do my hair,” said Grace.
For others, like Emma Reichert, hair on game day carries a little extra superstition.
“For me, it’s a superstition I do for games. If my hair looks good, I will play good,” Reichert says. “I did a hairstyle at the start of the season for the first game and stuck with it. Anytime I do a different hairstyle, I play bad.”
Her signature style? “Four braids back into a ponytail that is then braided,” said Reichert.
Beyond the styles themselves, what players seem to treasure most is the bond formed through these small but meaningful moments.
“The best part about having fun hair is showing it off and the bond we all create when we do our hair,” Reichert said. “It’s pretty common among the team to have a fun hairstyle, so being able to all bond over doing our hair has been really fun.”
Anna Silver agrees, noting both the practical and emotional side of the tradition.
“I personally just love having my hair stand out and be styled in fun ways!” Silver said, “It also really helps keep my hair out of my face when it’s braided up, which is helpful because my hair is so long!”
But, she adds, “The best part is when we’re all sitting in a circle doing our hair because it’s really good team bonding.” And her favorite look? “Two French braids going back into a dragon braid!”
”The hair is to stand out and be something special that’s done for games,” Norah Brandenburg said, one of the team’s most trusted braids. And for this team, it really is special. Whether it’s tightly braided ponytails or elaborate designs, the styles signal it’s game time—and they do more than just look good.
In the end, game day hair isn’t just about looking good for pictures—it’s about weaving together memories, friendships, and traditions that players will carry with them long after the final whistle blows.
