As the Hamilton Southeastern Royals girls’ lacrosse team charges into the state semifinals, one name has quietly become a part of their success: junior attacker Allison Funk.

Wearing jersey #26, Funk has emerged as a steady presence on a varsity squad that boasts a 11-7 record and is ranked 3rd in Indiana, according to MaxPreps. 

Funk’s journey to varsity wasn’t without its challenges.

“Moving up from JV to varsity in between Freshman and Sophomore year was honestly a big step for me,” Funk shared. “It really challenged me mentally and I started to doubt myself as a player. As I’m starting to improve my confidence, I realize it’s okay to not be perfect, and my mindset can change everything.” 

Despite the internal hurdles, Funk has found her rhythm on the field. Her agility and field awareness have complemented the Royals’ dynamic offense, which recently saw a commanding 22-8 victory over Evansville Memorial in the sectional round. In that game, teammates Emma Reichert, Reagan Janes, and Sarah Gastineau each netted five goals, showcasing the team’s offensive depth. 

Funk credits the supportive team environment for helping her navigate the pressures of varsity play.

“I think our team supports each other enough that we can openly talk about mental health, and I think our team is a safe space for sure,” Funk said. “However, we don’t hear about it enough, which is why we should spend more time recognizing it.” 

As the Royals prepare for their semifinal matchup on Wednesday, May 28, Funk remains focused on contributing to the team’s success.

“I’ve learned that balance is very important,” Funk stated. “I remind myself that one mistake doesn’t define me as a player.”