In recent years Riverton High’s girls lacrosse team has established itself as a 6A state contender, reaching the semifinals a year ago. 

One of their star players this season, Izzy Blunck, was a big reason why.  

A senior, Blunck had a stellar junior year, scoring 50 goals and dishing out 24 assists. She also had 32 ground balls and caused two turnovers. 

Like many athletes, Blunck used the inspiration from a parent to get her interested in the sport. 

Blunck’s mother played lacrosse in college. She encouraged her daughter to try the sport, and it didn’t take long for Blunck to fall in love with it. Blunck has played for more than six years and turned into one of the top players in the state. Not only does she love the thrill of competing, but she has developed some memorable relationships with teammates. She is grateful for those bonds on and away from the field. 

“I love the team bonding and chemistry you have with your teammates,” she said. “Some of these girls I have been friends and playing with for my whole career. Lacrosse can really bring you amazing friendships. I also love the intensity and drive you feel from this sport—the speed and then that amazing shot. The adrenaline and thrill are unbelievable.”

As her four-year career with the Riverton program comes to a close, Blunck reflected on the meaningful experience she has had with the team. She appreciated her teammates and coaches at Riverton and the positive culture that surrounds the team. “I love the school spirit Riverton has,” she said. “The family and chemistry that this team has is really something I could never forget. I am a captain on this team and really couldn’t be prouder and more filled with love for my teammates. I love being a part of such an amazing program.”

Though Blunck has found individual and team success on the field, nothing has come easy. She said one of her best attributes is the ability to overcome hardships and find teaching moments in every game and practice. 

“I feel I can learn from my mistakes and get back up even when it has been a rough game,” she said. “I have learned that always staying positive for not only your team but yourself is such a big thing to being a strong player. I love including everybody and being a team player as well. I feel you win with all of your team, but you need to execute your best as an individual first.”

Throughout the season, Blunck worked on improving her mental toughness and focusing on the little things. She tries to have a good attitude even when things aren’t going her way. 

Lacrosse isn’t an easy game to learn and master, she said. 

Thankfully for Blunck and her teammates, supportive coaches are there at Riverton to encourage the players. 

“I feel that the most challenging aspects of this sport would be the many different situations that you have to go through in each game,” Blunck said. “It’s challenging to be able to learn quickly the dynamics of the opposing team and to work as a team using our skills and talents to be better and adapt and win the game. A very high lacrosse IQ is such a big aspect of knowing when and where to do the right things in the game. I have come to notice that if you stay composed during the games and learn when the right times are to pass, make a shot, get the ground ball, cut or transition is very vital to success. Luckily, we have coaches that help guide us in making these decisions. They are always encouraging us to do and be our best.”  

After high school graduation, Blunck will move on to the University of Utah, where she accepted an academic merit scholarship and plans to try out for the lacrosse team. 

“I want to explore my options through the College of Health and see where my future will take me,” she said. “And of course, I am excited to try out for U of U Girls Lacrosse Team. They are so amazing! Go Utes!” λ