Utahns Abroad
Issue 1
When I was running Utah Lacrosse News, I had a feature for ‘Utahns Abroad’. It was a series to highlight student-athletes playing in college who were from Utah. At the time, there were maybe 30-40. I decided to revitalize the series and when I was looking into it, I was shocked by the number of players playing at the next level. I won’t be able to interview all of them, but I’m really excited to see the number of players who’ve decided to play in college. I’ve reached out to a handful and asked them the same questions. I think their responses are great and there’s something to be learned for everyone! Hope you enjoy.
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Hazel Baker (Olympus → Oregon)
Baker was named the Utah 5A Player of the Year in 2024, earning first-team all-state honors in 2022 and 2023 and being selected as a USA Lacrosse All-American. A four-time first-team all-region selection, she led Olympus to 5A state championships as a sophomore and senior and was named state championship game MVP in 2022. She started all four years at Olympus, served as team captain as a junior and senior, and totaled 221 goals and 96 assists while also earning USA Lacrosse all-academic honors, National Honor Society membership, and two-time honor roll recognition. Baker is in her Sophomore year at Oregon, playing in 9 games and scoring 1 goal and notching 3 assists.
When did you first realize that playing college lacrosse was a real possibility for you?
I realized it after meeting Hannah Hyatt at a clinic. She played at Boston College and later sent me her signed stick with “Dream Big!” written on it. That moment motivated me to pursue college lacrosse.
What’s the biggest adjustment you had to make when you arrived on campus—on the field or off?
On the field, the game speed was the biggest adjustment. Off the field, balancing academics, practice, recovery, and daily life as a Division I athlete required building strong routines.
How do your teammates and coaches react when they find out you’re from Utah?
They’re curious about what lacrosse in Utah is like since it’s a non-traditional but growing area for the sport.
What advice would you give a Utah high school player who wants to play at the next level?
Bet on yourself. If you’re passionate and willing to work hard, the opportunity is there. The process is challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Favorite things about Oregon (school and state)?
I love Oregon’s focus on student-athlete well-being, the athletic facilities, and the natural beauty of the state.
Sarah Hart (Brighton → Tiffin)
Hart played at Brighton and in her Junior year at Tiffin. Hart has started 12 games this season in goal for the Dragons, registering 77 saves.
When did you first realize that playing college lacrosse was a real possibility for you?
I didn’t think I’d ever play college lacrosse when I first started. I began playing as a sophomore at Brighton and became a goalie. Joining club teams and creating an IWLCA recruiting profile helped. When a college emailed me during my senior year showing interest, I realized playing at the next level was possible.
What’s the biggest adjustment you had to make when you arrived on campus—on the field or off?
Being away from home was the hardest adjustment. My coaches and teammates helped me through it, and over time, my team became my second family.
How do your teammates and coaches react when they find out you’re from Utah?
People are usually shocked and ask how I ended up in Tiffin. I love getting to talk about my hometown and Utah.
What advice would you give a Utah high school player who wants to play at the next level?
Create recruiting profiles early, reach out to schools before tournaments, and keep your grades up. Missing NCAA requirements can delay or prevent playing.
Favorite things about Tiffin/Ohio?
I love the small-school atmosphere, local restaurants, small class sizes, and professors with real-world experience.
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Hunter Keller (Davis → Lewis)
Keller played for Davis, earning All-American honors in 2024 and First Team All-Region recognition from 2020–2024. Keller is the state record holder for saves in a season (374) and in a single game (39). Keller is in his Sophomore season at Lewis in Illinois and has 11 saves on the season.
When did you first realize that playing college lacrosse was a real possibility for you?
I always wanted to play in college, but it became a reality in 9th grade when I truly found my passion for lacrosse.
What’s the biggest adjustment you had to make when you arrived on campus—on the field or off?
Balancing academics and athletics was the biggest challenge. The game speed was also an adjustment, especially as a goalie learning to control the clear, direct the defense, and manage the game.
How do your teammates and coaches react when they find out you’re from Utah?
I was the first player from Utah at Lewis, which surprised a lot of people. Once they saw my ability, it changed perceptions of Utah lacrosse.
What advice would you give a Utah high school player who wants to play at the next level?
Explore your options, especially out of state. It’s uncomfortable at first, but the growth and experiences are worth it.
Favorite things about Lewis/Illinois?
The people. Everyone is welcoming, respectful, and supportive.
Ava Kimche (Park City → Columbia)
Kimche attended Park City, earning US Lacrosse All-American honors in 2022 and 2023, as well as Adrenaline All-American and Utah Ms. Lacrosse recognition. A two-year varsity captain, state champion (2021, 2023), and four-year varsity basketball starter, she was also a US Lacrosse All-Academic selection, National Honor Society member, AP Scholar with Distinction, and High Honor Roll student. Kimche is in her Junior year at Columbia and is the starting goalie for the Lions. She has 101 saves on the year.
When did you first realize that playing college lacrosse was a real possibility for you?
Growing up, I had an older sister who went through the recruiting process for lacrosse. She was four years older than me, so it was always in the back of my mind as a possibility. Growing up in Park City, there was also a large lacrosse community, and I knew multiple people older than me who played college lacrosse.
I always knew I wanted to play a sport in college, but I was on the fence between basketball and lacrosse. I didn’t fully decide that lacrosse was the sport I wanted to pursue until the summer going into my sophomore year of high school, so it was a little last-minute when I decided I was all in on the opportunity to play college lacrosse.
What’s the biggest adjustment you had to make when you arrived on campus—on the field or off?
The two biggest adjustments for me were learning how to manage my time better and dedicating all my time to a single sport. Academically, going to an Ivy League institution was very different from my high school experience, and I had to change a lot of my habits to balance lacrosse and school.
Mentally, it was hard to focus on just lacrosse because I had always played multiple sports. If one sport wasn’t going well, I could shift my focus to another. Having to fully commit to one sport was challenging but very rewarding, as it helped me grow closer to my teammates and face the challenges of the sport head-on.
How do your teammates and coaches react when they find out you’re from Utah?
Lacrosse in Utah continues to grow, and it’s becoming more common for girls to play in college. When I arrived, my teammates thought it was interesting, but it’s definitely less uncommon than it used to be. We now have players from all over the country, which has made it feel very normal.
What advice would you give a Utah high school player who wants to play at the next level?
College lacrosse is a big commitment, but if you love the sport, you should absolutely pursue it. I would also recommend not focusing solely on lacrosse in high school—college coaches look for well-rounded athletes on and off the field. It’s also important to understand the different levels of college lacrosse and to avoid comparing your journey to others. Your right fit may look very different.
Favorite things about Columbia/New York?
My favorite things about Columbia are the location and the diverse group of people on campus. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from people with so many different backgrounds, and New York City always has something exciting to offer.
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Allie Reading (Corner Canyon → UMass Lowell)
Reading attended Corner Canyon, serving as team captain her senior year. She earned First Team All-Region Defense and Deseret News First Team All-State Defense honors in back-to-back seasons, was a two-time US Lacrosse High School All-American and All-Academic All-American, and a member of the National Honor Society. Reading is in her Junior year at UMass Lowell and has started in 11 games for the River Hawks this year, causing 10 turnovers.
When did you first realize that playing college lacrosse was a real possibility for you?
I started to see college lacrosse as a real possibility when I began having conversations with college coaches and realized they were genuinely interested in me. Competing on a national travel team alongside players from across the country also opened my eyes. I could see that I was capable of playing at that level.
What’s the biggest adjustment you had to make when you arrived on campus—on the field or off?
The biggest adjustment was on the field. I had to adapt quickly to the speed and skill level of East Coast lacrosse. The game is much faster, especially defensively, and it pushed me to elevate my play.
How do your teammates and coaches react when they find out you’re from Utah?
They’re usually surprised. Many of them have never been to Utah or even the West Coast, so they’re curious about my background and what it was like moving so far from home.
What advice would you give a Utah high school player who wants to play at the next level?
Keep putting yourself out there. Even when it feels like no one is paying attention, coaches are watching. Stay persistent, continue reaching out, and be clear about what you want academically and athletically so you can find the best fit.
Favorite things about UMass Lowell/Massachusetts?
My favorite part has been the friendships I’ve built through lacrosse and my academic program. I’ve also loved exploring downtown Lowell and experiencing the diverse food scene—it’s something you don’t see back home in Utah.
Eva Thorn (Olympus → High Point)
Thorn played high school lacrosse for Olympus and was a State Champion in 2022 and State Runner-Up in 2023, earning three-time First Team All-State and three-time All-Region honors. A two-time All-American, Adrenaline All-American (2023), Under Armour All-American All-Tournament Team selection, and 5A Player of the Year (2023), she served as a two-time team captain for the Titans. Thorn is in her Junior year at High Point where she’s played in 9 games, scoring 6 goals and 3 assists.
When did you first realize that playing college lacrosse was a real possibility for you?
I realized it when I was in eighth grade going into ninth grade during COVID. While doing Zoom practices, I started watching college lacrosse and was amazed by the level of play. I knew I wanted to get there one day.
Trying out for Utah Lynx and meeting Will Manny and Adam Ghitelman helped a lot—they believed in me and helped me reach my goal of playing Division I lacrosse. Above all, my mom’s support made it possible. She always told me to shoot for the stars and believe in myself.
What’s the biggest adjustment you had to make when you arrived on campus—on the field or off?
The pace and level of play were the biggest adjustments. The ball moves faster, players are quicker, and everything happens at a higher speed. Off the field, learning time management between academics and athletics was also a big challenge.
How do your teammates and coaches react when they find out you’re from Utah?
They’re always surprised and curious about what Utah is like. I love talking about the outdoor lifestyle, Utah Lynx, and giving back to the community that helped me get here.
What advice would you give a Utah high school player who wants to play at the next level?
The club team you play for matters—coaching, connections, and competition are huge for recruiting. Work hard, especially on what you’re not good at. Everyone’s journey looks different, especially coming from Utah, so always believe in yourself.
Favorite things about High Point/North Carolina?
I love the weather and my teammates. They’re some of the funniest and kindest people I’ve ever met, and I’m grateful for friendships I’ll have for life.
Tracen Wagner (Clearfield → Thomas)
Wagner played locally at Clearfield before heading to Maine to attend Thomas College. Wagner is a Sophomore and has played in 25 career games for the Terriers.
When did you first realize that playing college lacrosse was a real possibility for you?
I realized it my Junior year of high school after several coaches reached out during recruiting.
What’s the biggest adjustment you had to make when you arrived on campus—on the field or off?
Off the field, finding support while being far from home was important. On the field, adjusting to the pace and playing with a shot clock against faster, more athletic players was a big change.
How do your teammates and coaches react when they find out you’re from Utah?
They’re usually shocked, mostly because Utah is so far from Maine.
What advice would you give a Utah high school player who wants to play at the next level?
Be willing to learn and put in the work. Coaches want players who are dependable on and off the field.
Favorite things about Thomas College/Maine?
I love the close social atmosphere at Thomas College and the fall season in Maine.
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