Despite the fact that Title IX is supposed to ensure that women’s sports gets the same amount of funding as men’s sports, women only make up 32% of scholarship athletes in collegiate sports. One of these amazing female athletes is Ila Chenet, who committed D1 to Rider University’s women’s lacrosse team. 

On top of her years of dedication to the sport and her natural athleticism, Ila is also a natural born leader, having made a positive impact on every one of her teammates. 

“Ila is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met,” senior Isabel Briscoe-Brun said. “When she wasn’t on the field playing with us she was giving us tips, coach JV and being extremely supportive. I wouldn’t be as confident in my abilities this year if it wasn’t for her.” 

Throughout the 2024 season, despite being injured, Ila continued on helping coach underclassmen. Chenet’s unparalleled level of commitment to her sport is absolutely infectious, because of this and her love of lacrosse she made the perfect role model for the JV team. 

“Passing down more than just the ball, Ila Chenet scores goals on the field, and scored in the hearts of the JV team this year,” coach and former teammate Natalie Gutierrez said. “She guided and inspired them on and off the turf. Ila has a blend of integrity, passion and leadership that inspires us all.” 

Continuing her academic journey in the fall at Rider University, Ila will be joining a team which boasts an impressive 7-3 record in the 2023 season as a member of the MAAC conference. And most impressively throughout the entire process, she has managed to stay humble, constantly seeking personal betterment from coaches and mentors, overall setting herself up for success in every way possible. 

“My biggest supporters through my recruiting process were my Mom and my recruiting coach, coach Ann,” senior Ila Chenet said. “I am excited to compete and play lacrosse at the highest level as well as playing alongside players who have the same competitive mindset I do.”