My name is Alina Atayan, and I am truly honored to be a part of the inaugural Armenian Women’s Lacrosse team.

Being Armenian is something I have always taken pride in. It is not just about being from a certain area in the world, but rather carrying on a culture of resilience and fortitude. Like many other diaspora Armenians, my family immigrated due to the Armenian Genocide. Their stories of survival and strength are a true inspiration, along with the resilience they showed through their actions to continue to grow despite all odds.

These life lessons have not only motivated me in my daily and professional life, but in my athletic pursuits as well.

My Lacrosse Journey

My lacrosse journey began in 4th grade. At the time, my parents had no idea what lacrosse was, but they supported both me and my brother Ara’s enthusiasm to play. I loved the balance of physicality, finesse, and fast pace of the sport. Lacrosse is a challenging sport to learn, but the payoff was exhilarating.

I continued my lacrosse career at Marquette University as a Division 1 athlete during the inception of their program. Marquette was a great fit for me as its values aligned with many of those I carried as an Armenian:

• Resilience in the face of any challenge
• “Being the Difference”
• Building upon my Christian spiritual beliefs

I pride myself on being a hardworking, versatile player—someone who is scrappy and unintimidated. I concluded my college career as an All-Academic Big East member and four-year varsity athlete, continuing on to coach high school lacrosse and begin my professional career as a Registered Nurse.

Deep Armenian Roots

From my great-grandparents being a part of the formation of one of the largest Armenian churches in Michigan, to my grandmother and uncles assisting Armenians in establishing themselves with basic needs, housing, and jobs in the U.S., my family has been actively engaged in the Armenian community for the past century.

I have continued to strengthen my Armenian roots by actively participating in the Armenian church and Daughters of Vartan.

An Honor and a Mission

I am thrilled to be able to not only represent Armenians on an international level but also to help spread the passion for playing an amazing sport to my fellow Armenians.

It is a true honor to be able to blend two of my passions as a dual ambassador for both women’s lacrosse and Armenia as a nation.