Colorado University Athletics
Senior defender Kelsie Garrison will lead the Buffs against her younger sister, Gabbie, and the rest of the San Diego State Aztecs on Sunday.
Bragging Rights On The Line For The Garrison Sisters In Sunday’s Game
February 23, 2018 | Lacrosse
BOULDER — After opening the season with three straight games away from home — including a pair against nationally ranked teams — the No. 20 Colorado women's lacrosse team will finally get to play on its home turf Sunday when CU hosts San Diego State in a noon game at Kittredge Field.
The Buffs, 1-2 after a win over Michigan and losses to No. 5 Florida and No. 11 Northwestern, beat SDSU 17-5 last season when both programs were part of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
This year, Colorado is playing its first season in the Pac-12, as the conference is in its first year of sponsoring women's lacrosse as a championship sport.
On the surface, Sunday's home opener with SDSU may look like just another game. But for CU senior midfielder Kelsie Garrison the game will serve as a family reunion. Kelsie's sister, Gabbie Garrison, is a sophomore defender for the Aztecs.
"Last year when we played, it was more overwhelming than I expected," Kelsie Garrison said. "I didn't think it was going to be so crazy. The emotions I had last year was just a lot of pride. I'm really proud of her and how far we both have come to get here."
Growing up in Agoura Hills, Calif., neither Kelsie nor Gabbie played lacrosse until they entered high school. As a result, their playing style resembles each other's, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
"We play very similarly," Kelsie said. "Neither of us played until high school, so we played purely on athleticism and stick control, and other technical aspects came second. She's faster and stronger than I am, but we look a lot alike when we play."
Their similar approach is also consistent with their competitive natures.
"My whole family is really competitive," Kelsie said. "My two sisters and I are 13 months apart, so we grew up racing against each other and have always had a sister rivalry. Gabbie is a little less obnoxious about her competitiveness, she's able to internalize it a little better than I am, but we have always had a battle between us."
At the same time, the two sisters know how lucky they are to be playing collegiate lacrosse against each other. Sunday is likely the last time both sisters will both be on the field together in a college game, and they plan to cherish the moment.
"It's all a big joke the whole time," Kelsie said. "I remember last year she would whisper things at me and make faces. Gabbie doesn't get as much (playing) time as I do, but it's really fun because I know her friends and her team, so it's a really fun time."
Both of Kelsie's parents, Jeff and Tiffany Garrison, will be traveling from California to watch their daughters play Sunday.
"Our parents always wanted us to do something as the best we could," Kelsie said. "I think once I went to college and walked on, it gave Gabbie the idea that she could do anything she wanted to do in her career. Our parents just have always encouraged us to do anything."
Garrison has become a centerpiece to the Buffs midfield over the past three seasons. She earned MPSF All-Academic recognition in both 2016 and 2017, was an MPSF All-Tournament selection in 2016 and was named to the all-MSPF second team last season.
Garrison was also instrumental in helping Colorado to a 16-4 finish last year that included CU's first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
Admission and parking are free for CU's home lacrosse games at Kittredge Field.
The Buffs, 1-2 after a win over Michigan and losses to No. 5 Florida and No. 11 Northwestern, beat SDSU 17-5 last season when both programs were part of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
This year, Colorado is playing its first season in the Pac-12, as the conference is in its first year of sponsoring women's lacrosse as a championship sport.
On the surface, Sunday's home opener with SDSU may look like just another game. But for CU senior midfielder Kelsie Garrison the game will serve as a family reunion. Kelsie's sister, Gabbie Garrison, is a sophomore defender for the Aztecs.
"Last year when we played, it was more overwhelming than I expected," Kelsie Garrison said. "I didn't think it was going to be so crazy. The emotions I had last year was just a lot of pride. I'm really proud of her and how far we both have come to get here."
Growing up in Agoura Hills, Calif., neither Kelsie nor Gabbie played lacrosse until they entered high school. As a result, their playing style resembles each other's, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
"We play very similarly," Kelsie said. "Neither of us played until high school, so we played purely on athleticism and stick control, and other technical aspects came second. She's faster and stronger than I am, but we look a lot alike when we play."
Their similar approach is also consistent with their competitive natures.
"My whole family is really competitive," Kelsie said. "My two sisters and I are 13 months apart, so we grew up racing against each other and have always had a sister rivalry. Gabbie is a little less obnoxious about her competitiveness, she's able to internalize it a little better than I am, but we have always had a battle between us."
At the same time, the two sisters know how lucky they are to be playing collegiate lacrosse against each other. Sunday is likely the last time both sisters will both be on the field together in a college game, and they plan to cherish the moment.
"It's all a big joke the whole time," Kelsie said. "I remember last year she would whisper things at me and make faces. Gabbie doesn't get as much (playing) time as I do, but it's really fun because I know her friends and her team, so it's a really fun time."
Both of Kelsie's parents, Jeff and Tiffany Garrison, will be traveling from California to watch their daughters play Sunday.
"Our parents always wanted us to do something as the best we could," Kelsie said. "I think once I went to college and walked on, it gave Gabbie the idea that she could do anything she wanted to do in her career. Our parents just have always encouraged us to do anything."
Garrison has become a centerpiece to the Buffs midfield over the past three seasons. She earned MPSF All-Academic recognition in both 2016 and 2017, was an MPSF All-Tournament selection in 2016 and was named to the all-MSPF second team last season.
Garrison was also instrumental in helping Colorado to a 16-4 finish last year that included CU's first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
Admission and parking are free for CU's home lacrosse games at Kittredge Field.
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