By: RJ Kaminski
Washington College alumnus, T.D. Albright, is all too familiar with the Shootout for Soldiers. He and his fellow Shoremen alumni have shared quite a few reunions playing in the late night slots.
“This was my fourth year playing,” Albright said. “When I heard we were going to do a family game, I thought, ‘what a great opportunity to see if my daughter wanted to play as well?’”
His 8-year-old daughter, Annie, did not believe him at first.
“I could play with you dad?!” Annie asked excitedly.
Albright recounted the bright eyes and smile Annie expressed when he finally convinced her that he was serious.
“She was beside herself,” he said. The two could not wait to hit the field at St. Paul’s School.
“She was just so wound up,” Albright said. “Everyone was so supportive and super to her which made it a phenomenal experience.”
There was certainly enough support for these two on the sideline, coming from family members as well as the army of former and current WAC players.
“I think we had close to 70 people out there,” Albright said. “It was great to see not only guys I played with in the 90s, but guys that played before us and then guys and girls that are currently playing. It was a great mix of people. It’s a great reunion for us for sure.”
Albright’s 6-year-old, Eddie, took in the game with his mom, Kerri, on the sideline.
“He definitely wants to get out there [too] next year.”
Sure, the memory of being out on the field is nice. But how about making some game memories?
“She was playing attack most of the time and I was hanging out and talking with her,” Albright said. “Of course, everyone out there was yelling, “Give it to Annie, give it to Annie!”
The ball finally made it into Annie’s pocket. And she knew what to do with it.
“She had it right on the crease and she scored,” he said. “I don’t think she’ll ever forget that moment.”
Albright walked back to car with his lacrosse gear in one hand and his six-year-old in the other, fast asleep on his shoulder. Annie still had enough energy left for the both of them.
“After the game, we all went back to the Washington College tent and hung out for a while as the kids played…it was just wonderful.”
After his fourth, and by far his most memorable SFS experience, Albright preached the value that lies in getting the whole family out to a Shootout for Soldiers event.
“I think the kids get a firmer understanding of doing something beyond themselves in helping out with the Veterans,” Albright said. “And for such a great cause.”
Albright mentioned the positive interaction his daughter shared with the U.S. Army Veterans on the rock wall.
“The soldiers there helping were super good to her,” he said. “It’s nice for kids to get a sense of something more than just the game.”
If you asked Albright who had a better time at Shootout for Soldiers Baltimore, he’d be honest with you!
“I’ve been flying high from it as much or more than my daughter.”
