Sometimes, the most meaningful connections in sport happen when you least expect.
For 14 young lacrosse players from the USA and Canada they got a first-hand look at what it takes to perform at the highest levels of sport during a visit to the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS). What began as a tour soon became something much more personal for the athlete tour guide and visitors alike, with a shared connection through Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Fresh off the plane from the 2026 Tokyo Women’s World Championships, with a short window before international competition calls again; VIS lacrosse player Sarah Smith made time for the group of aspiring professionals.
Sarah is VIS’s newest athlete presenter, providing a special opportunity for the international visitors to learn about the Australian lacrosse landscape.
“It was very special for my first tour to be with a group of lacrosse athletes,” said Sarah.
“I loved being able to show the kids what a career in elite sport can look like and show them that our goals are achievable and real.”
The most memorable moment of the visit came after the tour had finished. Sarah discovered that two of the visiting athletes, brothers, also live with T1D. They use their highsandlowsbros platform to advocate for T1D and share their challenges being athletes, but also their triumphs. After being diagnosed, two years ago, with T1 Diabetes herself, Sarah described the moment as a really special pinch-me moment”.
The brothers gifted Sarah a specially designed lacrosse ball created in collaboration with Swax Lax, for their Australian tour, featuring Australian landmarks and messaging to help raise awareness of T1D.
“It felt like it was meant to be that I put my hand up to do this tour… It was just a wonderful experience that will touch my heart for a long time.”
For Sarah, the unexpected meeting inspired her, adding a deeply personal layer to what was already an unforgettable first tour.
The group of young lacrosse players visited Melbourne as part of the 2026 Premier Lacrosse League Play Australia Lacrosse Experience.
As part of their Australian sporting trip, the players stepped inside the VIS for a tour, experiencing the daily training environment where Victoria’s Olympic, Paralympic and World Champions spend their time.
Alongside Sarah, Freddy Waters, VIS hockey athlete and experienced tour leader, offered a different perspective on the journey to elite, giving the young lacrosse players an insight into his team sport. The group’s coach described hearing first-hand about Sarah and Freddy’s unique experiences in elite sport, education and career as “powerful and refreshing”.
The group explored the world-class facilities the VIS has to offer, including a 25-meter indoor pool, hot and cold recovery baths, climate chamber, sports science lab, athlete kitchen and treatment rooms. Along the way, Sarah and Freddy shared how they use these facilities as part of their own day-to-day training and preparation.
International Lacrosse Players Experience the VIS _1
