How a Diagnosis Led to the Bigfoot Endurance Lacrosse Classic | Kate McLaughlin

Kate McLaughlin knows what it means to rely on sport when things get difficult.

A former Division I lacrosse player and longtime coach, she still draws on many of the things she learned as an athlete: repetition, hard work, relying on a team, and adapting when circumstances change.

Those lessons have taken on new meaning since Kate was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s in 2023.

Kate continues to train regularly, with boxing, strength, agility, and coordination work all part of her week. She and Eric reflect on how her diagnosis changed her approach to life, and how she’s had to adapt her mindset while finding her way forward. They also talk about adjusting expectations without losing the drive to keep pushing, the role her family and coaching community continue to play in her life, and how the Bigfoot Lacrosse Classic has allowed her to bring the sport she loves into the fight against Parkinson’s.

Key Takeaways

➡️ The athlete mindset carries beyond the field.

Kate sees repetition, discipline, problem-solving, and learning to rely on a team as skills that prepared her to face obstacles well beyond sport, including Parkinson’s.

➡️ Progress means adjusting what you compare yourself to.

Kate still feels the frustration of not being able to do what she once could. She is learning to recognize what her body can do today while continuing to train and challenge herself.

➡️ Training remains a priority.

Boxing, strength, agility, and coordination work are regular parts of Kate’s week. Her family understands how important that training is and helps her protect the time to keep doing it.

➡️ Community can turn uncertainty into action.