University of Richmond Athletics
Summer Series: Jemma Peterkin
07/09/2025 | Women's Lacrosse
Hi there! I hope everyone's summer is off to a good start. I'm touching base from Wilton, Connecticut, with a heart still half in Europe and a mind already racing toward the upcoming season and school year.
Traveling to Amsterdam, Netherlands, and San Sebastián, Spain, with my teammates and best friends was an unforgettable experience. I'm so grateful we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in different cultures and explore exciting new places. After our ten days abroad, I stayed for another four in San Sebastián to continue taking in the city's breathtaking views and rich history. One of my favorite moments was hiking to the top of Monte Urgull to see the Sagrado Corazón statue and the museum within the Castillo de la Mota fortress. The statue—measuring over 39 feet in height—caught my eye the moment we arrived in San Sebastián. Since our team didn't have the chance to get a closer look at it, visiting it was at the top of my bucket list. I really enjoyed getting to know the city and its history better and would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
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Upon returning to Connecticut, I immediately resumed my rehab journey. I was out this past season after getting hip surgery in March, so I've been doing physical therapy for quite some time now. Even so, I continue to face many kinds of obstacles—ones I'm growing more and more thankful for each day, as they teach me to be patient with myself and not take for granted movements that once seemed so simple. It was an unexpected turn in my sophomore year and has pushed me in ways I couldn't have imagined, but it's made me a stronger person and athlete, inside and out. Just last week, for example, I ran for the first time in over three months. Running has always been an outlet for me, so losing that outlet was both a physical and mental challenge. Luckily, though, it went smoothly, and I've been progressing well. I can't wait to be back on the field in no time!
In addition to rehabbing, I've been babysitting and coaching for Gold Coast Lacrosse Club, which I played for throughout high school. This summer, I'm with the 2029 Black team—a hardworking and lively group of girls. Their talent and drive never fail to amaze me, and they keep me laughing. While I've been sharing my knowledge of the game with them, they've also taught me a lot. They remind me not only to put my best foot forward but also to have fun while doing it. In the midst of my recovery, they've been exactly what I needed, and I wouldn't want to spend my summer any other way.
Looking ahead to the end of summer, my family and I are heading to the Caribbean for a week. I'm excited to spend time with my parents and my younger brother, Noah, and to soak in the sun while I can—before getting back to work in Richmond.
Next, I'm passing it on to Emma Kroneberger, who's going to tell you about her time as an intern at a healthcare staffing company. How awesome!
Thanks for catching up with me — Roll Spiders!
