Former WHS lacrosse star studying to become aesthetic nurse

By Matt Pascarella

Emma Ammons, a 2024 Windham High School graduate, was a star student and athlete when she played lacrosse for Windham.

Former Windham High lacrosse star, a 2024 WHS graduate, 
visits the Outer Banks in North Carolina last summer. She is
working on a nursing degree at Galen College in Texas and
plans to become an aesthetic nurse and perhaps a lacrosse
coach someday. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

After she graduated high school, she headed to Saint Joseph’s College to major in nursing and play lacrosse. However, Ammons made the difficult decision to step away from lacrosse and Saint Joseph’s College halfway through her sophomore year. She wanted to prioritize getting her degree in nursing. She transferred to the Galen College of Nursing in Texas and plans to specialize in Botox and aesthetic nursing.

“My main focus has been on my nursing studies and working toward my degree,” said Ammons. “It wasn’t easy, but balancing the demands of nursing school and athletics became overwhelming. Nursing is very demanding, so I’ve put a lot of time and effort into staying on track academically and building a strong foundation for my future career.”

Ammons moved to Texas in January. She was a little apprehensive at first, because she wanted to be close to her friends and family, especially her mom, who is her biggest supporter, but once established, she’s really happy that she took the leap.

Moving to a new place has changed her perspective on so many things. Even though she misses her friends, family, and hometown, Ammons is out there doing what she’s always dreamed of. She gets to see and experience new things every day.

Lacrosse is something Ammons misses a lot; she even keeps her lacrosse stick in the trunk of her car. Ammons said she would love to keep the sport in her life in the future. If she was able to find a youth program in the area, she’d be really interested in getting involved, and helping out. She could even see herself possibly coaching at some point in the future.

“In the past, I helped run youth lacrosse events where we introduced younger girls to the sport,” said Ammons. “Our goal was to make it fun and enjoyable while helping them learn the basics. I loved being able to share a sport that meant so much to me and watching them grow and enjoy it.”

To stay active, she goes on afternoon walks and tries new activities she’s never done before, like wake surfing or golfing. Ammons enjoys anything where she gets to be active and experience something new.

Her advice to current high schoolers is to follow your heart and take chances, even when those chances might scare you. Ammons said she’d rather look back on her life knowing she went after my dreams than wonder “what if.” She said to trust yourself, work hard and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

It’s okay if your plans change. That happens more than people think. Ammons said to be honest with yourself about what you really want and don’t feel like you have to stick with something just because it was your original plan. Talk to people you trust, ask for advice, and don’t be afraid to go in a different direction. In the end, it’s about finding what makes you happy and what’s best for you, Ammons says. <