By: Ariana Page
KENNESAW, Ga. – Furman transfer
Bailey Wilson, took less than two seasons as an Owl before claiming her status as number one in the nation for draw controls. Currently she averages 10.8 draw controls per game and has earned a staggering 108 draw controls overall, which is already the third-most ever in a season in school history. Her performance has also attracted her national attention, earning her a spot on the Inside Lacrosse midseason All-American Second Team.
The Acworth native joined the Owls squad in 2022 and immediately made her mark on the team as she finished the season with the second most draw control behind
Siena Gore. Going into her last year of collegiate eligibility, Wilson was ready for the expectations of filling Gore's shoes of leading the Black and Gold in draw controls.
"I really feel like last year we kind of built upon a really strong draw unit with Jaxsyn (Schonewille)," said Wilson. "She works really hard to place it and put me in the best opportunity possible to pick it up," Wilson said. "I feel like without teamwork and us working together on placing it, I wouldn't be anywhere without her so I give her all the credit."
Wilson began at Lindenwood but did not appear in a game before transferring to play at Furman for the next three years. However, the Paladins did not have her graduate program so she was looking for a strong school that fit both her educational and athletic goals. "I was looking for an architectural engineering program, and I was also already had friends and a good connection with KSU, so it was a pretty good fit." That led to her joining the Owls prior to the 2022 season.
Having a solid academic foundation and a clear plan made her transition much easier. With the right support and mindset, it enabled Wilson to navigate the transition period with confidence and ease.
"Having such a great connection to the team last year is what helped me get one foot in the door and the coaches have been great," she said. "This is the best coaching staff that I have ever been under."
Most lacrosse players begin to play in elementary school, however Wilson had a later start as she did not start until the end of eighth grade. Wilson felt like she was playing catch-up and knew she had to work much harder to get where she wanted to go. This has been a driving factor for Wilson because she has always wanted to be the best for not only herself, but for her team. "Facing these obstacles early on makes working through struggles in college 10 times easier," she said. Wilson drives herself to work hard for her team as well as to set the best example for the people following behind her.
Wilson and the Owls try to install the idea that self-worth should not be based on performance. Wilson, along with many other athletes, struggle with self-worth at times as they are told growing up how important school or athletics are. "You may be struggling at one practice, one game, or on one test, but that doesn't mean that you as a person are worth anything less," Wilson said. "One mistake doesn't degrade your value because there will always be another chance to make up for it."
Wilson's success has garnered attention not only from the KSU lacrosse community, but also from fans and supporters nationwide. Thanks to the new attention on her as a national leader, she has set a new standard for excellence and inspired others after her to strive for greatness.
While Wilson will be done with collegiate lacrosse after the 2023 season, she will still be at Kennesaw State for another year to finish graduate school before she starts working full-time with an architectural firm.
