For Evan Schwartz, of Bethesda, MD, overcoming obstacles is second nature. Only a freshman, Evan is in the starting attack line for the Landon High Bears Varsity Lacrosse team, the #5 ranked team in the nation. When he’s not fighting off defenders in the attack area, Evan faces off against type one diabetes (T1D).

“I was diagnosed at 5 years old and I’m very diligent when it comes to checking my blood sugar. Every morning and before every practice or match, I am testing,” said Evan, “I like to be around 120, because I go high during games and then low after. I always have to level myself off with anything protein.”

Led by acclaimed Coach Rob Bordley at Landon, Evan’s rise to the Varsity squad came as a surprise to many, even his own family. “Only four Freshmen boys were allowed to tryout for the Varsity team this year because of their high ranking. Evan had to ask the coach before he could even tryout and was told he could, but that he would probably be cut. Now Evan is the only Freshman player on the team full-time,” said Mimi Schwartz, Evan’s mother.

The Bears are currently undefeated at 5-0 on the season, with Mimi crediting the rigid management of the team as a factor. Coach Bordley, winner of over 30 Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) league championships, has a business-style approach to the team, running practice 6 days a week and holding his players to strict conduct rules.

Just as Evan must hold himself accountable to the high demands of his team, his T1D management is just as important. “Evan’s blood sugar is a major factor in him playing well consistently. He goes through a lot, and does a lot to make sure he is in range for every practice and every game,” said Mimi.

“While I am pretty on top of my diabetes, my family and teammates are a great support system. They always keep me in check. If they ever feel like I am not acting like myself, they will ask if I’ve checked my blood sugar,” said Evan.

Lacrosse is year round for Evan. When not playing for Landon in the spring, he plays with his club team, Next Level Lacrosse, in the fall and summer.

“I just can’t get enough of lacrosse,” said Evan, ” I play attack and I love it. The physicality and the contact and how fast the game moves is what appeals to me. My goal is to play in college as well.”

But outside of lacrosse, Evan finds he needs slow-paced activities to unwind. “English and writing are my favorite subjects in school, and I love to write my own stories. TV helps me relax too. Sometimes I just need stuff like that to take a break from my hectic sports schedule and get back to reality,” said Evan.

As for advice to those who find themselves diagnosed with T1D, Evan says it’s important to stay calm. “[T1D] teaches you responsibility,” said Evan,” just know that your family and friends will always be there for you. Just take it easy and you’ll be fine.”