Born and raised in Denver, junior Kiki Boone began playing lacrosse in the fourth grade, with her three older lacrosse-playing brothers as her inspiration. In 2011, Boone graduated from Cherry Creek High School, where she led her team to the state championships in 2008, 2010 and 2011.
As a sophomore in high school, Boone began to get serious about the prospect of college lacrosse.
“I never really thought about it until the idea was presented to me late sophomore year of high school. I knew I loved sports and I am a hard worker. The rest of the pieces fell into place. I feel lucky that I was given the opportunity,” said Boone.
Although other top Division I programs across the country recruited Boone, Denver stole her heart and has proved to be the perfect fit.
“I was looking all over the country once I realized I wanted to play lacrosse in college. I traveled through California, with schools like Stanford and Cal, flew back east to see Cornell, Harvard, Dartmouth, University of Richmond and Vanderbilt; but as a Colorado girl, when I stepped foot on campus, I knew this is where I was supposed to be,” said Boone.
As a midfielder for the Pioneers, Boone has been a force on the field. Last spring, she started all 21 games and broke records for her number of draw controls. In 2013, Boone recorded 81 draw controls in a single season, which set Denver’s new record.
“Before I graduate, I want to break the record for career-high of draw controls for DU,” said Boone.
Off the field, Boone has had to learn how to balance her time between academics, volunteering and athletics.
“I think it takes some getting used to. I don’t think I understood what I was getting myself into my freshman year and I didn’t know how to effectively manage my schedule. But now, as a junior, it has become easier because I have learned how to manage my time properly, and how to effectively study on planes, buses and just in shorter amounts of time,” said Boone.
Studying Spanish and science, Boone hopes to pursue a career as a dentist post-DU.
In addition to Division I lacrosse and academics, Boone volunteers as a Young Life leader at her alma mater, Cherry Creek High School. Boone has also served at three different Young Life camps across the United States.
Having played over 20 games each season for two years at Denver, memories and accomplishments shared with Boone’s teammates and coaches are plentiful.
“Last year, after having an undefeated season, we lost to Stanford for a bid to the NCAA tournament and our whole team was really upset. We were all in our locker room watching the selection show for the NCAA tournament. When they read ‘Denver,’ I can’t even describe the joy that erupted in that room; there was a lot of crying, laughing and screaming. It was one of the coolest moments I have ever experienced. We made DU history for being the first team to make it that far. We ended up making it to the second round of the tournament,” said Boone.
Two games into her season as a junior, Boone has big goals not only for herself, but for her teammates as well.
“One goal is for our team to have an even better season than last year. This year, we have the potential to make it even further. We will also host the Conference Championships. We have never won the Conference tournament, so it would really be amazing to win that at home,” said Boone.
For Boone, lacrosse has been more than just a sport.
“I have learned so much about life and relationships by playing a team sport,” said Boone. “Playing well together requires great communication, respect, working hard and doing your part. These skills translate to life in many ways, and I’m sure I’ll always be grateful for the experience.”
