Sport: Lacrosse
Major: Sociology
Hometown: New York City, NY
Bryn Mawr Clubs: Shakespeare Performance Troupe and Gluten Free Club
Meet Erica: Scholar, Athlete, Trailblazer
Erica James is a junior at Bryn Mawr College, where she excels both on the lacrosse field and in the classroom. A sociology major and dedicated scholar-athlete, James is passionate about representation in sports and creating space for diverse voices in athletics and beyond.
Why is Black History Month significant to you?
Black History Month is significant to me because I have spent almost the entirety of my life in predominantly white institutions. Black History Month was thus, the one time of year where I routinely saw successful people who I was not related to that looked like me at assemblies and learned, albeit in whitewashed and sanitized ways, about Black History.
How has being a Black scholar-athlete influenced your perspective on athletics and life?
Being a Black scholar-athlete has influenced me in a few ways. Throughout middle and high school I actively avoided playing certain sports to avoid being pigeon holed into playing those sports. Lacrosse has allowed me a valuable emotional outlet.
What role has lacrosse played in shaping who you are today? Can you share your journey with the sport?
I have been playing lacrosse since the fifth grade. My mother first put my brother and I in lacrosse as it was a sport played by mostly white people and she found a rec team in Brooklyn that was predominantly Black. My parents never expected me to play sports in college as they saw sports as a fun outlet for my energy and a way for me to spend time with friends.
Describe your experience balancing academics and athletics at Bryn Mawr.
I think I would be way less on top of my work without athletics. In high school, I commuted an hour each way and have always been used to having a very busy life. Athletics allows me to continue to play lacrosse like I did in high school and schedule my life. I find that I procrastinate less while in-season.
What are some of your interests outside of lacrosse? What activities are you involved in on campus or hope to join?
In addition to lacrosse, on campus I theatre tech for the Shakespeare Performance Troupe, help run the Gluten Free Club, skate at Bi-Co Lame Ducks, and work at both New Dorm dining hall and in Athletics. Off campus, I do freelance women's hockey journalism for
The Ice Garden and am known to dispense a variety of fun facts, mostly about ice hockey.
Who has been a major influence in your life, and why?
A major influence in my life has been my parents. Both my mom and dad are Caribbean immigrants and have instilled a drive for success and pride in both myself and my culture. Growing up, my parents were incredibly purposeful in making sure that I would not only have access to as many opportunities as possible but to also make sure that I was grounded in my identity as a Black Caribbean-American.
Erica James' journey as a Black scholar-athlete reflects resilience, passion, and a commitment to both her identity and her ambitions. As she continues to excel on the lacrosse field, in the classroom, and beyond, she embodies the strength and determination that Black History Month celebrates—honoring the past while paving the way for the future.
