W.I.N.terview with Tari Kandemiri

Triad Athletes, a San Diego based youth lacrosse training program, welcomes Tari Kandemiri.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUR TRIAD ATHLETES?

Be yourself.

I used to kind of shrug that off or think it was too cliché, but when I reflect I see just how important it is to just be you. When I first started Official Lax Girl, people laughed at me for just how invested I was in lacrosse and for being so unabashed about it. There were many times I wanted to quit, or just delete my accounts. Looking back, I am so glad I didn't!

I stayed true to myself and true to the things I loved. In my tweets, you can feel like voice behind them. I could easily choose to sound more "serious," be less playful, or try to portray myself in a certain way but that just wouldn't be me. I am equal parts lacrosse, management consultant, food-lover, traveler, and all the other things that make me special - and that is what's helped me succeed.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I'm always asked what motivates me, or what makes me want to work so hard and I think the answer has evolved over time. A lot of my motivation comes from within, just wanting to see what I can accomplish and how far I can push myself to reach my goals. With the platform I've been lucky to create over time, I'm now motivated by wanting to inspire other people to not only be themselves, but to also seek to reach any goal they feel most compelled by in their hearts.

I'm motivated to be my best self, my healthiest self, and my happiest self. I've also learned to be patient with myself, because sometimes when chasing a goal you can lose the understanding of who you are as a person or why it's important to give yourself room to figure it out.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO HANG OUT WITH TARI ON A SATURDAY?

Hanging with me on a Saturday is pretty chill! I try to sleep in on Saturdays but that can be tough since I wake up early for work during the week. I might lay in bed for a while and catch up on shows (or TikToks, I can't help but be addicted!). I'll run to a pilates class or do a workout at home if I'm in the mood, and grab a smoothie after while I cool down. Then I usually go for a strawberry-Nutella crepe at my favorite breakfast spot, and walk around the city. People-watching is so fun and I can catch up with family and friends while I stroll.

I spend the rest of the day at home relaxing, catching up on a few things for my startup Hama Beauty, or doing some lacrosse-related work, but I leave a majority of that for Sunday. When I can, I love catching a movie to end the day or I watch something at home with some candles burning. I loooove a good candle! I may meet up with friends for a night out, but right now especially I enjoy being home and just chilling. 

Triad Athletes is a San Diego youth lacrosse training program focused on growing womens lacrosse on the west coast.