Laura Zimmerman: I Wanted To Be A Part Of This Movement
May 20, 2019
The D10 Athlete Profile explores what brings competitors to The D10 playing field...and what they bring away from it. Laura Zimmerman
Credit Sales, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
The D10 NYC
Fundraising goal: Team Tone House (40K)
2019 Marquee event: 800M Run (Goal: 3:00)
What is your primary motivator for competing in The D10 events?
My primary motivator is the amazing cause in which The D10 is based on, raising money for pediatric cancer research. The fact that The D10 has raised over $12 million for Memorial Sloan Kettering to date is extremely impressive. I wanted to be a part of this movement. [Editor's Note: over $13 million raised at the time of this publication.]
How much of your motivation for participating in The D10 stems from its charitable mission?
Daily motivation can be fueled by The D10 community and others competing, but at the core, it is 100% driven by the charitable mission behind it. Even being healthy enough to compete in an event like this is humbling when you remember not all can. I am so grateful to have the opportunity.
How did you first get involved in The D10?
I was told about it through a number of friends involved in The D10 in years past. They had always encouraged me to join - one of them being Everett Watson. This year, with a little push from my Tone House teammates, I decided it was time to become involved. I’m so glad I did.
Have you ever met a lacrosse player who wasn't as tough as nails? Look out, D10 NYC, Laura's coming for you.
Have you ever met a lacrosse player who wasn't as tough as nails? Look out, D10 NYC, Laura's coming for you.
How has The D10 been different from your collegiate or high school sports experiences in terms of training and motivation?
In high school and college, you have a structured time of training with a team or coach telling you what to do daily in order to get where you need to be for a competition. With The D10, you still have teammates but your progress is up to you and your commitment is solely dependent on yourself. I’ve found group workouts to be the most beneficial in replicating high school or collegiate training. These group meetups are more enjoyable.
In what ways has your participation in The D10 affected or enhanced your performance at work?
Given I am training most days at 5 AM prior to the workday, it definitely keeps me focused on the task at hand. As a result, I’m usually coming into the office pretty dialed-in and ready to attack the day.
Have you made new lasting friendships, or strengthened your professional network, as a result of your D10 experience?
Yes. the D10 community is fantastic and part of the reason I was so interested in joining. It's truly special when you can find like-minded individuals in such a big city. Also, it's very rewarding in terms of expanding your network. In addition to The D10’s great cause, I’ve found building this strong network of great people to be such a valuable takeaway.
This is Laura's first year competing in The D10 NYC. She and her Tone House teammates have taken on the ambitious task of raising $40,000 for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Help them reach their mighty goal with a donation to help fight pediatric cancer.
This is Laura's first year competing in The D10 NYC. She and her Tone House teammates have taken on the ambitious task of raising $40,000 for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Help them reach their mighty goal with a donation to help fight pediatric cancer.