GVSU women's lacrosse volunteer assistant coach, Emma DeYoung, began her second season with the program before it was cut short due to the COVID-19 crisis.  A Grand Rapids native, DeYoung's lifestyle has not changed much despite the global pandemic; she is a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. 
 
As a NICU nurse, DeYoung works three or four consecutive night shifts a week (7 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.).  During the season, she heads straight to 8 a.m. practice after her shifts, which is then followed by a day of sleep to prepare for her next night's work. 
 
A Detroit Mercy graduate and 4-year member of the Titan lacrosse team, being in the medical field has been a dream of DeYoung's for years.
 
"I've always loved taking care of kids," she said.  "My mom remembers that I'd say 'I want to be a doctor when I grow up' when I was younger and then I started to get more serious about nursing around middle or high school."
 
DeYoung began to explore her career options in high school when she shadowed a family friend in pediatrics.  Once admitted to the Detroit Mercy nursing program, DeYoung knew she chose the correct path for her future. 
 
The NICU unit is the largest floor at Spectrum Health compromised of 100 beds.  DeYoung continues to work on the newborn level amidst the chaos but is ICU-trained if needed. 
 
"There is something so special about being that person for a parent and being trusted with their most precious part of life," DeYoung said, when asked about her favorite aspect of being a nurse.  "It's awesome to see how medicine can work and be able to witness these tiny babies live and fight for their lives."
 
Like most people, DeYoung has been spending her free time doing things that keep her happy at home.