Take Me Back: The Next Level

This article appears in the April edition of USA Lacrosse Magazine. Join our momentum.

“Take Me Back” connects today’s lacrosse stars with the next generation of players in their hometowns.

This month, there’s a new spin on the series. We asked current college standouts who came through the USA Lacrosse National Team Development Program and competed for USA Select teams to reflect on their experiences as a new group of U.S. hopefuls prepare for regional trials.

WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH NTDP/USA SELECT?

Rachel Clark, Virginia (USA Select U17): The combine. That was the most competitive and challenging tryout I've ever competed in. Every single girl there was so talented. Finding ways to stand out in such a strong group made me work harder and made me better.

Remington Reynolds, Rutgers (USA Select U17): Being coached by John Galloway and the impact he had on me as a player. He taught me how to be better as a defender, but also shared with me what the next level of lacrosse will be like.

HOW DID IT HELP PREPARE YOU FOR THE NEXT STAGE OF YOUR CAREER?

Kori Edmondson, Maryland (USA Select U16/U18): Having the opportunity to work with an experienced staff from USA Lacrosse, it was not all about X's and O's. The staff prepared us for challenges we would face during our transition from high school to college.

Rachel Clark, Virginia (USA Select U17): They coached us as if we were in college and shared their wisdom from playing at the highest levels. This was the best team that I'd ever played on. It increased my confidence and lax IQ. I got experience playing lacrosse at a whole new pace.

Charles Balsamo, Duke (USA Select U15): It helped me translate my game to where I am now. I was able to play with high-level players who are all playing at Division I schools now and against top players from Canada and other nations.

Emma LoPinto, Florida (USA Select U15): It made me step out of my comfort zone, meet new people and become more outgoing. It also helped me become more receptive to new experiences.

WHAT MADE IT DIFFERENT THAN OTHER EXPERIENCES?

Chloe Provenzano, Harvard (USA Select U17): Every player bought into the team concept with one goal of representing our country. It wasn't about any one individual. No one complained about playing time or having to play a position they were not used to playing.  It was refreshing to be part of a team without any drama or outside noise.

Charles Balsamo, Duke (USA Select U15): What made it different was the importance and intensity of training. You are playing for your country. That added a special purpose.

Kori Edmondson, Maryland (USA Select U16/U18): My experience is largely different from many others. Given that I attended McDonogh (Md.) School and had the opportunity to be coached by Taylor Cummings as well play for M&D Lacrosse Club, I was always surrounded by the best. NTDP/USA Select exposed me to much more diversity than I experienced. Players came in from all over the United States. I was able to take something different from each of my teammates that I wouldn't have experienced on any other platform. I'm grateful and indebted to USA Lacrosse for providing me with that opportunity.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO PLAY FOR THE USA? Visit USALACROSSE.COM/NTDP TO FIND A TRYOUT NEAR YOU OR SUBMIT A VIRTUAL APPLICATION.