RALEIGH, N.C. – New players. New teams. New competition.
On a sunny Sunday at the WRAL Soccer Park, newness defined this year’s USA Lacrosse Women’s National Tournament. The long-standing event allows high-schoolers to compete with teams from across the country in front of the eyes of many college coaches.
The teams that gelled quickly, soared. And adaptability allowed for lacrosse excellence from all corners of the country.
Players competed alongside regional teammates, many of whom had never met each other before the tournament began.
Kaya Farnsworth, an attacker and draw specialist from New Hampshire, commented, “I don’t think I knew any of the girls or most of their names at the beginning.” Despite the team’s newness, they quickly learned to work together as Farnsworth notes it was “really clear how throughout all our games we got a lot better.”
New Hampshire wasn’t the only team adjusting to new players.
Addison Costa, a Long Island native and goalie, had never stepped on the field with any of her teammates before the weekend.
“Even if I don’t know anyone on the team, I make sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to, and I am doing my best and everything that I can do.”
Costa’s position necessitates strong communication between her and her defenders, and their newness in playing together did not stop them: “Meeting up in our huddle after, we all communicated really well and transitioned smoothly on the field.”
Midfielder Caroline Wright’s Maryland team also found her team to gel offensively quicker than expected: “We only had two practices, but we clicked really, really well. No one was holding the ball all the time. We always had assists, so it was really great.”
Playing with a new team was a challenge, but one these players aiming to play at the next level look forward to. “It was weird, but I really enjoyed it because I love playing with new people. It’s good to see different skill levels and how you work well with different people who have different talents than you,” Wright commented.
The focus of this tournament was not simply playing with new people, but also playing against new competitors.
“This tournament specifically is an eye-opener,” remarked Treasure Hurd, a defender from the North Texas team. “It helps me see what I’m going to be up against in college.”
Some of these girls walked out onto the field with girls who may be their future teammates or their future rivals.
And many noted that a national tournament means facing off against different regional styles of play.
“Florida is super aggressive. Some people have higher speeds. For others, agility is amazing,” Wright commented.
Brooke Everson, a North Carolina team member, agreed: “It’s cool to see how different states play. There is very much a difference between how the West Coast plays versus the East Coast. It’s fun to play around with that.” Everson also noted that her North Carolina team grounds itself on defensive discipline and settling on attack, a change from some of the fast-paced, aggressive Northeast attack units she faced this weekend.
The new styles of play kept the games exciting, but despite the ever-present newness of the tournament, the USA Lacrosse National Tournament has been around since 1933.
Meg Pickett Hendy has experienced the tournament from both sides of the line. She played on her New Jersey team back in the day and this year served as a referee in the very same tournament. She beamed with pride stating, “It’s an honor. A total honor. I love the game.”
This love of the game is the reason lacrosse has continued to thrive and grow. It’s a game that breeds confidence and community. This tournament spotlights a new generation of lacrosse talent, and it’s a group that is overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity.
“If I am having a really good day, I’m hot, making a bunch of saves, I kind of stand up and I’m just proud of myself and own up to it,” Costa happily reflects. “Thank you USA Lacrosse for hosting us and having us.”
