Today, July 12th, the Women’s Lacrosse World Cup 2017 begins in Surrey Sport Park, England. 25 nations will descend upon Surrey for the 10th Women’s World Cup where England, who are currently ranked fourth in the world, will begin their campaign. The England team have made it through to the Women’s World Cup final twice so far, in 1989 and 1993, losing to the USA both times, but this year the team really has a chance.
The team will be captained by “living legend”, Laura Merrifield, who was among the first British players to truly star in the American college league. In 2010, she won the NCAA title with the University of Maryland, picked up a championship ring and shook then-Barack Obama’s hand for her efforts.
Being the first English-born player to captain her US college team, one of the few English players to be named in the World Cup All-World Team and leading your country to European gold goes a long way to justifying the legendary status. Merrifield is hoping that a home World Cup will be a pivotal moment for the sport in England, from the exposure the sport will receive by pushing for glory on home soil.
Also joining Merrifield on the field are; attacker, and top scorer for American National Collegiate Champions Maryland last season, Megan Whittle; Princeton’s, Olivia Hope, who was one of five nominees for the 2017 Tewaaraton Award – given to college lacrosse’s best player.
The team is also blessed with big characters and battle-hardened athletes, from fellow attacker Sophie Brett, defenders Ashleigh Gloster and Annie Hillier, experienced midfielder Lucy Lynch and "big-game player" Kirsten Lafferty, the doctor who volunteers as a crew member of Salcome Lifeboat.
Being an amateur team, players have to balance things such as paying for physio and where they train. However, juggling lacrosse with their many other commitments showcases the level of dedication and love these players have for their sport.
We’d like to wish the England team the best of luck throughout their World Championship journey. It will not only provide them with an opportunity to play the game they love, but they will have the chance to inspire our next generation of players.
