coach Dick Edell, or the “Big Man” as he was called.
“Best person ever,” she said. “Just a great example of a human being.” An internship at US Lacrosse turned into a full-time position as office manager, followed by stints in fundraising, membership, special events and the call center before moving into her current role. This is her 14th year at US Lacrosse. No wonder, then, that when a fresh- faced Berger started at US Lacrosse in 2009, then-men’s game director Jody Martin advised him, “Don’t ask me. Ask Liz.”
Berger had plenty of exposure to the
women’s game through his sister Kelly, an All-American at James Madison who rose fast through the U.S. national team and NCAA Division I coaching ranks. She’s now the head coach at UMBC. “We have our own perspectives,” Berger said of him and Piper, “but at the end of the day we’re both going toward that one goal.” Said Piper: “It’s that Mars-Venus thing. The men look at things differently than the women do. Sometimes that helps.” The US Lacrosse world looks a lot
like Venus this month with the Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates National Championships (WCLA) May 9-12 in Colorado Springs — Piper administers to more than 200 WCLA teams nationwide — and the 79th annual National Tournament May 26-27 in Stony Brook, N.Y.
—Matt DaSilva
US Lacrosse recently eclipsed 400,000 members nationwide. “The 400K Club” is a new series paying tribute to the donors, staff and volunteers that continue to help make it happen.
>>US LACROSSE NEWS & NOTES
Apply now for First Stick Program Applications are being accepted for the First Stick Program, US Lacrosse’s newest initiative designed to deliver comprehensive developmental and safety resources, equipment, US Lacrosse membership and coaches training to new and developing youth teams. Awarded programs must commit to a three-year partnership with the goal of producing a self-sustaining youth lacrosse program that operates by US Lacrosse national standards and best practices. Detailed info at
uslacrosse.org/firststick. Online applications will be accepted through July 1.
Nearly 90 programs already ‘Keepers’ Since launching in mid-January, the Keeper of Lacrosse Project has been endorsed by nearly 90 lacrosse programs in 26 states, all pledging support to the grassroots cultural preservation campaign focused on protecting, celebrating and championing the values of lacrosse. The Keeper of Lacrosse Project focuses on six core values critical to safeguarding the game for future generations: the spirit of the game, tradition, the virtues of
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Five male finalists and five female finalists for the Tewaaraton Award named at
uslacrosse.org.
It’s here. “Crooked Arrows” debuts in theaters. Info on where and when is at
uslacrosse.org/crookedarrows. See page 40 for LM’s look inside the sport’s mainstream feature film.
A Publication of US Lacrosse 26 27
respect, honor and integrity, good sportsmanship, teamwork, and connection. The project is a donor- supported initiative of the US Lacrosse Foundation, the philanthropic arm of US Lacrosse. Learn more at
uslacrosse.org/keeper.
USL officials’ training revs up
The US Lacrosse Officials’ Education Program (OEP) will offer at least 24 training or rating events in 14 states this spring and summer. Sessions include LAREDO events for men’s officials and rating and LEAD events for women’s officials. Schedules are available at
uslacrosse.org/ education.
US Lacrosse offers grants for AEDs
US Lacrosse is committed to educating the national lacrosse community about the potential dangers of commotio cordis, as well as the life-saving value of having AEDs available during lacrosse games and practices. Through its partnership with Cardiac Science, the US Lacrosse AED Grant Program offers discounted equipment and training to awarded leagues and chapters. Learn more and apply today at uslacrosse. org/aed. Applications are due in July.
First day of the US Lacrosse National Tournament, an event begun in 1933 that has become the annual celebration of the best of women’s lacrosse. Follow all the action from Stony Brook University at
LaxMagazine.com.
NCAA Division I women’s championship game at Stony Brook’s LaValle Stadium.
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U.S. women’s team tryouts begin
The selection process for the 2012-13 U.S. women’s national team begins with open tryouts at the US Lacrosse National Tournament May 25-27 in Stony Brook, N.Y. Those selected will be invited to the second round of tryouts with returning players from the 2011-12 training team and college standouts July 27-29 at UMBC. From that group, the initial pool of 36-40 players will be chosen and, by February 2013, narrowed down to the final 18 who will represent Team USA at the 2013 FIL World Cup.
HOF finalists named US Lacrosse has named 24 finalists for the National Hall of Fame class of 2012. Women’s finalists: Jen Adams, Kelly Amonte Hiller, Quinn Carney, Julie A. Dayton, Missy Foote, Elaine Knobloch, Leslie Blankin Lane, Sarah Nelson, Carin Peterson, Susan Billheimer Phillips, Cindy Timchal, and Maggie Vaughan. Men’s finalists: Roy Colsey, Jake Curran, Brian Dougherty, Thomas W. Hall, Jesse Hubbard, Steve Mitchell, Tim Nelson, Robert Shek, Robert V. Shriver, Richard Speckmann, Brian Voelker, and Michael Watson. Inductees will be announced May 23 and formally enshrined Oct. 20.
NCAA Division I men’s championship game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
The Tewaaraton Award ceremony at the National Museum of the American
Indian in Washington, D.C., will recognize the top male and female college players of the 2012 season. Ticket info at
uslacrosse.org.
May 2012 >> LACROSSE MAGAZINE 25
©PEYTON WILLIAMS (1); ©JOHN STROHSACKER (3)
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