four teams a chance to play post-collegiately in an exclusive professional realm. Of more than 250 entrees in the player pool, 17 members of the current U.S. touring roster, including Wills, were among the top 40 selected in the inaugural draft. “It’s a no-brainer that most players are going to want to be involved in this league so they can really develop their skills and compete at a level that will cause so much excitement for our sport, growth and visibility,” DeJuliis said. “It’s an amazing time for us.”
The UWLX season dovetails with the NCAA season. Several players and the four inaugural coaches — Ride coach Jen Adams (Loyola), Storm coach Amy Patton (Dartmouth), Sound coach Shannon Smith (Hofstra) and Force coach Missy Doherty (Penn State) — are entrenched in the sport at the collegiate level.
But the UWLX also will introduce innovations like a 90-second shot clock, two-point goals, 6-on-6 play below the restraining line and a shootout format for games that are still tied after overtime. “This women’s league is a huge step for us,” Smith said. “The one thing women want is for our game to be faster, for fans to understand the game and for it to be nationally televised more. [They will] see how beautiful the game of women’s lacrosse is.” Smith said Wills will always be viewed as the one who pushed the envelope to make the UWLX a reality. Wills tried out for the Lizards because there simply was no professional women’s lacrosse equivalent.
“This is real,” Wills said of her mindset at the time. “This is a real opportunity.” She thinks the same thing now about UWLX. “It’s a way to be part of
history and just be proud of what we’ve done for the sport, all of us collectively,” Wills said. The dream has finally come
true.
laxmagazine.com
Becky Lynch UWLX TOP 20 The UWLX held its inaugural draft April 13 live on Lax
Sports Network. For complete results and continued coverage, visit
LaxMagazine.com/UWLX.
FIRST ROUND
1. Baltimore Ride K. Schwarzmann, M
Maryland ’13
2. L.I. Sound Devon Wills, G Dartmouth ’06
3. Philly Force Michelle Tumolo, A
Syracuse ’13
4. Boston Storm Liz Hogan, G Syracuse ’11
SECOND ROUND
5. Baltimore Ride Alex Aust, A
Maryland ’13 6. L.I. Sound
Alyssa Leonard, A Northwestern ’14
7. Philly Force Alyssa Murray, A
Syracuse ’14
8. Boston Storm Jen Russell, D North Carolina ’10
THIRD ROUND
9. Baltimore Ride Kristin Carr, D,
North Carolina ’10
10. L.I. Sound Shannon Gilroy, M Florida ’15
11. Philly Force Kara Mupo, A,
Northwestern ’15
12. Boston Storm Sarah Bullard, M, Duke ’11
FOURTH ROUND
13. Baltimore Ride Brooke Griffin, A
Maryland ’15
14. L.I. Sound Becca Block, D Syracuse ’13
15. Philly Force Bridget Bianco, G
Northwestern ’15
16. Boston Storm Kara Cannizzaro, M Northwestern ’13
FIFTH ROUND
17. Baltimore Ride Ally Carey, M
Vanderbilt ’12
18. L.I. Sound Megan Douty, D Maryland ’15
19. Philly Force Becky Lynch, A
North Carolina ’12
20. Boston Storm Erin Slifer, M Princeton ’15
June 2016 » LACROSSE MAGAZINE 47
©GREG CARROCCIO (MD, BL)
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