Then, breaking off into groups of
four, players push a metal sled with 90-pound weights on it, for 30 yards each up and down the field, like a relay race. A couple of weeks ago on Twitter, Wills posted a picture of herself going through the very same training at USC’s indoor facility. But Wills says she could not have been prepared for what’s to come without former Syracuse midfielder Brendan Loftus, who also works at USC as an assistant business manager in the athletic department. Wills solicited him and anyone else she could find to shoot on her when she had time. “All right,” Wills says after a final sit-down interview with the video crew. “Let’s wrap it up.” Any big takeaways?
“The guys play the game in such a
fun way. They’re so competitive and they bring their personalities out, which is fun to get to know them,” she says.
A Publication of US Lacrosse
“They’re doing some of the best stuff I’ve ever seen. It was a lot of fun to be a part of it. I feel grateful to be a part of it.” The consensus among players, coaches and the ownership group: Wills did nothing to hurt her chances of making the team. “You have to start somewhere,” she says. “It’s in their hands now.”
8:30 p.m. Kennedy Airport New York, N.Y.
Wills departs for California, but not before she tweets a message about the day to a following that has grown to more than 1,000 since she announced her MLL pursuit in November. “Great day @LizardsLacrosse training camp! Thanks for welcoming me in! Now back to @USCTrojansLax for some Sunday competition!” Wills lands in San Francisco, gets in
a cab and finally sleeps for a few hours before USC’s game against Cal at 1 p.m. Pacific time Sunday.
21 APRIL MONDAY
2:05 p.m. Eastern Hempstead, N.Y.
The three-exclamation point message was prophetic.
Sixteen days after the Lizards
hit Wills with their best shots, they formally welcome the first woman to the MLL, announcing that she and Madalon will join the team’s practice squad. Adams and Brady will be on the 25-man active roster. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,”
Wills said afterward. She certainly made the most of her
day. LM June 2014 >> LACROSSE MAGAZINE 59
©JOHN MECIONIS
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