out there a lot, but that’s what it is,” D’Amore said. “You see it expanding to the West Coast and down south now in Texas. If you’re able to get it more on a national scale, then you have a shot at some type of semi-pro or professional league.” Even the MLL struggles at the gate. Just
three of the eight pro outdoor lacrosse teams (Denver, Boston and Chesapeake) drew more than 5,000 fans per game this summer. “The feasibility of actually creating a women’s
pro league is pretty hard, especially when you see attendance at some of the MLL games,” Albert said. “It’s money driven. Maybe you can marry [women’s lacrosse] to an MLL team and have the games one after another.”
2. ATTRACT MORE SPONSORS. For any league to be successful, you need financial backing. Warrior Sports founder Dave Morrow co-founded the MLL with Jake Steinfeld of “Body By Jake” fame. The precursor to the MLL? Team Toyota. The then-Carling Lacrosse Club traces back
to 1958 when the Carling Black Label Brewing Company sponsored a lacrosse game on the infield prior to the Preakness. In 1995, Central Atlantic Toyota took over, creating the first club team backed by a global institution, which featured legends Paul and Gary Gait, the latter now coaching Syracuse women’s lacrosse. Would other manufacturers join STX in a
women’s venture? “Every company has some really talented players representing them,” said Devon Wills, the three- time U.S. team goalie who in April became the first woman to make an MLL roster. “How they’ve been marketing them and putting them in the right audience shows how the game has grown.” Various brands have sponsored athletes, including Brine’s Team Elite, featuring players like USC women’s coach and Team USA captain Lindsay Munday. But Brine has no actual team that competes in tournaments, only brand ambassadors promoting its products. “I was hoping it would’ve happened already,”
Albert said. “STX has their team and I really thought Brine and Under Armour would jump in. You need that factory team and that factory budget.”
3. CHOOSE A REALISTIC PATH. Women’s lacrosse could follow the Team STX
model, including exhibition games to grow the fan base, or perhaps latch onto the MLL. “Probably the most feasible is to start at
these tournaments like Team STX is doing,” said former HLA and current Team STX member Alyssa Murray, a two-time Tewaaraton finalist at Syracuse. “Partnering up with the MLL is down the line. Get girls who are going to these tournaments to say, ‘Wow, I want to play for Team STX,’ or whatever brand may be out there in the next couple years.” LM
A Publication of US Lacrosse COMMENTS
“Feels good having the gary gait of women’s lacrosse (Adams). Plus I have a Tar Heel blue defense — seemed to work for team usa at the last world cup.”
FANTASY DRAFT GOALIE: Frankie Caridi
RESERVES: Hilary Bowen, Emma Hamm, Jamie Reeg, Brittany Dipper
COMMENTS: “A sleeper pick in the late rounds: Emma Hamm. She’s narrowly missed making Team USA, and always plays with a chip on her shoulder.”
Team McLaughlin
ATTACK: Jen Adams, Alyssa Leonard, Claire Petersen
MIDFIELD: Demianne Cook, Ally Carey, Jillian Byers, Lauren Schmidt, Kitty Cullen
DEFENSE: Jen Russell, Amber Falcone, Kristen Carr
GOALIE: Mikey Meagher
RESERVES: Jackie Sileo, Katie Guy, Megan Huether, Clayton Crum
COMMENTS: “Feels good having the Gary Gait of women’s lacrosse (Adams). Leonard is great on draws. Sileo, a mid-round pick, and Adams are 1-2 all-time in NCAA in points. Plus, I have a Tar Heel Blue defense — seemed to work for Team USA at the last World Cup.”
ATTACK: Becky Lynch, Katie Chrest, Mary Key
Team Schneider
MIDFIELD: Caitlyn McFadden, Sammy Cermack, Kristin Igoe, Beth Glaros, Sarah Albrecht
DEFENSE: Becca Block, Monica Negron, Brittany Poist
GOALIE: Liz Hogan
RESERVES: Amy Appelt, Erin Elbe, Amy Altig, Rachael Becker
COMMENTS: “McFadden was the clear first-round pick, joined by four other Tewaaraton recipients — Katie Chrest, Amy Appelt, Erin Elbe and Rachel Becker. Tewaaraton domination for this founding WMLL team.”
September 2014 >> LACROSSE MAGAZINE 49
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