The Scoop // team usa
STARS ALIGN
Synergy between U.S. senior, U19 teams gives youngsters a gold-medal blueprint for success BY LANE ERRINGTON
They’ve combined to win 11 of 14 world titles since 1982, and they’re only getting stronger. In a year of new beginnings, the U.S senior and under-19 women’s national teams are building the continuity to sustain their dynastic success. The teams ran nearly identical training team
tryout processes this summer, both headed by selection chair Liz Kittleman (Columbia). The entire U19 coaching staff, led by Kim Simons, has experience in the U.S. system. Senior team head coach Ricky Fried and
NATALIE BULGIER
offensive assistant Liz Robertshaw both served as selectors at U19 tryouts in July. Current senior team players Alyssa Leonard, Erin McMunn and Devon Wills stepped in as fi eld coaches for the three-day event. “The young girls really look up to them,”
WHAT TO WATCH The U.S. women’s
senior and U 19 teams will compete in a unifi ed training weekend Oct. 10-13 in Washington, D.C. Here are three things to watch.
1. DEVELOPING COMPETITION
Just 19 of 39 players
on the current U.S. senior training team, named in June, have experience at the elite international level. Coach Ricky Fried wants to foster competition. “We’re going to get them acclimated to what the expectations are when
24 LACROSSE MAGAZINE » october 2014
they take the fi eld to represent their country,” Fried said. “First and foremost, it’s to compete with each other and put the team ahead of their own needs on a consistent basis.”
2. WORLD CHAMPS VS. NCAA CHAMPS
The senior team will travel to a play day Oct. 12 at Navy, headlined by a matchup with defending NCAA champion Maryland. Team USA swept the Terps at Champion Challenge last January, winning two
games by a combined 35- 14 score. Seven current or former Maryland players will suit up for the U.S.
3. ROAD TO SCOTLAND
The U.S. U19 training team convenes for the fi rst time in preparation to defend gold next summer in Scotland.
“Mostly practicing and team bonding,” coach Kim Simons said, “getting to know one another and building a comfort level.” The fi nal 18-player roster will be named in February.
MAKING THE JUMP Just four players have represented the U.S. women in international competition at both the U19 and senior levels. Look for that number to grow in 2017.
U19 Senior
Lauren Aumiller 1999 2005 Acacia Walker 1999 2009 Sarah Bullard 2007 2009, 2013 Ally Carey
2007 2013 A Publication of US Lacrosse
©JOHN STROHSACKER (NB, SB, SP)
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