The Global Race To Assemble Women’s Box Lacrosse National Teams
In anticipation of the Women’s Box Lacrosse World Championship in September 2024, nations across the globe are bustling with preparations. Utica, NY, a city renowned for its vibrant sports culture, is set to host the event and the atmosphere is already electric with excitement.
The USA, a powerhouse in field lacrosse, has taken a proactive approach and have already formed a 48-strong training squad. The team comprises a mix of seasoned box players like Rachel Vallarelli and field lacrosse stars including Charlotte North and Taylor Moreno. Former pro box player, coach Ginny Capicchioni, made 3 assuring promises to the players:
We promise that nothing you can do will change our certainty of you.
We promise to prepare you to handle any situation that comes your way next year.
We promise that when we’re asked to dance, we’ll dance. We expect you to do the same.
Meanwhile, Canada, a country where this medicine game called Lacrosse has originated from, is in the throes of its tryouts. Lacrosse Canada is scouting talent from coast to coast, aiming to curate a team that lives up to the country's prestigious lacrosse legacy. With several hundred players signed up for the tryouts, including Canadian lacrosse legends, Dana Dobbie and Megan Kinna, Canada will no doubt produce a formidable team.
The forming of Haudenosaunee Women’s Box Lacrosse National Team is well underway and they made their debut at LaxNai in October 2023, showing the rest of the world how the Creator’s game is played - physical! More tryouts and events are scheduled and more players are expected to be on board playing in the distinguished purple colours.
Across the pond, England has also formed a similar sized training squad from their open try-out weekend in October. The English squad, known for their strategic play, are focusing on a blend of tactical training and physical conditioning, ensuring that their players are not only technically proficient but also in peak athletic form.
Ireland, too, is channeling the momentum from their LaxNai tournament performance as they prepare for the world stage. The Irish squad, who played in the last 2 SheBox tournaments is known for their passionate play and team cohesion. Their tryouts were held both in USA and in Ireland.
The Netherlands, stepping on to the floor with vigor, has opened its tryouts to a broad array of athletes. Dutch players are known for their speed and agility, have been at the forefront of expanding Women’s Box Lacrosse in continental Europe, participating at SheBox in April 2023 and running open training camps for players in Europe.
Germany’s approach has been meticulous right from the start. Their performance at SheBox in April and August spoke for itself. With an extremely physical and co-ordinated style of playing and an ever-growing training squad, Germany is sure to be highly competitive at the World Championship.
Further up north in Finland, tryout and training dates for the Women’s National Box Lacrosse Team have been set for November, December and January. The Finnish team has been running training sessions for women’s box players for quite some time now and it remains to be seen, will this country also renowned in ice hockey also triumph on the de-iced floor?
Over in Asia, the popularity of lacrosse is exploding and Hong Kong is set to run tryouts in January 2024 after the SuperSixes. Team Hong Kong also played at SheBox in April and, like a well-oiled machine, displayed slick, smart and disciplined play. It’s also worth a mention that many Hong Kong passport holders grew up or are still living in Canada, but will rules allow these players to be added to Team Hong Kong’s roster? Time will tell.
Japan, who was 5th in the last women’s field world championship, is gauging interests from its members, deliberating their participation, weighing the opportunity to showcase their athletes on this prestigious platform. The decision is eagerly awaited, as Japan’s entry would add another layer of competition and camaraderie to the championship.
Down under, Australia's national women’s box lacrosse squad convened for a rigorous training weekend, a testament to the country’s burgeoning passion for the sport. Women’s Box Lacrosse leagues are also currently in full swing across the Australian states, players of all ages have plenty of opportunities to kit up and battle on the floor.
Israel, who ranked 6th in the last women’s field world championship is building upon their recent experience at the LaxNai tournament. This invitational event was a crucial platform for the Israeli players, offering them an opportunity to hone their skills against some of the best in the sport. There is a hopeful sentiment that external events within the country will not impede their preparation.
These are just the countries who have publicly announced their tryouts and training squads. Poland who competed at SheBox, Norway and Mexico are also nations who have been keen to enter a team into the World Championships.
As September 2024 draws closer, the excitement continues to build. Each country’s efforts to form their national teams are not just about winning the championship but also about the spirit of international friendship and the love of the game that unites players and fans alike. Utica awaits, ready to witness the spectacle of strength, strategy, and sportsmanship that the inauguralWomen’s Box Lacrosse World Championship promises to be!!
