U.S. Women's Team Tryouts Set to Begin

by Brian Logue | Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff

Lindsey Munday is one of four returning all-world players trying out for Team USA this weekend. © Pellerins Photography

BALTIMORE - It's roughly three years until the United States will defend its Federation of International Lacrosse Women's World Cup championship. But with the sting of the 2005 runner-up finish not yet a distant memory, those involved in the U.S. program know that there is a lot to get done over the next three years.

The U.S. will begin building in earnest towards the 2013 FIL Women's World Cup when it holds tryouts for the 2010-11 U.S. team from Friday through Sunday at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

"The core of that team will be formed this year," said Ricky Fried, head coach for the U.S. women's team and an assistant coach for the 2009 U.S. team that won the World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic. "There's still going to be a place for some people that aren't on this team, but it's going to be a huge advantage in some respects. They're going to get to know the style of this coaching staff, what we're looking to do and how to play with the other players. Each year it's going to get a little bit stronger, but it will start to come together this year."

Fried doesn't need to look to far to see where some of that core might come from. Thirteen of the 18 players from the 2009 World Cup team will be trying out this weekend, including all-world selections Sarah Albrecht (midfield), Amber Falcone (defense), Kristen Kjellman (midfield) and Lindsey Munday (attack).

A total of 88 players are expected to participate in the tryouts. Nearly half of those players advanced to the tryouts after being selected following their participation in the Stars & Stripes Division at the US Lacrosse Women's Division National Tournament over Memorial Day Weekend.

One big change in the national team program for this year is that the coaching staff and selectors will be selecting just one 36-player team. In past years, a 24-player elite team and a 24-player developmental team were named.

"Frankly, I think it's going to be a lot more competitive," said Fried. "I'm really looking forward to it."

The 2010-11 U.S. team will have its first competition over the Columbus Day holiday in the Boston area with its annual Stars and Stripes Weekend. The team will also participate in the Champion Challenge at the end of January at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

NOTES: Defender Michi Ellers, coming off of shoulder surgery, will be one of the five World Cup players not participating in tryouts...Holly McGarvie has just returned from overseas and will not be able to try out due to work commitments...three other players from the World Cup team – Katie Chrest, Michele DeJuliis and Regina Oliver – have retired...Hilary Bowen, an alternate on the 2009 team, will also miss tryouts as she recovers from a knee injury...the tryouts are closed to the public.