XTEAMers IN THE PRESS

read about Lydia Ohl (XTEAM 2008, NY) here

Haley Huffines (TX) and Linsday Godard (OH) named to Sports Illustrated/Takkle TOP 100! 
March 25, 2008

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TOP 100
Haley and Lindsay have squeeked into the list as #99 and #100 on the 1st EVER Sports Illustrated/Takkle Top 100. The list poles a wide range of sources who, every month or so, come up with the list of who they consider the best female lacrosse players in this country. Continue to check out who stays in and who goes out ...

IWLCA COMPLETES FIRST EVER CHAMPIONS CUP
June 21, 2007
by Carol Mattingly

This past weekend, the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) introduced the Champion’s Cup. Full field, full games, full throttle! The tournament took place at the United Sports Training Center (USTC) in Downingtown, PA in conjunction with the All American Showcase. Rising seniors, class of 2008, were provided the opportunity to showcase their lacrosse talent to members of the IWLCA in a new and improved format never used by previous tournament organizers.

Fostered by college coaches, a new lacrosse recruiting tournament was born with the student athlete in mind. Information gathered from an IWLCA poll showed full support for a tournament where college coaches could get more time to see their recruits in a full game situation on a full field. This format, proved to be a complete success. College coaches from DI, DII and DIII schools promoting the tournament were out in full force. The coaches were delighted that they were able to see their recruits in full game situations. “This tournament was college coach friendly. It was more organized and more geared towards recruiting”, said Sarah Albrecht of University of Massachusetts. Denver coach, Liza Kelly described the tournament as “spectacular”. “We have been able to get a much better look at the players who are on teams with large rosters and in the past have had only seconds to impress us.” “The organizers did a great job and even gave us our own space to meet, have lunch and plan. Not to mention real bathrooms to use.” There were 70 club teams with players from as far away as California and Washington and representing 19 different states.

IWLCA provided teams for individual players who wanted to come to the tournament, but whose teams were not attending, called “house” teams, also known on the schedule as the White House and the Black House. Emily Cochran, the White House coach who also played at Penn said, “I like how we can have a real game situation; strategize and get a rhythm going. We had nothing like this when I was growing up.” The Champion’s Cup was played in conjunction with the All American Showcase, but at a separate location from the younger players. The venue was the USTC, featuring 11 full grass fields, including one turf field with parking adjacent all 11 fields. “This is a wonderful concept in showcasing talent. Coaches get to see players in a real setting and are able to really assess the potential of the players”, said Fran Wheat a parent from Maryland. “I liked the fact that parking was free and close to the fields. That really means a lot when you are lugging tents and coolers to the fields.” said a parent from New York. With so many positive elements, many parents pondered if all tournaments would follow IWLCA’s example. “It was a perfect format and venue and holds promise of becoming the premier event on the recruiting circuit. College coaches can get their fill here.” said Terry Shea of Maryland. Players were also particularly delighted with the format. Other than being seen by college coaches, full games and full fields were an important part of the tournament. “This is a good tournament to start the summer off with. You find out if you are in shape or not”, said XTEAM member Megan Carley of Ohio.

Skye Middleton, a South-Eastern Pennsylvania (SEPA 2008) coach and referee had a different perspective on the improved format. “With full games and full fields, there seems to be more at stake and players get a little testy which is cool because a college coach might want to see how a player reacts in these situations”. With five divisions, and sixteen teams in each division, several teams played as many as seven full games. Each division had a consolation game, quarter- final, semi-final and final game. The final game participants received medals and posed for a team picture. “There is a lot of competition here. This is a lot of fun and well worth it said Cami Kramer, another XTEAM member from Florida. “This tournament has been in the making for 2 to 2 ½ years. Kim Bosner and her staff did an excellent job in remaining as flexible as possible for the student athletes and college coaches while supporting their needs. We have made a commitment as a non profit to be here for our student athletes and the membership body. Champion’s Cup will definitely be continued next year with the same format.” said IWCLA Executive Director, Jenn Harpel.