Akwesasne Takes Part in Calgary Women's Lacrosse Tournament

To meet such a happy team is so uplifting and more so to have them return home with a Bronze win. Their story was so enjoyable to hear about and an over-all positive attitude from the team members. It was quite an experience to be able to travel to Calgary to play in this tournament on an invitation. The All Nations Team was comprised of girls from Akwesasne, Six Nations, Onondaga, Cattaraugus and BC. Here is the roster:

Sarah Thompson, Waheson Lazore, Alisha Smith, Lindsay Smith, Chelsea John, Clarrisa John, Mindy Delormier, Brown Lazore, Lindsay Roundpoint, Brittany Miller and Dorothy Paul.

Unfortunately, two of the girls were injured during the game, which caused the remainder of the players to have to work extra hard. Although they were so tired, it seemed as the girls gained extra power when they had to do a double or triple shift. At one point, an opposing coach said their team played like "machines." Some of the girls who never played defense had to on those days.

The tournament provided a platform to make new friends among the other teams. It was nice to hear that next year, the tournament will be a National one and these gals want to go back. The players from the All Nations Team have had experience playing on a regular season here so that's how the girls are in shape and ready to play. The Women's Warrior Team, Grand River Attack Team and a Niagara Team combined to form one team for Calgary. A player has to come from a regular season home team to go to National level.

The most positive feeling of this whole tournament experience for the girls is that after each game, they felt good and never felt down and the coaches even said their team were good losers. The most difficult part especially for the mothers, was to be away from their children for the six days.

Three traits that a player should have in order to be a lacrosse player is to not be selfish, be a team player and to be a role model to others and sacrifice as well.

"Our present coaches really have an impact on the kind of players we have become. We want to extend our gratitude to them through this article. Everett has instilled the drive within us and has pushed hard to succeed. He's tough on us when we need it. PJ Burns is a person who understands females and tells us not to take things to heart because of sensitivity. We also have Big Boy and he adds to the mix in another good way. He lets us know what our roles are and reminds us what we need to do.

They are in Ontario Women's Box Lacrosse League. To be in this league allows a player to go to the Nationals.

As of two weeks ago, these players were notified that they are the Champions this season. Congratulations girls and coaches.

A special niawen for Waheson for each day saying the Ohenton Karihwatehkwen prior to our days and ending. It really meant a lot to us. Also thank you to Parkway, Energy Drinks, and Lok Creation from Hannah. Hannah...thanks for all you have done and congratulations on the birth of your new bundle.