Lacrosse stars shine at home internationals

May 5, 2017

Lacrosse stars from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls have high hopes of representing Wales in the world championships after defeating Scotland at home internationals.

Elinor, Sofia, Annabel, Catrin and Bethan, who all take part in intense monthly training sessions with the Welsh squad, helped their country’s team defeat the Scottish side, 25 – 9.

Despite losing to England, the girls returned fired up and more motivated than ever to excel in their favourite sport.

Elinor, 15, played for Wales A and B teams in the games after joining the national side this year.

She said: “It was really cool and a lot of fun.

“I like lacrosse because it’s unpredictable and not many people play it, which makes it special. My mum played it when she was younger too.”

Elinor took up lacrosse in Year 7 and is also on the netball team.

She added: “I train with Wales once a month at three-day intense weekends.

“At first I was quite intimidated, but then we got to know everyone.

“We gain lots of experience. You go to different places and meet a lot of people. It would be cool to go to the world championships in Canada in 2020, especially if we played against England.”

Sofia, 15, has been playing for Wales for two years and was vice-captain this year.

She said: “Miss Scott introduced me to the Wales squad and I was accepted at a trial – it was amazing. It meant a lot as lacrosse is my main sport.

“I was captain of my school team for two years – it’s a really exciting step up to then play for Wales.

“It’s completely different. The focus within the team is so intense, everyone’s there to have fun and everyone enjoys it. The coaches are really good too.”

Training with Wales is demanding, with fitness tests and drills taking place over monthly three-day camps.

“You feel sore afterwards, but you never regret what you did,” Sofia, who plays mid-field, added.

“I volunteered to play for the Bs at the home internationals as well, which was so exciting.

“I’m hoping to be in the team for the 2019 world championships – I’ll be the perfect age for it then.

“I’m going to give it my all and hopefully I’ll be ready when the time comes.”

Sofia believes playing lacrosse has taught her invaluable life skills.

She continued: “I have gained focus for life, confidence and belief in myself.

“I have surprised myself because the standard with Wales is to always keep pushing yourself. It helps you to achieve things you didn’t know you could.

“If I didn’t have Welsh lacrosse I wouldn’t have the right balance – it’ my passion and it’s key to have that in life.”