Players Named in Lacrosse Team

Players Named in Lacrosse Team - Recent News - Te Awamutu College

The depth of lacrosse talent in Te Awamutu has been highlighted by the inclusion of five local players in the Waikato Under 18 women’s team for next month’s Australian U18 National Championships in Perth. Of the 16-strong squad, Amber Fitzpatrick, Quinn Tuaupiki, Camryn Parkes, Mackenzie Harris and Paige Ellis (reserve) are all from Te Awamutu. Breanna Young and Ilisa Folau were also selected but have had to withdrawal from the team because of injury. Players from Hamilton, Cambridge and Morrinsville make up the rest of the team.

Those selected from Te Awamutu have considerable experience. They have all played for the Te Awamutu College premier lacrosse team and represented Waikato previously as either U15 or U18 players.

Fitzpatrick has played at national level, travelling to Melbourne in January 2019 with the NZU23 squad. “For these players, part of the attraction of lacrosse is the challenge of making the game their own, compared to other sports where managing and coaching roles are usually filled by adults with experience in the game,” Harriet Lamb, Waikato Lacrosse publicity officer, said. “As a relatively young sport in New Zealand, these players relish the opportunity to share their passion for the game through playing, coaching and umpiring.

“Amber, Quinn and Paige all coach Te Awamutu club teams, and all of the players are involved with coaching teams for either Te Awamutu College or Te Awamutu Intermediate. It is not an understatement to say that they live and breathe lacrosse, with training and coaching up to four days a week.”

Fitzpatrick said she enjoys the team spirit in lacrosse, as well as the physical aspect of the sport. “It is fun, but keeps you fit,” she said. “I have never been a part of a lacrosse team that didn’t have a main objective of having fun and playing as a team. “We all play because we enjoy it. I am grateful for all these opportunities lacrosse has given me to travel and meet new people.”

The Australian Lacrosse Association Under 18 Boys and Girls National Championship is being held at the East Fremantle Lacrosse Club in Perth from April 18-21. Follow the progress of the Waikato U18 team on Facebook at ALA U18 Boys’ and Girls’ Lacrosse National Championship.

Amber Fitzpatrick in possession for the Te Awamutu A team in the Waikato Women’s Lacrosse Club Summer League.

Article courtesy of Waipa Post and Photo courtesy of Lou Kibby Photography – 16 April 2019