The U.S. Women’s Sixes National Team celebrated a triumphant return from Chengdu, China, after clinching the gold medal with a resounding 16-8 victory over Canada in the final match of The World Games.
Under the guidance of head coach Lindsay Munday, the team set out to forge a new identity as they aimed to redeem themselves following their loss to Canada at The World Games 2022.
Gathered in a conference room shortly after arriving in the World Games Village, the players were challenged to create a motto that would encapsulate their mission and promote team cohesion.
“It’s really important to define that,” Munday stated, emphasizing the need to honor past and future generations of U.S. women lacrosse players.
After days of discussion, teammate Sam Apuzzo proposed the rallying cry “Link Up” and “Link Us,” capturing the essence of their gameplay philosophy.
Just a day after this team-wide brainstorming session, the U.S. found themselves celebrating a historic win in the championship match, where they displayed remarkable teamwork and skill.
The U.S. recorded a stunning 14 assists on their 16 goals, demonstrating their commitment to connectivity on the field. Despite fielding a roster without traditional defenders, the team showcased defensive prowess, limiting Canada to only 24% shooting.
Taylor Moreno celebrated the victory with her teammates, acknowledging the effort they put into playing a full 32 minutes and capturing the essence of what it means to represent USA lacrosse.
In the days leading up to the championship, the focus of the U.S. team shifted from merely individual skills to collective performance, a shift that coach Munday fostered from the outset.
“Don’t be too cool to celebrate a goal,” Munday said, encouraging her players to appreciate their accomplishments on the field.
Throughout the tournament, the U.S. defense rose to the challenge, transitioning effectively into offense to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Marie McCool excelled during the championship, leading the team with two goals and four assists, while also earning World Lacrosse’s Most Valuable Player award for her outstanding performance throughout the competition.
Reflecting on her win, McCool wore a smile, proudly donning her gold medal, a symbol of both victory and cultural significance in Chinese traditions.
“They would be so proud of me,” she said with regard to her late grandparents, highlighting the deep-rooted family connections that inspired her during the competition.
As the tournament progressed, the U.S. team began to draw crowds, with local fans bringing signs and cheering for individual players.
After their gold medal victory, the coaching staff presented a cardboard board displaying clothes pins or clips as a homage to a viral trend in women’s sports, symbolizing fan support and encouragement.
Each team member collected their clip, signifying unity and a glimpse into a promising future for the program.
While lacrosse awaits its debut in the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games, the collaborative triumph in Chengdu brought the team one step closer to this aspirational goal.
Marie McCool expressed excitement about showcasing lacrosse to the world at the Olympics, noting its fast-paced nature and the unique styles each player brings to the game.
This gold medal win not only marked a personal milestone for the players but also served as a beacon for the future of women’s lacrosse on a global stage, highlighting the sport’s growth and the potential for Olympic recognition.
image source from：usalacrosse
