The U.S. Women’s Sixes National Team has arrived in Chengdu, China, ready to take on the world at The World Games for the third time in its history. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics just three years away, this competition holds additional significance for the team as it prepares for the Olympic stage.
The World Games, scheduled for 2025, serves as a vital global multi-sport event that features a variety of sports not included in the Olympic program. For the U.S. team, it acts as a crucial dress rehearsal ahead of the 2028 Olympics, providing an opportunity to test strategies and showcase their talent.
Before traveling to Chengdu, the 12-player U.S. roster spent three days in Los Angeles for a training camp. During their time there, they visited the Stadium at Exposition Park, the venue where lacrosse will be featured at the Olympics.
“I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it. I picture a packed house here to watch lacrosse in 2028,” said Chloe Humphrey, one of the standout players on the team.
While the excitement for the Olympics grows, the team must first focus on clinching a gold medal at The World Games. Coach Lindsey Munday and her staff are looking to avenge their previous championship game loss to Canada in 2022.
Munday has assembled a roster boasting an impressive array of offensive talent, arguably one of the strongest ever seen in the U.S. National Team program. The roster features Tewaaraton Award winners, former All-Americans, and current Women’s Lacrosse League professionals, all aiming for another gold medal.
“We have a great mix of players who are super strong dodgers, but also creative and fun. It’s about finding the best mix — not having 12 of the same players, but individuals who can play great together,” Munday explained.
Among the prolific players on the roster is Sam Apuzzo, a Tewaaraton Award winner from Boston College, who will take on a captain’s role in her first official Sixes competition for the U.S. Apuzzo, known for her standout college career with 283 goals, has already claimed a gold medal with the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2022. After strong finishes in recent Athletes Unlimited seasons, she finished first in the leaderboard in 2024, adding further momentum to her game.
Another key player, Shea Dolce, is among the two current college athletes on the roster. Currently excelling at Boston College, she has already made her mark by winning an NCAA championship in 2024 and contributing to the U.S. U20 team’s gold medal win at the world championship in Hong Kong last summer.
“This game is for goalies, and Shea is a goalie for this game,” Munday emphasized. “She can make point-blank saves and also pulls off the saves that typically should not be made.”
Chloe Humphrey comes off a stellar season leading North Carolina to an NCAA Women’s Championship. Having just one year of college lacrosse experience, she nonetheless scored 90 goals and made 28 assists, indicating that she is well-equipped to engage with the roster’s elite talents.
“I’ve seen her since she was in high school and you knew how great she was going to be,” Munday remarked. “She’s someone who wants to get better, even playing on the defensive end to develop her game further.”
Ally Kennedy, an All-American and star midfielder from Stony Brook, provides essential experience for the U.S. as she transitions from college to the international scene. Following her gold medal win with the U.S. team in the 2022 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship, she continued her strong performance by leading the U.S. to gold at the inaugural Women’s Box World Championship, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player.
“She is impossible to stop in the midfield,” Munday noted. “She is the number-one spark in transition. I’m excited for people to watch her fly up and down the field and score some transition goals.”
Kenzie Kent makes her debut on the U.S. Women’s National Team roster after previously serving as an alternate for the 2022 gold medal-winning team. A two-sport athlete at Boston College, she experienced success in lacrosse and hockey, competing in multiple national championship games.
“She does everything very quietly, with incredible skill and vision. The connection she has with the players is enjoyable to see,” Munday commented.
Ellie Masera stands out as the only member from the previous World Games roster. During her first outing, she finished second in scoring for the team, with 14 goals and 19 points, even as a rising senior at Stony Brook. She concluded her college career as a Tewaaraton Award finalist and All-American, with 232 goals achieved during her tenure with the Seawolves.
“She brings so much energy,” Munday shared. “She has highlight-reel plays that can spark the team defensively, or kickstart offensive transitions.”
Another vital contributor, Ally Mastroianni, was part of the U.S. team for the 2022 competition and secured a national championship as a two-way midfielder at North Carolina. Her versatility shines through as she played a crucial role in the inaugural U.S. Women’s Box team, winning gold alongside her teammates.
Mastroianni’s experience and understanding of the Sixes format, including significant competitions like Super Sixes and the USA Lacrosse Experience, make her an essential asset.
“She is a true two-way middie,” Munday praised. “She’s going to be an anchor for us defensively and in the midfield. Having that type of leadership to support the attackers will be great.”
Marie McCool is a two-time gold medalist with the U.S. Women’s National Team, having also clinched a national championship while at North Carolina. As one of the experienced players on the roster, she brings valuable experience from The World Games competition, having secured gold in Wroclaw, Poland, as a rising senior.
With family ties in China, this trip holds special significance for McCool, whose grandparents lived in the country.
Taylor Moreno, an accomplished goalie from North Carolina, rounds out the team as one of its most reliable protectors. Known for her skills after making 667 saves in college, she graduated after clinching a national title and took home two consecutive Athletes Unlimited championships.
“How can you not put Taylor on the team?” Munday questioned. “Her stick work and strength during clears are going to be incredibly valuable.”
Charlotte North heads to Chengdu after an impressive run, winning gold medals with both the U.S. field and box teams in 2022 and 2024. Not only a Tewaaraton Award winner with Boston College, she led her team to a national championship during her collegiate career and has participated in the USA Lacrosse Experience, making this her second official event as part of the U.S. Women’s Sixes.
“She’s someone you gravitate toward, both among fans and players,” Munday noted. “Her personality fosters camaraderie, and she truly loves the game of lacrosse, which is what you want.”
Izzy Scane has also made her mark in the sport, setting numerous records during her stellar college career at Northwestern, finishing with a total of 376 goals, including 98 and 99 in consecutive seasons. A two-time Tewaaraton Award winner in 2023 and 2024, Scane has transitioned smoothly into her professional career in the Women’s Lacrosse League.
“She’s playing some of her best lacrosse right now,” Munday stated. “Her dodging power and finishing ability are impressive to watch. She can adapt well to various roles in gameplay.”
Completing the roster is Cassidy Weeks, known for her versatility and utility on the field. Concluding her Boston College career with 127 goals, 32 assists, and an impressive defense record, she brings a unique skill set particularly advantageous for Sixes gameplay.
“She’s so consistent, and I say that as the highest compliment,” Munday concluded. “Consistency is one of the most underrated qualities. She’s one of the best players I have ever seen at it.”
As the team prepares for the World Games, the U.S. Women’s Sixes National Team carries the weight of potential glory and the significance of their preparation for the upcoming Olympics on their shoulders. With a mix of experienced and emerging talent, excitement builds as they strive for gold in Chengdu.
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