By Carson Holton, Staff Writer
Be a part of a history as Saint Leo University debuts its women’s lacrosse team in the fall of 2011. This will be Saint Leo’s 17th NCAA Division II sports team to be created, and the 9th all women’s sports team to be added to the University. After the creation of the men’s lacrosse team in 2006, the time has finally come for the competitive female team players at Saint Leo.
Tryouts for the team were held on Monday Apr. 4, Tuesday Apr. 5, and Thursday Apr. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the practice fields. The team will begin all of the hard work in the fall of 2011 as coach Lesley Graham selects skillful and athletic players for team. Lesley Graham was given the Head coach position in September of 2010, and has put in tremendous hours of hard work throughout the year to make this team possible. Graham has a master’s degree in sports administration, and various coaching experiences with former Division I and Division II schools.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to start the women’s lacrosse program at Saint Leo. I am looking forward to build upon the great foundation of athletic excellence already established. The sport women’s lacrosse is growing tremendously, especially in the South, and it is an honor to be able to spread my passion for the sport and knowledge of the game within the Saint Leo community,” said Graham.
Graham also has previous experience with private catholic colleges, so for her, creating a sports team that will withhold and relate to the Saint Leo University core values was not a challenge.
Coach Graham and the athletes are not only creating history and proving their athletic ability and team work, but they are also taking place in a learning experience that will last a lifetime. Best of luck to the Saint Leo University women’s lacrosse team in their first ever spring season of 2012.
