Perhaps no other sport in Canada today offers as many opportunities for young female athletes as field lacrosse.
And perhaps no small city in Canada has cashed in on those opportunities like Orillia.
With that in mind, the Orillia Lady Kings and coach Pat Morris are organizing a free seminar for up-and-coming young athletes to learn about the avenues the popular summer sport offers.
Morris notes the Lady Kings provide many options for young girls up until their final rep season as a U19 player; players can also opt to continue to play senior ladies’ lacrosse.
“But there are also many other options available to pursue academics, athletics and lacrosse together,” said Morris.
The recruitment process for the NCAA has changed dramatically in the recent past and the OUA is becoming much more competitive, providing another route for university students.
Morris said the free symposium on Dec. 19 is meant to “help our players and their families to assist them in goal-setting and taking the steps required to achieve their goal.”
And it will be former local players - some of the top student athletes in the country - who will provide that assistance.
Mackenzie Robinson, a member of the OUA champs from Trent University, will talk about what it’s like to be a student athlete.
Quintin Bullen, a star player at Denver University, will talk about what coaches look for.
Annie Lloyd, a standout for the Queen’s University varsity squad, will talk about why she chose the OUA.
Jerica Obee, now at Bonaventure University in New York, will make a presentation featured on mental focus and overcoming injury.
Hannah Morris, who studies and competes for Louisville, will explain what a day in the life of a student athlete is all about.
Kassidy Morris, who has committed to play for the University of Massachussets in 2020, and Queen’s University student Jordan Kummer will talk about success in recruitment.
Katie Van Kessel, who played for Canisius College in Buffalo, will talk about academic excellence.
Emily Van Kessel will share her story about being a student athlete in the NCAA, while Paige Stachura, also at Canisius, will share her story about getting to that level.
And Abby England, a Bryant University student athlete, will present a talk, titled, ‘Is this what I envisioned?’
Each one of these young women began their journey in Orillia, playing for the Lady Kings, for their high school teams, and beyond - representing Orillia on the provincial, national and world stages.
“Together, these women have garnered an incredible amount of experience in lacrosse,” said Morris, referencing the recruiting process, fall and winter lacrosse, lacrosse camps, all-star teams, Under Armour camps, Team Ontario, post-secondary academics, preparing for the ACT and SAT, college life, the OUA or NCAA schedule, travel schedules and the rigors of being a student athlete.
The free, informative event will be held Thursday, Dec. 19 at Rotary Place, in the Tournament Room (second floor) from 7-9 p.m.
It is intended for parents and players of all ages.
