For the first time in its 17-year existence, the Cowichan Valley Lacrosse Association will field a girls box lacrosse team for 2016.
A novice girls team — for players born between 2007 and 2009 — will take to the floor early next month, with games in Victoria beginning on April 9. A peewee team (players born from 2004 to 2006) could also happen, but is on standby for now.
According to head coach Naomi Walser, a former national team player, lacrosse has many benefits, from the usual team sport benefits like building self-esteem, respect and integrity to more specific things like creativity and working within a team in a tight space. Lacrosse also complements hockey with regard to hand-eye coordination and quickness and agility around the net. Most hockey equipment can also be used in lacrosse.
Box and field lacrosse skills transfer back and forth, and for girls, field lacrosse is the top scholarship opportunity in the NCAA.
Practices for the team have been ongoing, but new players are still welcome. For more information email naomiwalser@gmail.com.
