Four local lacrosse players have been recognized on U.S. Lacrosse’s annual Girls High School All-America and All-Academic teams.
Betsy Wusk and Chelsea Portuese, recent Tabb High graduates who played on the school’s club lacrosse team, were both named to the U.S. Lacrosse All-Academic team. Rising Lafayette senior Mattie Goad and 2013 Jamestown graduate Emma Thompson, teammates on the Williamsburg Club team, received an honorable mention on the All-America team.
The four players were among 2,650 across the nation awarded All-America and All-Academic distinction.
According to U.S. Lacrosse’s website, All-America distinction is given to a player who “exhibits superior skills and techniques and possesses exceptional game sense and knowledge … while also embodying excellent sportsmanship.”
A player honored as an All-Academic is one who “exhibits exemplary lacrosse skills, good sportsmanship on the field and represents high standards of academic achievement in the classroom.”
Additionally, Thompson, who is a junior official and helped start a local co-ed lacrosse league for 5- and 6-year-olds called ‘Longsticks,’ was recognized as the Hampton Roads branch’s Jackie Pitts award winner, given each year to one player in every branch of U.S. Lacrosse in the country who, “truly honors lacrosse, is invested in the development of the game in her community, is an exceptional player who continually strives to improve her game, and is an exemplary member of her team.”
Its second year being governed by the national affiliate, the Hampton Roads branch of U.S. Lacrosse supports all levels of lacrosse on the peninsula.
During its first year as a recognized branch of U.S. Lacrosse, 2012 graduates Jamie Dillon of Jamestown High and Maddie Pease of York High were the first to represent the Hampton Roads chapter on the All-America team.
Click here for the full release, including the complete list of All-American and All-Academdic honorees, from U.S. Lacrosse.
