Page 35 - Godstowe USA Lacrosse Tour 2018

TEAM TALK

➢ I focused on how best I could
create a highly motivated, cohesive,
skilled squad that would pose a
serious threat to the international
competition. I tried to make sure that
every member of the team felt valued
but, at the same time, emphasise
the importance of working together
as a team as opposed to individual
performance. All team members
needed to work together as a unit in
order to reach the ultimate goal of
winning a medal. Individual success
was secondary to the success of
the team as a whole. Team bonding
is so important during high level
competition. I always tried to be
approachable so that teammates
could come to me with concerns.
Medal winners: leading the England team to bronze medal position at the Senior Women’s
Luxury Winter Outer Wear & Ski Wear Summer Beach Wear SETBACKS World Cup in July 2017 was a career highlight for team captain Laura Merrifield
Canada Goose Stockist Helping the team to deal with During my time at the University managed to secure that all important
setbacks proved to be another of Maryland, I gained invaluable “golden goal” after three periods of
7 Station Road, Marlow significant challenge. There is always experience of the more physical overtime. The feeling of elation at the
www.turners75.co.uk 01628 472223 the unforeseen injury to deal with style of play. I hope that I have been end of the game was indescribable.
and, during the course of the year able to use this knowledge and help This was the most incredible team
leading up to the World Cup, the integrate some of these tactics with effort and a moment of immense
squad was also subject to selection. the English style of play to create a pride for us all.
Only 18 players can be selected for different and exciting approach. Being selected as captain in the
a World Cup team, which meant year leading up to the 2017 World
players who had trained hard and THE WORLD CUP Cup was the greatest honour of my
done all that was asked of them The 2017 World Cup itself had sporting career. To play in front of a
suddenly found themselves taking on many highs and lows. After an initial home crowd with Team England after
BROOKWOOD ARE a supporting role rather than that good performance against Wales all the obstacles and unknowns was
DELIGHTED TO SPONSOR of physical player on the field. This in the opening game, England fell unbelievable. Seeing the team with a
short in the remaining pool matches.
“Being selected as captain However, after a very productive and medal for the first time since 2005
THE GODSTOWE 2018 positive group re-evaluation during was a very special moment.
was the greatest honour When going on tour, make sure to
LACROSSE TEAM ON THEIR our rest day, we put all thought of
of my sporting career” defeat behind us and improved with ask questions and learn from those
TOUR OF THE USA every performance in the run up to who are more experienced than you.

is a tough situation but the strength finals day. A lot of the time things won’t go
your way. But remember, whether it’s
and positivity of those players was Key to our success was the
We are unique in being dedicated to commendable. They were in it for belief that we had the ability and selection, injury or negative words
from someone else, try to react in a
catering in independent schools. the team, which is what made this determination to win that medal. positive way and make the most of
England team so special. I tried to We put up a good fight against the your situation. ■
Brookwood guarantee pupil and parent satisfaction make sure that I was always available US team, but they were outstanding.
through exciting food and motivated teams. to help affected players through this We knew what we had to do going Laura Merrifield: Captain of England
difficult period. By continuing to into the bronze medal match. A Lacrosse 2017 Bronze Medal Team. All
For more information call us on 0118 467 4879 shaky start saw us go several goals
or visit our website www.brookwoodpartnership.com work hard and improve your game, World Team Selection at 2013 and 2017
it is often possible to come back down, but we stayed strong, pushed World Cups. National Champion 2010 at
stronger than ever. nerves aside and slowly worked our University of Maryland NCAA Division I.
@BrookwoodPtnrs I tried to provide a useful link way back into the game. Remaining Atlantic Coast Conference Champions at

between the players and the calm and disciplined was key to University of Maryland 2009, 2010, and
coaches, offering a platform through our success as the game see-sawed 2011. All-American Honours 2011. U19
which players could air their views. backwards and forwards until we World Cup 2007 Bronze Medal.
www.godstowe.org GODSTOWE USA LACROSSE TOUR 2018 35