In an exhilarating display of talent and determination, Sofia Best (Webster, 2024) represented England at the recent Box Lacrosse World Championships, making her mark as a first-time participant in the senior division. Competing on such a prestigious stage was a dream come true for Sofia, who embraced the opportunity to face some of the world’s top players.

Held in the United States, the Championships brought together teams from around the globe for nine days of intense competition. Sofia described her experience as “extraordinary”, highlighting the chance to forge connections with athletes from countries like Australia and Japan. One of the highlights was a kit swap with players from these nations at the tournament's conclusion, a gesture that symbolised camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Upon arriving, the England Men and Women teams quickly settled in, participating in two closed training sessions that generated excitement within the squad. The opening ceremony set a vibrant tone for the tournament, showcasing athletes from numerous nations. Team England, proudly led by flag bearers, marched through the stadium, soaking in the inspiring atmosphere and speeches from World Lacrosse representatives.

Over course of the tournament, England Women faced a demanding schedule, playing seven full 60-minute games. The intensity was palpable, with players needing to recover swiftly between late-night matches. In the pool games, they secured a respectable third-place finish in their group, with notable results:

• England vs. Hong Kong, China: 15-9
• England vs. Haudenosaunee: 6-15
• England vs. Netherlands: 11-10 in overtime
• England vs. USA: 28-2 Although they lost, the matchup provided a thrilling opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the world.

In the quarter-finals, England faced a tough Australian team, resulting in a narrow loss of 19-12. However, the team rebounded in the playoffs, triumphing over Ireland with an 11-6 victory and securing a dramatic 14-13 win against Germany. These performances culminated in an impressive 5th place finish in the world rankings.

The finals featured a thrilling matchup between Canada and the USA, with the USA taking home the gold in the Women’s tournament and Canada securing victory in the Men’s. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans passionately supporting their teams.

Reflecting on her journey, Sofia expressed immense pride in wearing the England jersey. She said: “the experience not only showcased the team’s hard work but also provided invaluable lessons that will inspire my continued growth in the sport.” Looking ahead, Sofia is eager to share more about her journey. She has also set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of competing and invites supporters to contribute.

With memorable experiences and a commitment to improve, Sofia Best and the England Women’s Lacrosse team have set a high bar for future competitions, leaving fans excited for what’s to come.