A complete list of the Philadelphia Girls’ All-Star squad is below the article.
Twenty-two of the brightest young lacrosse stars from the Philadelphia area were chosen to compete on the Philadelphia All-Star squad at the upcoming Under Armour Underclassmen Games at Towson University June 27-28.Five are from the Suburban One League.
Abington’s Liz Wilson and Kate Cooper – both juniors - will join Council Rock South sophomore Taylor Hurwitz, Council Rock North sophomore Lindsay Rheiner and Upper Dublin junior Amy Cross.
This tournament, according to Abington coach Julie Martinez, is unique.
“There are so many club tournaments that the girls have the opportunity to play in, but this is truly an all-star team – one team, 22 girls, the best of Philly,” said Martinez, who is an assistant for the Philly All-Stars. “We have a ton of All-Americans on our team, we have girls who have played in the state playoffs, and we have some of the best girls in the area.
“It’s great that the Suburban One is represented so heavily. It’s a great opportunity for the girls to play at an elite level and get seen by the college coaches.”
Rheiner took the most unusual route to earn a spot on the elite squad. The Rock North sophomore is the only one of the five that did not compete on the National Tournament team over Memorial Day weekend. She is the only one of the five that is not a member of the Phantastix Club squad.
As a matter of fact, Rheiner has never played club lacrosse, and she recently completed a tough season that saw her sidelined with an assortment of injuries, including a sprained ankle and concussion.“It was a rough season, but watching from the sidelines, I realized how much I really love lacrosse,” she said. “Ever since then, I’ve been leaning on it for college.
“I think the season made me stronger. The coaches helped me out so much, and when I heard about this, I took it as ‘I have nothing to lose – just have fun and see where it gets me’ because I needed to make up for the season.’”
Rheiner admits she had a case of nerves the first day, and it didn’t help when the athletes were forced to play a waiting game because of thunderstorms.
“Each team had two games, but our team had a bye, and I played eight minutes the first day,” she said. “I was so nervous and freaking out. The coaches were trying to calm me down.
“We had to wait in the gym for 45 minutes with all these girls who are on club teams, and that was nerveracking. I needed that day to get the nerves out. The next day I just realized I really had nothing to lose, and I played better that day.”
Rheiner played good enough to earn a spot on the all-star squad.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “The best part about it honestly is making it with Taylor.”
Hurwitz and Rheiner are best friends, and Hurwitz, who plays goalie, admits she also felt the pressure at tryouts.“It was nerveracking because you see all these great players playing around you,” said Hurwitz, who was her team MVP as a sophomore. “It’s intimidating, but it’s also good competition.
“I was really excited to make it because so many good players tried out. It’s a really good opportunity for girls who want to be showcased in college.”
Wilson and Cooper were members of the Philly All-Star squad last year in a tournament that featured just four teams. Philly lost both of its games.
“Last year was pretty intense,” Wilson said. “We played Baltimore, and unfortunately, we got shut out. This year I think we will have a really good chance.
“Our team is looking really good at practice.”
“We’re all hoping to redeem ourselves and play a lot better,” Cooper added. “This is just a good experience to play with people who are just as competitive and love the sport as much as you do.”
The players’ optimism seems to be well-founded since the Philly One squad won the gold at this year’s National Tournament.
“I definitely think that will help us,” said Cross, who was a member of that gold medal squad. “We know the competition is just as good, and most of us are used to playing together.”
The key to success, according to Cross, is teamwork.
“We just try not to be selfish,” she said. “We try and make each other look good because we know ultimately that helps everyone.”
Cross did not compete in this tournament last year because of a conflict with her club team.
“I think the best part is playing with the girls you might never have played with but always play against,” she said. “You actually get to know other people and work together with girls you played against.
“It’s really cool to make up a new team with them because everyone plays differently.”“It’s amazing,” Wilson added. “You bring the best 22 from the area, and we all just come together and play.”
How important is competing in tournaments in terms of the recruiting process?
“It’s crucial,” Cooper said. “It’s the only way college coaches are really going to see you. You have to make an effort to be seen. It’s not going to magically just happen.”
This year’s tournament will feature eight teams – Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New England, Midwest, Upstate New York and Long Island. Philadelphia is in a pool with Baltimore, New England and Upstate New York.
Philadelphia Girls’ All-Stars – Under Armour Underclassmen Games
Name/Grad Year/High School/Position
Courtney Campbell, 2010 Radnor, Attack/Midfield
Kate Cooper, 2010 Abington, Midfield
Amy Cross, 2010 Upper Dublin, Midfield
Kelly Devlin, 2011, Downingtown East, Midfield
Alyssa DiBona, 2011 Archbishop Carroll, Midfield/Defense
Marya Fratoni, 2011 Downingtown East, Goalie/Attack
Kelyn Freedman, 2010 Radnor, Midfield
Aimee Gennaro, 2010 Archbishop Carroll, Midfield
Allison Heath, 2010 Radnor, Defense
Taylor Hurwitz, 2011, Council Rock South, Goalie
Taylor King, 2011 Conestoga, Midfield
Ellie Kraus, 2010 Radnor, Midfield
Allie Martin, 2010 Radnor, Midfield
Raelynn Mikell, 2010 Boyertown, Midfield
Amanda Norcini, 2011 Conestoga, Attack/Midfield/Defense
Lindsay Rheiner, 2011 Council Rock North, Midfield
Hannah Schmitt, 2011 Archbishop Carroll, Attack/Midfield
Jessica Schwab, 2012 Harriton, Midfield
Blaine Steinberg, 2011 William Penn Charter, Midfield
Taylor Trimble, 2011 Episcopal Academy, Midfield
Sloan Warren, 2011 The Baldwin School, Midfield
Iris-Louis Williamson, 2012 Germantown Friends, Attack/Midfield
Elizabeth Wilson, 2010 Abington, Defense
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