Several women who have honed their lacrosse skills in New Westminster are currently making their mark on the world stage.
The 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship is taking place from Aug. 15 to 24 in Hong Kong.
Team Canada, which includes New West residents Lauren Black and Beth Anderson, has advanced to this weekend’s gold medal game. Having defeated No. 4 seed Japan17-2 in the semifinals, Canada (ranked Number 2 in the world) will go for gold against the United States (ranked Number 1) on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. HKT (3:30 a.m. PST) at Mong Kok Stadium.
Other New West lacrosse alumnae making their presence felt on the world stage include Zola LeDonne, a New Westminster Secondary student who helped Italy reach the quarterfinals (where they lost to Canada).
Teagan Ng, a Richmond resident and a former New Westminster Salmonbellie, played for China. She has been among the tournament’s top scorers.
Lara Tayler, vice-president of the New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association, is proud of New West’s women’s field lacrosse program.
“These outstanding athletes playing on the world stage are fantastic role models on and off the field, whether at international tournaments, going on to play post-secondary in the NCAA or coaching and volunteering in their community,” she said in a statement to the Record. “We can't wait to see what the future holds for New West's women's lacrosse.”
Black, team captain, and Anderson are both having a powerful impact on the field for Team Canada.
Going into the semi-final game against Japan, Black had 12 goals and 9 assists. She was named the Player of the Game in the team’s opening match against Wales.
The granddaughter of Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame member Peter Black and former MP and MLA Dawn Black, Black attends the University of Denver. When Team Canada goes for gold, she’ll draw on her experience in the 2023 NCAA Final Four with University of Denver.
Anderson, who was named Player of the Game against Haudenosaunee, is dominating in the draw circle for Canada. The former New Westminster Salmonbellie currently attends Brown University.
LeDonne, a NWSS student who has committed to University of Detroit Mercy for the 2025-2026 year, had several points for Italy, helping that team to advance out of pool play and into its quarter-final game against Canada.
Ng, a Richmond resident and a former Bellie, had more than 20 goals for China, propelling her to the top ranks of scoring in the tournament. Ng, who currently attends the University of Arizona, is the great-grand-daughter of New Westminster’s "Mr. Lacrosse", Jack Fulton Sr., a member of the Canadian Lacrosse Hall Fame.
The Record has reached out to players for comment.
More to come....
📣 Got an opinion on this story or any others in New Westminster? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
📲 Want to stay updated on New West news? Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
💬 Words missing in an article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
