Malvern St James sporting stars take on the world!

Published by Malvern St James Girls' School on Wednesday 14th of September 2011

Lottie Van Praag (Yr 12) and Sophy Coombes Roberts (Yr 13) represented Wales at the U19 World Lacrosse Championship held in Hannover, Germany in August.

Both girls were picked as part of the starting line up at the international tournament sponsored by the Federation of International Lacrosse, significantly contributing to the success of the Welsh team.

Playing eight games in total, the Welsh team won seven with only one loss against Australia, the eventual Silver Medal winners in the quarter finals. Wales were the most successful of all the home nations, moving up three World Rankings to finish 5th in the World League Table. This significant achievement means they will start in Division 1 for the next U19 World Championships in four years' time.
Both MSJ pupils excelled themselves at the Championships. Lottie received a 'Most Valuable Player' award from the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) in the matches against the Netherlands. Sophy and Lottie were also amongst the top goal scorers, with Lottie scoring a total of 15 and Sophy a total of 10.

'Lottie and Sophy were a huge credit to MSJ and Wales at the U19 World Championships in Hannover,' said Wales U19 Head Coach, Storm Trentham. 'They produced some remarkable performances on the world stage and played vital roles within the most successful U19 Welsh Team to date. I am extremely grateful to all those involved at MSJ who helped the girls achieve their dream and I know that if it wasn't for all your support both on and off the pitch and your outstanding sports facilities then this would not have been made possible. I look forward to more MSJ girls representing Wales in the future.'

Lottie said: 'I was extremely proud to be representing Wales and MSJ at this prestigious tournament and to be recognised with an FIL award was an added bonus! The teachers and facilities at MSJ, plus their excellent links to both the English and Welsh Lacrosse Associations have really helped Sophy and I to fulfil our potential in Lacrosse, I'm looking forward to many more opportunities in the future!'

Headmistress, Patricia Woodhouse added 'We are hugely proud of Lottie and Sophy's achievements over the summer they are true ambassadors for the school. Sport features very strongly at Malvern St James; we are fortunate to have such wonderful facilities here which all the girls benefit from. We have swiftly established ourselves at the forefront of schools lacrosse, with excellent support from the English and Welsh Lacrosse Associations.'