Lacrosse the world

Former Lady Lion laxer Joanne Connelly to represent U.S. at World Cup

For former Penn State women's lacrosse player Joanne Connelly, the best is yet to come.

Having completed her Penn State career, Connelly has stepped her play up to new heights -- and a new team. She will be one of 20 players representing the U.S. Women's Lacrosse Team this April at the World Cup in Japan.

The U.S. team will head to the World Cup with a wealth of experience. It won the previous World Cup title in 1993 and went 7-0 in test matches last summer. Connelly traveled with the team for the games to England, Scotland and Wales.

"The touring team was a total learning experience for me and very humbling," Connelly said.

Playing with the team, Connelly added, "helped to get me where I am. It was a benefit to me having the experience with the players and with the coach."

Connelly brings nine years of experience to her World Cup play, including four with the Lady Lions. In 65 games at Penn State, she scored 67 goals and added 33 assists as a defense wing. Connelly will continue to train with Penn State, coaching and playing in scrimmages. She will also play for the U.S. team during March.

"She is probably one of the most intense players I have ever coached, constantly going hard, very competitive, and very driven," Penn State women's lacrosse coach Julie Williams. "Joanne is a feisty defender who can just as easily put the ball in the net. She is one of the best all-around players I have ever coached."

Connelly's involvement with the World Cup started as far back as high school. Her coach at Brooks School in Massachusetts was a member of the U.S. team and encouraged Connelly to pursue lacrosse beyond the collegiate level. Once in college, Connelly could see for herself that she wanted to "take Penn State (lacrosse) a step further."

She tried out for the U.S. team her sophomore year and again her junior year, making second and first strings, respectively.

Participating in the World Cup will be an adjustment for Connelly, but will not necessarily affect her play. The difference at the World Cup level is not in the game, but in how the game is played. The pace is faster and the level of competition is higher.

"There isn't one person out there who does not have a kill-or-be-killed attitude," Connelly said.

As for her teammates, however, Connelly said they are very competitive "but also very supportive. There is a lot of respect among players."

Connelly's game will not be altered for the World Cup. She will stay mainly in her defensive role, occasionally jumping into the attack.

"Defense is focused on playing defense first," she said. "Attack plays offense first."

Connelly is currently a member of the U.S. team. She will travel to Japan for the World Cup, but as of yet is unsure if she will start. Sixteen of the 20 U.S. players will participate in the games, with four alternates. Connelly said her only goal is to be one of the top 16 players on the World Cup team.

"Once I do that," she said, "I can concentrate on improving."