If two national championships in the last four years wasn’t enough to show the dominance of the UNC women’s lacrosse program, then Monday’s news should be.

Of the 36 players selected to play on the United States National Team in the 2017 World Cup, eight are either current or former Tar Heels.

For those who struggle with math, that’s nearly a quarter of the entire roster.

Maryland–which has also won two of the last four titles–was second with six players on the team. Next on the list was Syracuse with five.

“We’re always surprised at who the 36 are, because it’s not always the 36 we thought going into the tryout,” Team USA coach Ricky Fried said. “That speaks volumes to the process and to the coaches and evaluators involved. It’s a process that creates great value.”

Kristen Carr graduated UNC in 2010, and is now attempting to win her second women's lacrosse World Cup. (UNC Athletics)

Kristen Carr graduated UNC in 2010, and is now attempting to win her second women’s lacrosse World Cup. (UNC Athletics)

Midfielders Maggie Bill (UNC ’17) and Marie McCool (’18) join goalie Caylee Waters (’17) as three of the team’s nine players who are still currently in college.

Leading the old guard is a group that consists of midfielder Laura Zimmerman (’12) and four defenders–Kristen Carr (’10), Jen Russell (’10), Sloane Serpe (’14) and Courtney Waite (’15).

The next step for each of these players is to begin preparation for next year’s World Cup, which will be held in Guildford, England.

Unfortunately, only half of the 36 women chosen will make the final 18-player roster that will play in the event. They’ll also be under pressure to defend the title won by the U.S. at the last World Cup back in 2013.

With eight of the players from the 2013 team returning for another shot, Coach Fried likes the mix of talent he’s seen so far throughout training.

“The athleticism and skill displayed was, as always, at a very high level,” Fried said.

“What we’re more excited about is the ability of our returning players to make our younger players feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves by being here; that it’s more meaningful to be a part of a program than just part of a World Cup team.”

Related Stories
‹
Four UNC Women's Lacrosse Players Selected to U.S. World Cup Team
With the 2017 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Cup set to begin this July in England, United States head coach Ricky Fried announced the 18-player lineup for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Included as part of that group are four Tar Heels–including current midfielder Marie McCool, a junior who was one of only two […]
Eight Tar Heels Selected to Women's Lacrosse Academic All-ACC Team
A total of eight Tar Heels were named to the Academic All-ACC women’s lacrosse team on Tuesday, highlighted by five players who recently earned First Team All-American status as well. Attackers Katie Hoeg and Jamie Ortega joined midfielder Ally Mastroianni, defender Emma Trenchard and goalkeeper Taylor Moreno as First Team All-Americans who also earned Academic […]
Late Rally Sparks No. 1 UNC Women's Lacrosse to NCAA Quarterfinal Victory Over Stony Brook
Trailing 11-9 against No. 8 seed Stony Brook with just under nine minutes left on the clock Saturday afternoon at Dorrance Field, the top-ranked UNC women’s lacrosse team shifted into overdrive and reeled off five straight goals to win the NCAA Quarterfinal game 14-11 and clinch a spot in the Final Four. Scottie Rose Growney […]
Katie Hoeg Selected as Kellie Thompson Shiley Award Winner
UNC senior attacker Katie Hoeg was chosen Tuesday as the women’s lacrosse program’s Kellie Thompson Shiley Award winner. The honor is presented annually within the team to a player who excels in the classroom and on the field, displays outstanding leadership at all times, sets a positive example for younger players and has a true passion […]
Women's Lacrosse: Jamie Ortega, Taylor Moreno Named Tewaaraton Award Finalists
UNC seniors Jamie Ortega and Taylor Moreno were each chosen Thursday as part of five finalists for this year’s women’s Tewaaraton Award. The Heisman Trophy of college lacrosse, the Tewaaraton Award recognizes the nation’s top player. This is the first time UNC has ever had two players selected as finalists. Ortega was named the ACC […]
Women's Lacrosse: Undefeated UNC Named Top Overall Seed for NCAA Tournament
The UNC women’s lacrosse team — which has won its last 25 games dating back to 2020 — earned the No. 1 overall seed on Sunday for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Head coach Jenny Levy’s squad is a perfect 18-0 this season and recently steamrolled through the ACC Tournament for the program’s fifth consecutive conference […]
Women's Lacrosse: Taylor Moreno Earns Third National Defensive Player of the Week Award of 2021
UNC senior goalkeeper Taylor Moreno picked up her third IWLCA National Defensive Player of the Week award of the season on Tuesday. Moreno recently was named a First Team All-ACC selection and the ACC Tournament MVP after helping the top-ranked Tar Heels secure their fifth consecutive conference title. In UNC’s three wins last week during […]
No. 1 UNC Women's Lacrosse Rolls Past Notre Dame in ACC Tourney Semifinals
The high-powered UNC women’s lacrosse team showed once again why it’s the overwhelming favorite to win a national championship this season, rolling to an 18-4 victory on Friday in Chapel Hill over No. 4 seed Notre Dame as part of the ACC Tournament semifinals. Stars Jamie Ortega and Katie Hoeg each tallied seven points in […]
Seven Tar Heels Earn All-ACC Women's Lacrosse Honors
A total of seven Tar Heels earned All-ACC honors in women’s lacrosse on Tuesday, highlighted by five players earning First Team All-ACC selections. Attackers Jamie Ortega and Katie Hoeg–two of the conference’s top five all-time scorers–were joined on the First Team by midfielder Ally Mastroianni, defender Emma Trenchard and goalie Taylor Moreno. This is the […]
No. 1 UNC Women's Lacrosse Edges Past No. 7 Duke to Remain Unbeaten
Ally Mastroianni scored with 17.9 seconds remaining on Friday night in Durham, to lift the top-ranked UNC women’s lacrosse team to a 12-11 win over No. 7 Duke. That goal was enough to improve the Tar Heels to 15-0 this season and help them clinch the conference regular season title with a 9-0 mark against […]
›