AIRDRIE - A Hawke on the field and a Hawke on the bench.
Airdrie lacrosse coach Lesley Hawke is once again on the coaching staff for Team Alberta's U19 women's team as they get set to play for pride and plaudits at the upcoming Jenny Kyle Cup, which acts as the U19 national championships for female field lacrosse. The tournament is taking place in Quebec from Aug. 1 to 3.
This time around, Hawke will be coaching her daughter – 17-year-old Linnea, who will be playing for the Alberta team as they take on squads from Ontario, B.C., and Quebec.
Last year, Team Alberta brought home the silver medal from the U19 nationals after losing to Ontario in the final. Hawke, who is originally from Ontario and moved to Airdrie four years ago, still seemed slightly miffed about losing to her former province during an interview on July 21.
As Hawke has explained before, Ontario is typically the province to beat at most national lacrosse tournaments. Boasting a bigger population and more-established clubs and programs than other provinces, she said Ontario is considered Canada's hot-bed for the sport.
However, the long-time lacrosse coach noted things could shake up a bit at nationals this year, considering the tryouts for Team Canada's U19 squad are taking place the same weekend. With many of Ontario's best players trying out for the junior Canada team instead of competing at nationals, she said it could weaken Ontario's provincial squad.
“I think we’re going to see a different dynamic for each of the teams across Canada this go-around,” she predicted. “Which I think is good for us because it gives us a bit of an advantage. We’re going to be right up there with most of the teams this year. It’s looking promising.”
While Hawke has coached Linnea before through the Airdrie Jesters Field Lacrosse club, she said this will be the first time doing so for the provincial program.
“I think it is [cool] – I don’t know if she feels the same,” Hawke said with a laugh.
For her part, Linnea said she's just as excited to have her mother there alongside her when the games get underway in Quebec next week.
“I think it’s a really cool experience,” the W.H. Croxford High School senior-to-be said. “She’ll be there to support and also mentor me. I’m pretty excited about that.”
Linnea is the only player from Airdrie on this year's Alberta roster, which is mostly comprised of players from Calgary or Edmonton.
As she's never been to Quebec before, Linnea added the opportunity to visit another province is another aspect of nationals she is looking forward to.
“I’m excited because it’s with a group of really good people and I think it will be a great bonding experience,” she said.
At last year's competition as a 16-year-old, Linnea joined Team Alberta on the trip to nationals, albeit as a red-shirted player, which meant she didn't technically play in any of the games in Sherwood Park. This time around, the attack-minded teen is eager to show her abilities on the field of play.
“We have a really good shot this year of winning gold, and I think with the team we have this year, we might be very successful,” she said. “I think it’s going to go very well.”
