GCU play their part in helping student take on the world

Like many international students, Sofia Emond is set to fly out of Scotland and head for home this summer. However, when she lands in the USA, her mind won't be on catching up with friends or soaking up some sunshine - instead she'll be getting prepared to represent Scotland at the Lacrosse World Championships.

Sofia grew up in Tampa, Florida and started playing the sport at the age of 12. Lacrosse was a big part of her life and that passion followed her across the Atlantic in 2019, when she decided to study at GCU on the Doctorate of Physiotherapy (pre-reg) programme.

Arriving at the height of covid and online lectures, Sofia was keen to get out into the world and take on any opportunity that came her way – luckily GCU had just what she was looking for.

She said: “It was tough when I got here because I never got to meet anybody until the end of my first year. I knew I wanted to try and get involved in sport, so I eventually joined Glasgow City Lacrosse.

The University then sent out a message saying the men’s lacrosse team for Scotland were looking for first aid/sports therapist support, so I decided to help out for the weekend. It just so happened that it was a tournament that the woman’s team were also playing in.

The men’s coach introduced me to the woman’s coach and she mentioned they were holding trials. I wasn’t sure If I’d be eligible to play but since I’ve been here for two years, I was allowed.”

After a successful trial, Sofia has now become an important part of the team. She said: “The girls have been so welcoming and friendly – it’s been incredible! I didn’t expect to find such a good group of people that play at such a good level; they’re all so intelligent and athletic. The coach has been amazing for me as well.”

Having recently featured in a number of games and tournaments for her newly adopted nation, Sofia has now been selected to take part in the 2022 World Lacrosse Women's World Championship, which will be held in Baltimore, Maryland.

Reflecting back on the twist of fate that brought her to this point, Sofia insists she’ll be as proud as anyone to represent Scotland. She explained: “It’s pretty surreal to be going back with a country that I didn’t even know I could represent. I never even thought I would play lacrosse again after college, so I’m delighted to get the opportunity.

I didn’t think I’d feel so patriotic given I’ve only been in Scotland for a couple of years. I really do feel part of something and I’m so excited to represent them – I’ve even been learning the words to the national anthem!”

After finishing fifth at the tournament in 2017, Scotland have been placed in Pool A for this year's World Championships, alongside the other four top finishers from five years ago. Sofia said: “Our opening game is against the USA and we also face Canada, Australia and England. You’d think the game I’d be most looking forward to was the USA but I’m super excited to play England – I’ve really bought into the rivalry!”

Sofia added: “There’s been a lot of talk that this is one of the best teams Scotland has had. Everyone is looking incredible and we’re all super committed to doing well and placing well. We want to keep our fifth-placed ranking but I do believe we have a good chance of upsetting some teams this year – there’s a lot of opportunities for us.”

30 countries will take part in the eleven-day competition, which will take place at Towson University.

Sofia, who will arrive alongside her teammates on the 25th of June, said: “This particular tournament is going to be a really big deal because it’s taking place in Baltimore, which is the hotbed of Lacrosse. Everyone growing up there is given a lacrosse stick as kids, so it’s massive that they’re hosting it.

A couple of games are also going to be featured on ESPN, which is something that’s never happened before. The other matches will be streamed, so anyone interested will be able to check it out online.”

Find out all you need to know about the tournament on the 2022 World Lacrosse Women's World Championship website

By Ross Clark           
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on Twitter