IWLCA Rewind, A Look Back on Dallas

The IWLCA concluded its 2022 recruiting tournament series with an exceptional turnout at the President’s Cup and Debut held at the Harold Patterson and Moneygram Parks in Dallas, Texas.

Leading into the tournament, over 550-plus member coaches gathered at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas for the 2022 IWLCA Convention presented by StringKing.

"Thank you to all the athletes, coaches, parents, and officials who braved the cold to make the 2022 President’s Cup and Debut a huge success,” stated Elite Tournament Director Caitlin Schmelz. “We look forward to welcoming everyone next year to FLORIDA for next year’s President’s Cup and Debut!”

The tournament saw over 7,300 prospective student-athletes across 422 teams in action over a three-day time span, the highest-attended event in this year’s tournament series. Approximately 610 member coaches were in attendance as they had the opportunity to scout some up-and-coming talent for their respective institutions.

Despite the cold and wet conditions, 833 games were officiated as 422 teams competed from Friday afternoon to mid-afternoon Sunday. “The early morning lows made it challenging for the players as well as the coaches,” said Liz Grote, IWLCA President, and head coach at Bowdoin College. “However, the coaches remained positive and excited as they prepared to watch thousands of student-athletes in action. Many of our coaches came from celebrating their peers and networking at Convention just hours before the start of the tournament, so it was great to see so many member coaches still together, learning and networking.”

President’s Cup and Debut, By The Numbers
610 IWLCA Member Coaches
422 Teams
833 Games Played/Officiated
7,302 Prospective Student-Athletes
49 States and Canada Represented
44 Fields
122 Officials

This year’s Convention was a huge success as the largest gathering of member coaches assembled for three days of learning, networking, developing, and celebrating their peers in their successes and achievements. The event consisted of several breakout sessions, presenters, clinicians, sponsor booths, a powerful message from Keynote Speaker Dr. Colleen Hacker, an honor and awards ceremony, and an incredible Hall of Fame and Honors Banquet. Click here to read the full release regarding the 2021-22 IWLCA Award Winners and Hall of Fame Inductees.

Roughly 36 club coaches also joined clinics, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, professional development sessions, and a recruiting round table discussion with IWLCA Executive Director Liz Robertshaw.

Robertshaw stated, “I have so much gratitude for our presenters, clinicians, volunteers, staff, sponsors, and everyone that made the IWLCA Convention & the IWLCA Presidents Cup happen. From Convention to the tournament, we all came together to honor the game of women’s lacrosse and those that have been a part of its growth over the years. I look forward to 2023 and beyond!”

IWLCA Manager of Marketing and Communications Tiffany Taylor added, “This was my first Convention and President’s Cup and Debut with the IWLCA and it was a fantastic experience. I had the opportunity to meet many great new people and also share my face with the lacrosse world! I look forward to the years to come as the game of women’s lacrosse continues to grow and thrive off the efforts of those in the past, present, and future!”

Visit IWLCArecruiting.com for upcoming registration information and updates regarding the 2023 IWLCA tournament recruiting season.