Photo by Tiffany Taylor, courtesy of IWLCA.
IWLCA Presidents Cup and Debut Continues to Shine as Premier National Event
The 2024 IWLCA Presidents Cup and Debut presented by Millie Dog Clothing Brand proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the growing strength of girls’ lacrosse.
With 750 IWLCA member coaches in attendance, the event brought together 500 teams and saw an impressive 1,000 games played and officiated across 58 fields. This year’s event included play at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, IMG Academy in Bradenton, and Tournament SportsPlex of Tampa Bay in Tampa.
The three-site event provided opportunities for approximately 8,329 prospective student-athletes to showcase their talents, with representation from 46 states and Canada. Additionally, 190 officials helped ensure the smooth running of the tournament, making it a landmark occasion for college recruiting and player recruitment in the sport.
New this year, the IWLCA partnered with two strong advocacy groups Morgans Message and HEADstrong to take part in a ‘Player’s Lounge,’ a dedicated space for the players that allows for team bonding, games, activities, and connecting with representatives from the foundations to learn more about their missions and how they can be involved.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the continued success of the Presidents Cup,” stated IWLCA Executive Director Liz Robertshaw. “Year after year, we see the event grow in both size and significance, bringing together incredible talent, top-tier coaches, and passionate fans from across the country. This tournament has become a cornerstone of our tournament series, and we are proud to provide such a meaningful platform for student-athletes to showcase their skills. We are excited to continue growing this event, fostering the development of the sport, and providing even more opportunities for players to shine on a national stage."
Caitlin Schmelz, Vice President of Lacrosse at Elite Tournaments added, "This year's event was truly incredible, and we're extremely grateful to all our partners, sponsors, vendors, and staff for helping make it such a success. We're also thankful to TEAM USA Lacrosse and Boston College Lacrosse for contributing to an unforgettable fan experience at the tournament."
The IWLCA Presidents Cup continues to stand as the premier national tournament in the IWLCA Tournament Series, drawing top-tier talent and elite coaching staff from across North America. Known for its highly competitive atmosphere and its critical role in the recruiting process, the Presidents Cup and Debut brings together the best club teams and unattached players, offering student-athletes a unique platform to showcase their skills in front of a large pool of college coaches.
Registration for the 2025 IWLCA President Cup, happening November 21-23, opens December 18. Visit iwlcarecruiting.com for more information.