After a grueling three-month season and four playoff games, most of the Virginia women's lacrosse team was looking forward to enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Amy Appelt, however, didn't have that luxury.
As teammate Cary Chasney playfully teased the senior with evil laughter, Appelt explained her immediate plans following Virginia's loss to Northwestern in the NCAA championship game.
"I will continue to work out the rest of the week and the weekend, take three days off and continue to play more lacrosse," Appelt said.
Such is the life of a superstar lacrosse player. The recipient of the 2004 Tewaarton Trophy, the award given to the nation's top collegiate lacrosse player, Appelt came through with another stellar season in 2005. She led the Cavaliers with 95 points (57 goals, 38 assists) and was named a finalist for the 2005 Tewaarton Trophy while guiding Virginia to the national championship game for the third straight season. Now, the heralded attacker will represent her country in the 2005 IFWLA World Cup, which begins today in Annapolis, Md. and runs through July 2.
The United States has won the last four World Cups, in 2001, 1997, 1993 and 1989. The last time the championship was held within the country however, at Philadelphia in 1986, Australia took home the title.
The home squad is the heavy favorite to win its fifth straight championship in a field that includes Japan, the Czech Republic, Canada, Wales, England Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and Germany. The United States will open play in Pool A against the English, the Australians, the Canadians and the Welsh who are the reigning European Lacrosse champions.
After five days of round robin play, the teams will be seeded according to their performance and will play for a berth in the quarterfinals, which will be held on Thursday June 30. The semifinal will be held the next day, followed by the Gold Medal game on July 2.
The roster for the United States team includes several Virginia alumni, with Lauren Aumiller ('03), Kara (Ariza) Cooke ('98), Cherie Greer ('94), and Bonnie Rosen ('93) joining Appelt in Annapolis. Jessica Wilk, who played collegiate lacrosse at Maryland but currently coaches field hockey at Virginia is also a member of the team.
This is Appelt's first World Cup, but the Garden City, N.Y. native known for her quickness and strength will likely make a significant contribution in the tournament.
One of the most feared players in the game, Appelt is respected as much for her mental toughness as her ability to physically dominate the competition.
"She's confident, she's strong and she's got swagger," Duke midfielder Katie Chrest said about Appelt after facing her in an NCAA semifinal this May. "She brought that tonight and that always helps her game. Her mental game is as good as her physical game and that is why she can dominate the way she can."
Despite the fact that her college career is over, Appelt isn't ready to give up the game of lacrosse anytime soon. While her teammates will be getting jobs in the real world and going to graduate school, Appelt plans to stay as close to the game as possible.
"I definitely want to stay involved in lacrosse, hopefully work for a manufacturer and stay involved in the sport," Appelt said.
At least for the next two weeks she'll be able to continue playing the game she loves so much. Then, she might finally get some time off.
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