Beazley makes England national lacrosse team

BY JORGE REYNA

VN SPORTS EDITOR

After making the English national lacrosse team, Detroit Mercy sophomore Emily Beazley will be flying to the United Kingdom every other month to train for international competition.

“It seems unreal, especially when people come up to me and say, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re on the England team,’ ” said Beazley. “All I can say is, ‘I know, it’s crazy.’ It still seems unreal.”

Though born in the United States, the Milford native has parents, two brothers and extended family who were all born in England. Consequently, she qualified for dual citizenship, which in turn made her eligible to try out for the English team.

The road to this new chapter in her life started with Dwayne Hicks, assistant men’s lacrosse coach, who had played for England Lacrosse Union. He made connections for Beazley.

Hicks has known Beazley and her family since she was little. He coached her and her older brothers when they were growing up.

In early September, Beazley went to England to try out.

“Tryouts were really intense,” she said. “Being the only American, I felt like an outsider. But the girls were super welcoming once stepping on the field.”

She went through a physical test on her first day of training, which included strength and conditioning.

She also had to show what she could offer on the field in game situations.

Being recruited as a defender, she was tested against competitive attackers.

She tried to take the ball from them and weaken their scoring opportunities.

The next day she played against the senior squad, scrimmaging and participating in tiring drills.

Even without a British accent, being in that environment felt right, she said.

Though she has never lived in England, her family has. They immigrated to the United States in 1999 and she was born in Pontiac in 2000.

While playing for the English team, she will remain on the Titans roster.

But her schedule will be even busier.

She is still working with the Titans in practice and conditioning and will be getting ready for the challenging off season.

In England, she will be training for the Home International Tournament in February and the world competition in July.

Beazley said she is in a state of disbelief – and incredibly thankful for the opportunity.

Megan Callahan, head coach of the Titans women’s lacrosse team, said she is nothing but excited for the young defender.

“She’s a workhorse on the field and I feel honored she’s allowing me to help her bring her game to the next level,” said Callahan.