Baltimore, MD – Baltimore-based STX, LLC, a global sporting goods leader, announced today that it has signed nine new members to Team STX, the first-ever elite post collegiate women’s lacrosse team. The roster announcement includes the addition of Grace Gavin, Maggie Tamasitis, Julie Gardner, Clayton Crum, Mary Flowers, Cacki Helmer, Brittany Brigandi, Dana Cahill and Lauren Benner.
Team STX looks to change the landscape of post-collegiate women’s lacrosse, giving these players the opportunity to compete at the highest levels of the women’s lacrosse circuit. In addition, Team STX will contribute to the company’s grassroots efforts to expand the reach of the game.
“Working to develop Team STX has been such an exciting opportunity for the company,” said Carrie Gamper, Women’s Lacrosse Assistant Category Brand Manager at STX. “These athletes are the best in the game and it’s been great to see their excitement about continuing their lacrosse careers. We are proud to have such hardworking and dedicated players represent us in our efforts to grow the game.”
STX announced signing Josie Owen, who coaches at the University of Denver, at the end of last year. Prior to graduating from the University of Virginia last spring, Owen was a 2012 All-America selection and Tewaraaten Award nominee.
Since signing Owen, STX has added nine top lacrosse athletes including two attackers, four midfielders, one defender and two goalies for Team STX.
· Grace Gavin (Baltimore, MD), who played attack for the Loyola Greyhounds, was a 2011 Tewaaraton Award Finalist. During her career at Loyola, Gavin was named first team IWLCA All-American, Womenslax.com National Attacker of the Year, and BIG EAST Attack Player of the Year. Gavin is the career goals, assists and points record holder for Loyola.
· Maggie Tamasitis (Boyertown, PA), who coaches at Rutgers, was a 2x IWLCA All-American, 2x First Team All BIG EAST and 2x IWLCA First Team West/Midwest All-Region during her career at the University of Notre Dame. Tamasitis is also currently ranked fourth for All Time Division I Assists.
· Cacki Helmer (Manlius, NY), a coach at St. Stephen & St. Agnes School, was First Team All-Ivy, First Team All Region and an IWLCA Senior All Star. During her career at Cornell University, Helmer was 3x Cornell Defender of the Year.
· Clayton Crum (Houston, TX), a former Big 12 Volleyball Champion, paved her way in lacrosse to become the 2012 WCLA Player of the Year and Inaugural Winner of the Amtahcha Award.
· Mary Flowers (Virgina Beach, VA), former midfielder for the University of Richmond, was a 3x All Conference First Team selection and A-10 Midfielder of the Year. At Richmond, Flowers was 3x Midfielder of the Year.
· Julie Gardner (Annapolis, MD), a coach at The College of William & Mary, was a 2x All-American during her career at the University of Virginia and led her team to NCAA Tournament bids four years in a row. Gardner was also a 2x IWLCA All-South Region and 2x All-ACC.
· Brittany Brigandi (Syracuse, NY), the IWLCA Division 2 Midfielder of the Year served as a captain at LeMoyne in 2012. After 2 All-American seasons, 2 NCAA All-Tournament teams and setting numerous LeMoyne records, Brigandi now serves as an assistant coach at Hamilton College.
· Dana Cahill (Baltimore, MD), a former goalie for Penn State University and current coach at Mount St. Mary’s College, was a nominee for the Tewaarton Award and 2x ALC Goalkeeper of the Year.
· Lauren Benner (Annapolis, MD), who coaches at the University of Denver, led her former University of Virginia team to 2 ACC Championships and 4 NCAA tournament appearances. Benner was also a member of the UVA Student-Athlete Honor Roll and ACC Academic Honor Roll.
STX will identify and announce the rest of its inaugural team this June. To find out more about Team STX athletes, please visit http://www.stx.com/womens/team-stx.