Israel names Lauren Paul Norris head coach for 2013 Women’s World Cup

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — The Israel Lacrosse Association has announced that Lauren Paul Norris, a four-time Jewish All-American at Franklin & Marshall College, has been named head coach of the Israel National Lacrosse Team which will compete in the 2013 FIL Women’s World Cup.

“Lauren’s resume really speaks for itself,” said Scott Neiss, Director of the Israel Lacrosse Association. “We’re extremely confident in Lauren’s coaching ability, her passion for the sport and her commitment to developing the game in Israel. It’s clear she has the experience and the vision to lead our women’s program.”

Paul previously served as head coach at Franklin & Marshall from 2009-2012, leading the Diplomats to the 2009 NCAA Div. III championship and Centennial Conference titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Paul was also named IWLCA Coach of the Year in 2009, as the first coach ever to win the national championship in her first season. In four seasons at Franklin & Marshall, she led the team to a 68-10 record.

Paul, who joined the coaching staff at High Point University in 2012, also has previous experience as an assistant coach at Dickinson (2005-2007) and Lafayette (2004). She played for Franklin & Marshall from 2000-03 and was a two-time All-American, three-time first team All-Metro Region player and a three-time All-Centennial Conference first teamer. She was the first player in team history to score 100 goals and register 100 assists in her career.
The 2013 FIL Women’s World Cup, held at the Oshawa Civic Recreation Centre near Toronto, Canada, from July 10-20, 2013, marks the blue and white’s first foray in the quadrennial world championship, as well as Paul’s debut as a coach on the world stage.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach internationally, and lead Israel to its first ever World Championship Games. It is an honor to be chosen to lead these young women on the field against the best teams in the world, and to work with them to help support, encourage, and promote the sport of lacrosse in Israel, Paul said. “I am looking forward to being a part of an organization that is geared toward developing young leaders, giving back to its community, and dedicating their time to the development of the game in Israel.

The United States edged Australia, 8-7, to capture gold at the 2009 Women’s World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic. The Americans will defend their title against Israel and 17 other nations this year in Oshawa. Other new entries expected to participate include Hong Kong, Latvia and Sweden.

Israel’s roster will be composed of Israeli players, as well as Jewish players from abroad in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL). The team will train July 4-8 in Ashkelon, Israel, before flying as a team to Toronto on July 9.