WASHINGTON (May 7, 2019) – On May 1, the Jamaica Lacrosse Association announced the coaching staff for its U19 squad where Howard University women's lacrosse head coach Karli Brentlinger was among the coaches selected. This will be the first team to attend the Women's World Championship in Peterborough, Canada (Aug. 1-10).
 
"I am truly honored and proud to be coaching such an amazing group of young women," said Brentlinger. "[I] am excited about the opportunity to lead them on the world stage for the first time this summer."
 
Brentlinger has built an impressive resume, starting from her playing days at Longwood University where she led the Lancers to back-to-back National Lacrosse Conference (NLC) titles in 2009 and 2010 as a sophomore and junior. In those two seasons, Brentlinger earned NLC Most Valuable Player Midfield honors while winning 2010 NLC Player of the Year.
 
Brentlinger joins the team as assistant head coach after wrapping up her fourth season at Howard. Alix Baldini, head coach, and Peter Kenny, assistant coach, round out the staff.
 
"We have put in a ton of work to get here," Brentlinger continued. "I cannot wait to see them perform and represent Jamaica at the World Championships."
 
After years of training, the Women's U19 team has been selected and will be in rigorous training leading up to Worlds in August 2019. Unlike the Men's Senior National Team; the majority of the Women's U19 Team is composed of all but two, Jamaican born residents.
 
"This milestone is critical for the sport of Lacrosse and its growth in Jamaica," said Calbert Hutchinson, President of the Jamaica Lacrosse Association. "From the beginning, we've had a vision of putting a stick in every young person's hands that wanted to learn to play. Now, we are bursting with pride at the opportunity to send this team to the world stage."
 
Jamaica is a member of The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL). In August 2008, the FIL was established in a merger of both the men's and women's international lacrosse associations and the international governing body for men's and women's lacrosse.
 
"The spirit of these young women and their love for lacrosse and country are truly an inspiration," Brentlinger added. "I want to thank the Jamaica Lacrosse Association for all their support and faith in my leadership. One Team, One Dream, One Love."
 
The team has set up a Go Fund Me site to raise funds for the girls while engaging with local high school and college teams to raise funds. To help, please click here.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com or the Jamaica Lacrosse Association at www.jamaicalacrosse.net.