Key Takeaways
- Sam Apuzzo, Kenzie Kent, Marie McCool, and Caylee Waters were selected as captains by their teammates for the 2026 U.S. Women’s National Lacrosse Team. – The squad is currently training in Sparks, Maryland ahead of the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Japan.
- Marie McCool brings prior World Lacrosse championship experience (2017, 2022) and sees the captaincy as a profound honor. – Coach Acacia Walker‑Weinstein highlights each captain’s unique leadership strengths, from seasoned insight to quiet cohesion‑building. – The team will travel to Los Angeles on July 18 for a staging camp before opening the tournament against Ireland on July 25 in Tokyo.
Opening Training Camp
The U.S. Women’s National Team is midway through a four‑day training camp in Sparks, Maryland, intensifying preparations for the upcoming World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Japan. The camp serves as a vital incubation period where players refine tactics, deepen chemistry, and adjust to the rigors of international competition. With the championship looming, the atmosphere is charged with purpose, as each drill and scrimmage is viewed through the lens of upcoming matches. This collective focus sets the stage for the leadership dynamics that will unfold throughout the tournament.
Captains Chosen by Teammates
Earlier this week, teammates cast their votes to name four captains who will guide the squad: Sam Apuzzo, Kenzie Kent, Marie McCool, and Caylee Waters. The selection process underscored the players’ confidence in one another, as each captain earned recognition not merely for skill but for the trust they command within the locker room. Such peer‑chosen leadership is expected to foster unity and resilience, especially as the team navigates the pressures of a global event. The vote reflects a democratic ethos that aligns with the sport’s growing emphasis on collective responsibility.
Veteran’s Perspective
For Marie McCool, the captaincy represents more than a title; it is a culmination of years spent learning from countless leaders across her storied career. A veteran of two World Lacrosse championships (2017 and 2022), she acknowledges the honor of “being able to learn from so many different leaders throughout my career and they’ve paved the way for me.” McCool’s seasoned outlook is expected to anchor younger teammates, providing a steady compass amid the whirlwind of international play. Her perspective melds practical game knowledge with an appreciation for the cultural significance of representing the United States on a global stage.
Head Coach’s View
Head coach Acacia Walker‑Weinstein, a world champion herself, emphasizes that the captains each bring distinct qualities that will “anchor” the team during competition. She notes McCool’s depth of experience with World Cup formats, Kent’s quiet but pivotal leadership, Waters’ deep care for teammates, and Apuzzo’s competitive drive. Walker‑Weinstein believes this blend of attributes creates a balanced leadership cadre capable of navigating both on‑field challenges and off‑field expectations. Her confidence rests on the premise that each captain’s unique strengths will synergize to elevate the entire squad’s performance.
Kent’s Surprise and Experience
Kenzie Kent expressed astonishment at being chosen, stating, “I never really thought I would be in this position,” yet she embraces the honor with humility. Though she previously earned a gold medal with the U.S. sixes team at The World Games in 2025, this will mark her first World Lacrosse championship appearance on the field, having served as an alternate in 2022. Walker‑Weinstein describes Kent’s leadership as “quiet” but essential, highlighting her role in fostering team cohesion. Kent’s journey from alternate to captain illustrates the pathways of growth that the national program nurtures.
Waters’ Emotional Reaction
Caylee Waters reacted viscerally to the news, describing the moment as one that gave her “goosebumps.” As a goalie who captured a world championship in 2022, she values the chance to lead alongside teammates she has known throughout her lacrosse journey. Walker‑Weinstein praises Waters’ profound empathy, noting that she “cares deeply about how they feel.” This emotional intelligence is expected to infuse the team with a sense of belonging and mutual support, qualities that are especially vital in high‑pressure international settings.
Mixed Experience and Future
Sam Apuzzo, grateful to serve under Coach Walker‑Weinstein—a former college coach and now a co‑worker—views the captaincy as an opportunity to “steer the captain ship well.” Having been part of the 2022 U.S. gold‑medal team, she brings Eagle pride and a competitive edge that Walker‑Weinstein says “makes people want to follow her.” Apuzzo’s perspective merges personal aspiration with a desire to contribute to the team’s collective success, positioning her as a dynamic conduit between veteran experience and emerging talent.
Looking Ahead to Competition
With the captains officially named, the U.S. team is poised to embark on the next phase of preparation. The squad will travel to Los Angeles on July 18 for a staging camp before opening the tournament against Ireland on July 25 in Tokyo. This progression from training camp to international competition underscores the transition from preparation to execution, where the newly appointed leaders will translate their collaborative vision into on‑field action. The upcoming matches will serve as a litmus test for the leadership model that the four captains have been entrusted to uphold.