Key Takeaways
- The Girls’ U17 National Combine is the second stage of USA Lacrosse’s National Team Development Program, held July 28‑30 in Sparks, Md.
- Over 100 elite prospects will undergo on‑field drills, academic panels, mental‑performance workshops, and recruiting seminars.
- The top 24 players earn a spot on the U.S. Youth National Team for international events later this fall.
- The program, launched in 2019, now serves more than 2,000 boys and girls each year and is supported by a wide network of sponsors.
- Former program alumni already represent the senior U.S. Women’s National Team, which will compete in the 2026 World Championship in Tokyo.
Program Overview
USA Lacrosse convened more than 100 of the nation’s most highly rated young female lacrosse athletes for the 2026 Girls’ U17 National Combine at its headquarters in Sparks, Maryland. The event marks the second of three sequential phases that began earlier in the year with regional identification clinics. Participants were selected based on standout performances at those clinics, and they were invited to refine their skills under the guidance of national staff while being evaluated for potential inclusion on the elite U.S. Youth National Team. The combine serves as a pivotal bridge between regional scouting and the national team selection process, offering a concentrated, high‑visibility platform for the sport’s next generation.
Coaching Staff and Development Focus
Kylie Ohlmiller of the U.S. Women’s National Team and Brandy Padilla, an assistant coach at San Diego State, share head‑coaching responsibilities for the U17 Youth National Team. Supporting them are Jana Drummond, head coach at the University of Massachusetts, and Nicole Beardsley Montag, an assistant at Northwestern. This coaching quartet emphasizes a holistic approach that blends technical skill work with mental‑performance training, off‑field leadership panels, and a dedicated recruiting seminar. The integrated curriculum is designed to prepare athletes not only for immediate competition but also for the academic and psychological demands of collegiate and international play.
Structure and Components of the Combine
Over three consecutive days, the invitees participated in a tightly coordinated schedule that included progressive on‑field sessions, expertled panel discussions, and performance‑enhancing workshops. Each day featured technical drills that highlighted individual positions, strategic team concepts, and situational game scenarios. Parallel to the athletic instruction, mental‑performance coaches guided players through visualization, stress‑management, and focus techniques aimed at elevating competitive resilience. Additionally, recruiting seminars equipped athletes with tools to market themselves to college programs, covering topics such as highlight‑reel creation, outreach etiquette, and NCAA compliance.
Pathway to International Play
Following the combine, a select group of 24 players will be named to the U.S. Youth National Team. These athletes will represent the United States in two major international competitions later in the fall: the Rivalry Challenge in Canada and the Brogden Cup hosted at USA Lacrosse. Both events attract top junior talent from across North America and serve as crucial preparatory experiences for forthcoming world‑stage tournaments. The selection process underscores the combine’s role as a talent incubator, translating high‑school excellence into national team representation on the global stage.
Program History and Scale
The National Team Development Program was inaugurated in 2019 with the explicit goal of nurturing the country’s most promising lacrosse prospects. Since its inception, the initiative has expanded dramatically, now engaging over 2,000 boys and girls annually across multiple age brackets. By offering a tiered progression—from regional ID clinics to national combines and ultimately to international competition—the program has created a clear pathway for athletes to advance through the sport’s elite tiers. This scalable model reflects USA Lacrosse’s commitment to systematic talent identification and development.
2026 US Women’s National Team Alums
Eight alumni of the Development Program are slated to feature on the 2026 U.S. Women’s National Team that will compete for the world championship in Tokyo this summer. The roster includes standout athletes such as Shea Baker, Brigid Duffy, Kori Edmondson, Sam Forrest, Chloe Humphrey, Emma LoPinto, Emma Muchnick, and Shea Dolce. Their selection validates the efficacy of the program’s developmental pipeline and illustrates how early exposure at the National Combine can translate into elite international representation.
Sponsorship and Support
The success of the National Team Development Program is underpinned by a robust network of corporate partners. Key sponsors include Capelli Sport, Caddix, CWENCH, Fourg Athletics, Gait Lacrosse, GoLive Sports, Halpern Travel, MedStar Health, NCSA / Sports Recruits, NCSI, Sports Engine, and STX. These collaborations provide essential resources for event logistics, athlete support services, and scholarship opportunities, reinforcing the program’s mission to deliver premier experiences for young athletes.
Participants List Highlights
The complete invitation list features prospects from a diverse array of high schools and club programs across 15 states, reflecting a geographic breadth that spans from New York and California to Oregon and Texas. Many of the athletes are affiliated with renowned club teams such as Skywalkers, Hero’s Lacrosse, Prime Time Lacrosse, and Laxachusetts, while others represent elite academic institutions like Phillips Academy Andover and St. Paul’s School. This mosaic of talent underscores the program’s ability to attract the most versatile and well‑rounded young players from every corner of the country.
Future Implications and Opportunities
The 2026 Girls’ U17 National Combine exemplifies a strategic investment in the long‑term vitality of women’s lacrosse in the United States. By coupling rigorous athletic evaluation with educational and mental‑health resources, USA Lacrosse is cultivating not only superior players but also well‑rounded young leaders prepared for the demands of collegiate and international competition. As the program continues to evolve, it will likely expand its impact, producing a deeper talent pool that enriches both collegiate rosters and the broader lacrosse community for years to come.