Godstowe USA Lacrosse Tour 2022

Godstowe

LACROSSE USA TOUR 2022

Teddies wishes you the very best of luck in the US wwwstedwardsoxfordorg

WELCOME

USA LACROSSE TOUR 30th MARCH – 11th APRIL 2022

D

ear Lacrosse Players, I am writing this to wish you well for your forthcoming trip to the United States.

I congratulate you all on having been selected. It is a fantastic achievement and a great honour to be chosen to represent Godstowe overseas, and I know that you will do this with both pride and dignity as well as tremendous enjoyment.

Life offers many different opportunities to us and this is a great one indeed. You will have the chance to improve both your own performance as a player and to contribute to a strong team. You will be supporting each other through exciting moments as well as unexpected challenges.

This trip is not just about the Lacrosse (although much of it is!). You will be visiting a new country with a different culture. You will encounter things that seem strange and things that seem daunting.

My advice to you is to seize every opportunity that this tour presents. Don’t hang back, don’t be afraid, don’t worry about failure or not being good enough, just throw yourself into every day, every match and every experience. Look after each other, be kind, and make the most of every minute! Try to enjoy each second.

I know that we will be proud of you and I am already looking forward to hearing all about it when you come back.

Sophie Green, Headmistress

www.godstowe.org

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ITINERARY

Touring the USA’s East Coast The squad of 24 girls will begin their tour in Washington DC, before making their way northwards through Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Rhode Island and finishing in Boston. Here is a day-by-day guide of their exciting tour: DAY 1 Wednesday 30th March The squad will fly from London Heathrow Airport to Washington Airport. Upon arrival in Washington the girls will meet their bus driver and be transferred by coach to the hotel in Georgetown.

DAY 2 Thursday 31st March After breakfast there is a free day for sightseeing in Washington DC before their evening match.

Match: Godstowe v Kelly Post Lacrosse Juniors DAY 3 Friday 1st April The squad will travel to Baltimore with the rest of the day for exploring, with another evening match.

Match: Godstowe v Kelly Post Lacrosse Midget A Team DAY 4 Saturday 2nd April The girls will travel to Philadelphia to the Germantown Friends School.

After their match, they will travel to their hotel for the next 3 nights.

Match: Godstowe v Germantown Friends DAY 5 Sunday 3rd April After breakfast, the squad will be able to explore at their leisure, before their afternoon match.

Match: Godstowe v Radnor Girls Youth Lacrosse

g n i h c Coa r u o t n staff o 4 GODSTOWE USA LACROSSE TOUR 2022

Fiona Reynolds

Rachel Hearnshaw

Head Coach & Tour Organiser

Director of Sport

www.godstowe.org

ITINERARY DAY 6 Monday 4th April The squad will spend the day exploring Philadelphia for their last night there.

DAY 7 Tuesday 5th April The girls will meet in the morning and depart by coach to New York City. On arrival the squad will check into their hotel, where they will be staying for the next two nights. The rest of the day will be free for some sightseeing in New York City.

DAY 8 Wednesday 6th April After breakfast, the girls will enjoy a full free day to explore the city.

DAY 9 Thursday 7th April Following breakfast, the squad will head to Rhode Island where they will stay for the next two nights. After their match, they will enjoy a “pot-luck” meal with their hosts.

Match: Godstowe v Rocky Hill Country Day School DAY 10 Friday 8th April After breakfast at their hotel, the squad will spend the morning exploring Rhode Island before their afternoon match. After they’ve played, there will be a pizza party!

Match: Godstowe v Moses Brown Middle School A Team DAY 11 Saturday 9th April The girls will check out of their hotel and board their coach to Boston, spending the day sightseeing.

DAY 12 Sunday 10th April After breakfast, the girls will be able to explore a bit more of Boston before boarding their flight home to London Heathrow.

DAY 13 Monday 11th April The return flight lands at London Heathrow Airport in the morning.

www.godstowe.org

Phillippa Hill

Pat Hedley

Nina Sloggett

P,E Teacher

P,E Teacher

Cross Country

GODSTOWE USA LACROSSE TOUR 2022

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DELIGHTEDTO TO SPONSOR OFOF THE USA DELIGHTED SPONSOR THE THE GODSTOWE GODSTOWE2022 2020LACROSSE LACROSSETEAM TEAMONONTHEIR THEIRTOUR TOUR THE USA For more information

T 03330 141 777 E andrew.scott@chandcogroup.com www.chandcogroup.com

Papplewick, Ascot Boys only Prep School 6-13

Wish Godstowe every success in their 2022 Lacrosse Tour to USA

Next Open Morning : Saturday 14th May 2022 9a.m. – 11.30 a.m Contact Registrar@papplewick.org.uk to register a endance – families welcome. www.papplewick.org.uk 01344 621488

LETTERS

1 March 2022

Dear Miss Insley, The Queen has asked me to thank you for your kind letter sent on behalf of the Members of Godstowe Preparatory School Lacrosse Team on the occasion of your tour of the United States of America from 30th March to 11th April.

Her Majesty was interested to learn of the aims of the tour and of the exciting opportunities that await you and your teammates.

Your thoughtfulness in writing is much appreciated and, in return, The Queen wishes you all a most memorable and enjoyable time in America.

www.godstowe.org

GODSTOWE USA LACROSSE TOUR 2022

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We are Change Makers Stowe is educating a generation of Change Makers ready to transform the world.

Stowe offers a first-class sports programme which provides our elite sports performers with exceptional coaching alongside an outstanding education.

The Stowe Sport Performance Programme is designed to help our pupils achieve both their sporting and academic potential.

Scholarships and Bursaries are available.

LETTERS

Dear Olivia, 22to thank you for your letter of 1st March, I am writing on behalf of the Prime Minister informing him of your lacrosse team’s upcoming tour of the USA.

The Prime Minister wishes you well for this exciting opportunity and greatly appreciates the time you have taken to get in touch. Unfortunately, as I am sure you will understand, the Prime Minister receives many requests for tailored messages and is unable to accept them all. Regrettably, on this occasion he is unable to reply personally.

However, on the Prime Minister’s behalf, please accept my best wishes for a successful tour and an enjoyable visit to the United States. The Prime Minister hopes very much that you will be able to uphold England’s honour and the spirit of amicable sportsmanship.

Thank you, once again, for writing.

www.godstowe.org

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Good

Luck from all atWellington College

We seek to inspire both the elite and the beginner and want all pupils to enjoy their sport.

Find out more at wellingtoncollege.org.uk/sport Berkshire RG45 7PU

Papplewick, Ascot Boys only Prep School 6-13

Wish Godstowe every success in t Lacrosse Tour to USA

Next Open Morning : Saturday 14th May 2022 9a.m. –

LETTERS

Olivia Insley Lacrosse Tour Captain Godstowe Preparatory School Shrubbery Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 6PR

Dear Olivia, Thank you for your letter of 1 March regarding your upcoming Lacrosse Tour to the United States of America.

You must all be excited about playing matches, visiting different parts of the country and making new friends along the way.

I wish you the very best with your upcoming trip and Lacrosse matches.

Yours sincerely,

www.godstowe.org

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Go for it girls!

That’s the spirit.

Boarding and Day for Girls 11-18 heathfieldschool.net | +44 (0) 1344 898343

EXCELLENT ISI inspection 2018

WISHING GODSTOWE A HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL LACROSSE TOUR

www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk | 01344 629900 Independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18

CONFIDENT | CAPABLE | CONNECTED KIND HEARTS

FIERCE MINDS

STRONG SPIRITS

Queen Anne’s is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18

OPEN MORNINGS Saturday 7 May Saturday 17 September

Full and flexi boarding options Sport, Art, Drama and Music scholarships available

Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road, Caversham, Berkshire, RG4 6DX

THE GODSTOWE USA LAC

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS MADE THIS LACROSSE TOUR POSSIBLE, ESPECIALLY OUR AMERICAN HOSTS!

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ROSSE TOUR SQUAD 2022

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PROFILES Anushka, 12 Position: Goalkeeper How long have you been at Godstowe? This is my 8th year at Godstowe! I love it here because of the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the teachers are really motivating.

What are your hobbies? I love sport and play Lacrosse, Netball, Tennis, Judo and Football. I also love cooking and spending time with friends.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? Only for two years Have you been to the USA before? Yes, when I was 5 I went to California and Las Vegas, but I can’t really remember much.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am looking forward to playing against the American teams and travelling around with my friends. I can’t wait to wear the new team kit and learn new skills.

Stella, 12 Position: Mid-attack How long have you been at Godstowe? This is my 6th year, I started in Form I. What are your hobbies? I love to play sport, like Lacrosse, Netball and Tennis. I also love to cook with my mum.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing lacrosse for 3 years.

Have you been to the USA before? I have been before and really enjoyed it. My family and I went on a roadtrip around California when I was seven. I can’t really remember much so I am excited to go again.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am most excited to travel with my friends. But even more excited to see New York. This trip will be an amazing experience and I am really excited to go!

Molly, 13 Position: Wing Defence How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been at Godstowe for 6 years, from Form I. Hobbies: I really like playing sports and enjoy hanging out with friends and baking.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing lacrosse for two years.

Have you been to the USA before? I haven’t been before, but really excited to go!

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am so excited to be playing lacrosse in America and I am really excited about having fun with friends and seeing new places!

Lucy, 13 Position: Straight Defence How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been at Godstowe for seven years.

What are your hobbies? I love playing all sports such as Lacrosse, Netball, Horse Riding and Skiing. I also love to walk my dog, Bailey, to to have fun with my friends.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? Only for about 2 years, but I wish I had started sooner!

Have you been to the USA before? Yes, it was such an amazing experience and so happy I get the change to go again!

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am most looking forward to playing lacrosse with my friends and trying new American foods. When we go to America, I really like hearing the difference between our accents!

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PROFILES Arabella, 13 Position: Straight Attack How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been at Godstowe since the summer term of Lowers (year 5), so roughly three years.

Hobbies: My hobbies include swimming, horse riding and reading. I also love spending time with my pets and family.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing lacrosse since year 6 Have you been to the USA before? I haven’t been before but went on the Canada Ski Trip and can’t wait to go to the USA. What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am most looking forward to playing lacrosse and spending time with my friends, along with sightseeing and all the new experiences!

Annointed, 13 Position: Straight Defence How long have you been at Godstowe? I’ve been at Godstowe for 4 years Hobbies: I really enjoy playing sport, reading, doodling and listening to music.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing lacrosse for almost two years.

Have you been to the USA before? I’ve never been before!

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I’m really looking forward to being in a different scenery, shopping, site-seeing and obviously Lacrosse!

Georgina, 13 Position: Goalkeeper How long have you been at Godstowe? I’ve been at Godstowe for 8 years.

Hobbies: I really like Music and Sport, especially Lacrosse. I also enjoy reading, cooking with my mum and playing with my younger brother.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I’ve been playing for a year and a half.

Have you been to the USA before? Yes, I’ve been to Atlanta, Georgia, where my brother was born in 2011, Houston, Texas in 2013 and New Jersey in 2014.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I’m looking forward to meeting and playing against American teams, sightseeing, new team kit and having fun with my friends.

Holly (Vice-Captain), 12 Position: Mid and Straight Defence How long have you been at Godstowe? At the end of this year, I’ll have been at Godstowe for 9 years, since I joined in Reception.

Hobbies: My hobbies are playing Lacrosse, Netball, Reading, Listening to music and going out with my friends and art.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing Lacrosse for almost 4 years.

Have you been to the USA before? I’ve been to the USA before when I was seven because my mum was working in Washington DC. What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am most looking forward to going and having fun with my friends, not only playing Lacrosse, but seeing New York and all of the other cities. This is a really great opportunity and I can’t wait!

www.godstowe.org

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PROFILES Annabel, 13 Position: Straight Attack How long have you been at Godstowe? This is my 4th year at Godstowe.

Hobbies: I love playing sport such at Lacrosse, Netball, and Hockey. Also I enjoy art and baking.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing for 3 years.

Have you been to the USA before? Yes, I have been to California and I enjoyed it so much. I went with my family when I was 8 and I’m so excited to see New York and other cities.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am most excited to play lacrosse with my friends. This will be such an amazing trip and I am really looking forward to going.

Isla, 12 Position: Defence How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been at Godstowe for nearly 4 years, Hobbies: I do swim training 9 times a week. I also play cricket at the weekend, and open water swimming during the summer. I love baking with my sister and playing with my dog.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have played lacrosse for just under three years. It would have been four but I missed a year because of Covid.

Have you been to the USA before? Yes, I went in 2019 to New York, Seattle and Montana.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am looking forward to travelling with my friends, shopping and sightseeing but, most of all, I am looking forward to playing lacrosse matches and tournaments.

Emily, 13 Position: Defence How long have you been at Godstowe? This is my third year at Godstowe Hobbies: I love to swim. I swim 16 hours a week and compete in lots of competitions. I do open water swimming as well as athletics, cross country, cricket, netball and lacrosse.

I also act and play the guitar.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I started playing in year 5, when we did pop lacrosse. I started proper lacrosse in year 6.

Have you been to the USA before? Yes, I’ve been to New York twice to visit friends and I got to experience a day in an American School. I’ve also been skiing in Vail.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? Apart from playing lots of Lacrosse, I am looking forward to spending time with my friends, meeting host families, watching how the Americans play and trying American food!

Olivia (Captain), 12 Position: Straight Attack How long have you been at Godstowe? I joined Godstowe in Kindergarten and have been here for seven years.

Hobbies: I love playing netball, lacrosse and also enjoy running.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing lacrosse for three full years and also tried pop lacrosse in year 5.

Have you been to the USA before? I haven’t been to the USA before but my parents have and I was very jealous.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am looking forward to playing lots of lacrosse, sightseeing and doing some shopping!

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www.godstowe.org

PROFILES Sofia, 11 Position: Centre How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been at Godstowe for 5 years Hobbies: I like sports, playing with my dog and hanging out with myf riends.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I am in my second year of playing lacrosse.

Have you been to the USA before? I have, I went to Chicago and New York in 2016.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I’m looking forward to spending time with my friends and sightseeing.

Sara, 12 Position: Defence How long have you been at Godstowe? This is my 10th year at Godstowe, I’ve been here since Nursery.

Hobbies: My hobbies are Netball, Hockey and cooking. Oh and obviously lacrosse.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing for 3 years, including one year playing pop lacrosse.

Have you been to the USA before? I haven’t but I am looking forward to seeing everything. I have been to Canada before because 3 of my cousins live there.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am looking forward to seeing how the team play lacrosse differently to us. I am excited to see all the food as well!

Gigi, 12 Position: Straight Attack How long have you been at Godstowe? For 5 years, I joined in Form I Hobbies: I love sport like lacrosse, netball and skiing. I also love to do digital art, hangout with my friends and sister, and play with my dog, Luna.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I’ve only been playing for under 2 years.

Have you been to the USA before? I was born in Minneapolis and lived there for 2 years before moving to live in Laguna Beach, California for 4 years. I’m also lucky enough to ski in Colorado every Easter.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am really looking forward to playing lacrosse against american schools. I am also looking forward to the sightseeing and going to the East Coast.

Yimika, 13 Position: Mid Defence or Centre How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been in Godstowe since the beginning of Uppers, and I’m in Fourths.

Hobbies: My hobbies are cooking, debating, sports and playing video games. I like cooking because it helps me feel better when I feel down.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing lacrosse for two years.

I started when I joined Godstowe and it is one of my favourite sports now.

Have you been to the USA before? Yes, I went in Summer 2018 to Orlando with my family.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am looking forward to playing lacrosse matches and meeting new players from different parts of the world.

www.godstowe.org

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PROFILES Sienna, 13 Position: Straight Defence How long have you been at Godstowe? Ever since Nursery, nearly 11 years ago.

Hobbies: I love to swim, at school and outside school, as well as playing netball and of course lacrosse! I also love to read and play with my siblings.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing lacrosse for two years and a term. Lockdown interrupted my lacrosse but I tried to play in my garden.

Have you been to the USA before? I have not been to the USA before but I am very much looking forward to it!

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am looking forward to tasting the wide variety of foods, bonding with my teammates and seeing all the sites.

Amelie, 13 Position: Mid-Attack How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been a day girl at Godstowe now for around 5-6 years and enjoyed every single day of it!

Hobbies: My normal week is filled with physical activities such as netball, track running, and, of course, lacrosse. But whenever I have time, I love to play with my dog, cook, play the piano and my favourite one, waterski!

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I played pop lacrosse for about a year and I then missed a bit due to the pandemic, but I’ve played proper lacrosse for a further two years and loved it!

Have you been to the USA before? About 7 years ago I went to Miami and it was amazing. The zoo was so fun!

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? Well, it’s just out of the ordinary and so exciting! All of the people involved have provided us with lots of activites plus playing against the American teams!

Ottillie, 13 Position: Straight Attack How long have you been at Godstowe? I’ve been a day girl for 5 and a half years.

Hobbies: I love playing sports, taking my dog on long walks and spending time with my friends and family.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been played Lacrosse for two years now. We played pop lacrosse for a bit too.

Have you been to the USA before? Yes, when I was younger I went to New York and Miami and I loved it.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am looking forward to playing lacrosse and playing against different teams. I am also looking forward to being with my friends and exploring new and different places in the USA. Annika, 13 Position: Straight Defence How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been at Godstowe for 11 years as a day girl, since Nursery!

Hobbies: I love reading, writing, coding websites and playing all sports, especially tennis.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? 2 years Have you been to the USA before? Yes, I went to New York City. My uncle and his family live there as well. I remember it as if it was yesterday, the colourful lights and enormous billboards in Times Square. We watched Aladdin on Broadway and went shopping on 5th Avenue.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am really excited to spend time with my friends playing lacrosse in America, shopping and sightseeing. It’ll be an incredible experience.

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PROFILES Lola, 13 Position: Straight or Mid Attack How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been at Godstowe since Transition, so for 6 years Hobbies: Some of my hobbies are sport, my favourite sports are lacrosse and netball. I also enjoy doing art.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing lacrosse for 3 years.

Have you been to the USA before? No I haven’t but I can’t wait to go.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am looking forward to playing lacrosse in a different country and visiting lots of different places in the USA.

Position: Mid-Defence and Centre Evie S, 11 How long have you been at Godstowe? I joined Godstowe in Nursery when I was 3 years old, so 7 years now.

Hobbies: I love all sport, playing or watching it, especially Gymnastics, Tennis, Netball and, of course, Lacrosse. I also love to cook and spend time with family and friends.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing Lacrosse for 3 years.

Have you been to the USA before? Yes, I went to Florida in 2015 and went to Disneyland. I went on a Jet Ski Safari in Gulf of Mexico.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am most looking forward to playing lacrosse, spending time with my friends and getting to know the American host teams.

Hettie, 11 Position: Straight or Mid Attack How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been at Godstowe for 8 years.

Hobbies: My hobbies are sports, D.T, being with friends and gymnastics.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing for 2 years.

Have you been to the USA before? This is my first time going to the USA. What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am so excited to spend time with my friends, playing lacrosse and sightseeing.

Evie vR, 13 Position: Centre How long have you been at Godstowe? I have been at Godstowe since Form I so 6 years.

Hobbies: I love baking in my free time and discovering new walks in the countryside with my dog.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing lacrosse for 3 years although half of that time was spent in lockdown so my sister and I practised in the park.

Have you been to the USA before? I visited the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Zion National Park in 2016. I have also been to New York to visit my aunt who lives in Manhattan.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? I am really excited to play lacrosse with different teams, to do some sightseeing and to meet other players and make new friends.

www.godstowe.org

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TEAM TALK

What Lacrosse means to me Sport offers so much more than just exercise. It teaches important life skills, creates life-long friendships and can stand young people in good stead for their future careers. We asked Godstowe alumna, and former England Lacrosse player, Eleanor Garnier what her time on the lacrosse field means to her.

Little did I know when I first picked up a lacrosse stick at Godstowe thirty years ago it would be the start of such a huge adventure; one that would see me dedicate hours and hours to the sport through training and then playing in matches, one that would see me experience the highs of being selected to represent my country and the lows of breaking my collarbone just two weeks before the World Cup, one that would see me travel the globe on a school sports trip and then on England tours and one that would see me form friendships that all these years on are still such an important part of my life.

It was Mrs Reynolds, and others, who inspired me at the outset, gave me the courage to push myself harder, believe in myself and aim for the top. To them, a huge thank you.

Playing lacrosse didn’t just teach me about being physically strong, fit and healthy it also helped me develop skills that have been enormously important in my professional career.

As a school girl playing for my territory and Junior England meant I had to be extremely organised to be able to fit everything in and not fall behind with my studies. At Wycombe Abbey while my friends had an extra hour in bed I’d be up, in all weather,

“It was Mrs Reynolds, and others, who inspired me at the outset. To them, a huge thank you.”

As a beginner I was lucky that not only did I love lacrosse but I had a natural flare for the sport, I was athletic and naturally competitive.

However, luck alone wasn’t enough to sustain my playing career, it took a lot of hard work, dedication and self motivation and I could not have done it without the support of my parents. They came to watch me in those early days encouraging me from the sideline, driving me up and down the country for trials and matches outside of the school term and paying for me to go on regular England training weekends and tours to the USA. It wasn’t just the help from my parents that was crucial but the support I got from my teachers and coaches too.

fitting in an extra training run before breakfast, determined and committed to being as prepared as I could be for matches. Now I look back and realise those early morning sessions weren’t just about being fit for lacrosse, they were also about teaching myself time management, organisation, self motivation and crucially for life as a BBC Political Correspondent, resilience.

My first ever sports tour was during my final year at Wycombe Abbey. We travelled to New Zealand, Australia and Japan playing both lacrosse and netball. It was an incredible experience and gave me my first taste of how much fun travelling for sport could be.

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We billeted with families, some of whom I kept in touch with for years, meeting up at Lacrosse World Cups over the following decade where we were representing opposing countries. Tours with the England Squad (to Australia and the USA multiple times) were tough, the playing schedules were packed, the travelling intense and the pressure to perform on the pitch was naturally very high. But through the experience of “life on tour” I learnt things about myself and my teammates I didn’t know before.

Together, we created memories, won and lost, laughed and cried, pushed ourselves physically more than we knew we could and supported each other through the good times and the bad. Each tour like a mini lifetime of learning rolled into two weeks.

➢ www.godstowe.org

TEAM TALK

Skills gained through sport, such as teamwork, adaptability and resilience, can be transferred into any profession, passion or walk of life

Lacrosse gave me many things; a love of sport, the sheer joy of being part of a team, a thirst for being on the winning side, professional skills that would set me up for a career in an extremely competitive industry but also lifelong friendships. Not everyone on this Godstowe tour will love lacrosse as much as I grew to, not everyone will thrive in the competitive nature of the game or find a natural affinity with the physicality of the sport but my guess is everyone will remember the fun they had with their teammates and the friendships they made through lacrosse. When I look back at my playing days I still get excited thinking about the big games and the exciting wins but what I value the most is the friendships I made and I’ll treasure them forever.

Good luck to the Godstowe girls on their USA Lacrosse Tour!

Eleanor Garnier was a pupil at Godstowe between 1991 and 1996. She played international Lacrosse representing England from 2000 to 2010, including the World Cup 2005. She was England U21 Captain and Leeds University Sports Personality of the Year 2005.

ST MARY’S CALNE

■

A Leading Independent Boarding & Day School for Girls Aged 11-18

Contact:

www.godstowe.org

admissions@stmaryscalne.org

01249 857200

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SCHOOL

Join us for our Open Morning Friday 29 April | 0930-1230 hours Book your place online | pipers.sc/visitpipers Great Kingshill, Buckinghamshire, HP15 6LP | www.piperscorner.co.uk | 01494 719843 | registrar@piperscorner.co.uk | @PipersCornerSchool

TEAM TALK

From Godstowe to GB Olivia Thomas, former Godstowe pupil, describes her lacrosse experience in the Senior England Squad and her recent participation in the European Sixes Championships.

My lacrosse journey started like many of you, in the Middle Thirds, year 5, when I was handed my first ever lacrosse stick by Mrs Reynolds.

I immediately fell in love with the sport and was extremely lucky to go on tour to the USA in the Uppers.

Not many 12 and 13 year olds are given this kind of opportunity, and I can genuinely say it was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had to date.

Across the USA, the level of lacrosse is unrivalled and this made my love for lacrosse grow even more. Appreciate the opportunity you have and make the absolute most of it!

This was held in Surrey at the same time as the Senior World Cup. Being able to play in a tournament of this scale and also watch some of the seniors that I looked up to was exciting and inspirational.

from Portugal where I represented Great Britain in the European Sixes Championships - an exciting new format that we hope may make its way to the Olympic Games in the future!

At the age of 19, when I was in my first year at Exeter University, I was still eligible to play for the England U19’s and got selected to play at the U19 World Cup in Canada. This was an unbelievable experience and stood me in good stead when I turned up to the Senior England Lacrosse Trials just 3 months later. I was successful and was selected alongside some of the senior players I had looked up to for a number of years.

The rest of this year is busy for lacrosse with the Home Internationals Tournaments being held in April up in Edinburgh and both the World Championships (for England) and the World Games (for GB) being held over the summer out in the USA.

I am now 22 years old and am enjoying my lacrosse more than ever.

Having struggled to travel much through the Covid-19 pandemic, I have recently been lucky to go on tour with England to Florida in January and have recently returned

When I was a 12 year old Godstowe Girl packing all my kit for the USA tour, it was a dream of mine to represent my country at a Senior Level, so play hard and one day it could be you!

Images: Olivia, with mum Jennifer, at 2018 U20 European Championships (top left); Olivia during her time at Godstowe (bottom right); opposite page, Olivia with her cap for Senior England First Cap, 2022 (top left); Olivia with teamates during a Lacrosse tournament at Godstowe 2013 (top right).

Once my time was up at Godstowe, I started at Stowe and was quickly given the opportunity to join the Centex programme (now Talent Pathway/Regional Academy). When I turned 15, I was picked for the U19 National Academy where I worked extremely hard to get a spot in the England team playing at the U19 World Cup Festival. This ran alongside the U19 World Cup and was my first real taste of a competitive international tournament. In 2017, whilst I was still at Stowe, I was selected for the U19 team playing in the World Cup Festival.

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www.godstowe.org

TEAM TALK

Would you sponsor the England Women’s National Team?

Unfortunately, as a team we are completely self-funded and pay for all expenses such as kit, training venues, coaches, physio support and even travel/accommodation and tournament entry. For this reason we are seeking opportunities to partner with sponsors who would be willing to support us on our journey to the 2022 World Championships next summer in Maryland, USA.

If you would like to follow my lacrosse journey please give these accounts a follow on Instagram!

@livthomasfit

By sponsoring the England Women’s National Team, partners will be offered visible branding/exposure in a sport with growing local and international participation. We as a team would be incredibly grateful for any support.

There are sponsorship packages available from a game day meal sponsor at £1,500 up to the platinum sponsorship package at £25,000. If you think you may be able to help and would like to find out more about the varying levels of sponsorship available please do get in touch with us by emailing EWNT@englandlacrosse.com.

In an effort to raise funds where we can we also have merchandise available on the website below. All profits from these will help us on our journey to the World Cup this summer. Thank you in advance for any support it is much appreciated.

Our Website: england-womens-lacrosse.square.site/s/shop

www.bespokelifestyle.co.uk 07872 602399

Proud sponsors of the Godstowe Lacrosse Team

HISTORY

A brief history of Godstowe Godstowe Preparatory School in Buckinghamshire was England’s first all-girls prep school and has been running successfully for more than 100 years

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odstowe was founded in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, in 1900 when Godstowe became England’s first all-girls prep school, and forged the close ties with Wycombe Abbey that are still in force today.

The school name was taken from Godstow Abbey near Oxford. Nuns from Godstow Abbey had devoted themselves to the care and education of the girls in Wycombe many centuries before. The school motto, “Finem Respice”, meaning “reach towards your goal”, was chosen to reflect the sense of higher purpose.

During the first year there were 12 pupils on roll, three of whom belonged to the headmistress! The uniform of straw boaters with a red band, cloaks, gymslips and white dresses was all made at Godstowe by the seamstress. The boater and cloak are still very firmly part of the school tradition today.

THE EARLY YEARS The early curriculum was innovative for girls’ education at the time and included bookbinding and carpentry, with needlework being introduced a few years later.

There was a tradition of compulsory cold baths, which is happily not continued in the present day. Emphasis has always been placed on developing the whole child and fostering many interests, and Godstowe is renowned for its family atmosphere. School pets were introduced

by Mrs Scott including a hen called Mrs Brown that provided eggs for the Head’s breakfasts. There was also a duck that achieved the remarkable feat of laying an egg on Mitchell pitch during a lacrosse match. Ponies, and Thomas de Godstowe the donkey, were also a part of school life.

Godstowe also had its own sport, the Godstowe Game, a version of touch rugby, which was played until recent years. Cricket also had a firm place in Godstowe

Drama: pupils took part in a production of Water Babies in 1964

tradition, being the first competitive game played by the school. The original site was very sloping, and the 1:3 gradient in some places was regarded as an advantage by the home side when batting during regular cricket fixtures in the early days.

THE WAR YEARS The First World War did not affect the school as much as the Second World War with all its bombing raids and severe rationing. During the Second World War the school had three air raid shelters, and fire drill involved girls abseiling down the side of the school buildings from their dormitories. The harsh winter of 1946 also saw compulsory tobogganing for all girls instead of games as all the pitches were snowbound.

The post-war years saw Godstowe’s 50th birthday in 1950 and a big party was held to celebrate, with singing and charades by pupils past and present. It also saw the modernisation of Godstowe in many areas and a survival through the tough days of post-war depression.

The curriculum was revised and expanded, and other activities grew in popularity. Riding, for example,

Above left: a Kindergarten class during the 1900s and, above right, the first Godstowe uniform, which is very different to what is worn today

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www.godstowe.org

HISTORY

Godstowe today: the front of the main school building still remains the same, as does the tradition of straw boaters as part of the uniform (inset)

became so popular that Godstowe held its own annual gymkhana at Radnage Riding School.

EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT A Pre-Prep department was opened in 1963. This was followed by other changes in the ‘70s that allowed for more space and more facilities for the growing school – the Jasper Knight Hall and an updated swimming pool to name but a few. During this time there was a change in the uniform from traditional gymslip to the skirt and blouse, with the cheerful red jumpers similar to those worn today. Academic life also flourished, as did music and drama, with a 75th birthday party being celebrated by more than 1,000 people.

By the summer of 1980, new buildings were in place including science labs and classrooms. Design

Technology was introduced, reinforcing the school’s strong tradition of practical subjects, such as carpentry and needlework. The school celebrated the arrival of its first computer in 1983.

In 1994 the school opened its nursery, and began nurturing its pupils from the tender age of three. In 1996 a brand new Music School and Recital Hall, along with the new Turner boarding house, were built.

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Godstowe celebrated its centenary year in 2000 and the occasion was marked with a year of celebrations, including the launch of a distinctive red rose at The Chelsea Flower Show called “Godstowe Girl”.

In 2013, a new state-of-the-art Sports Hall and Drama Suite were opened. This was not long followed by a new “Beginners Building”, which houses the Reception classes.

A NEW ERA In July 2017, Godstowe’s Headmaster of 11 years, David Gainer, retired and the school welcomed a new Headmistress, Sophie Green. Her first major undertaking was the build of a brand new 25-metre indoor swimming pool complex, which was opened by Rebecca Adlington in 2019.

The school continues to grow and develop but the traditions and innovation, quite literally the best of the old and the new, continue as they always have done.

Above: swimming lessons in the original outdoor swimming pool

www.godstowe.org

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HISTORY

The origins of lacrosse Early versions of lacrosse could involve more than 100 players on a field many miles in length and width. In the 1800s, the Canadians shortened the game and reduced the number of players and, nowadays, lacrosse thrives around the world

L

acrosse originated with Native American nations of the United States and Canada, mainly among the Huron and Iroquois Tribes as early as the 12th century. In many native American societies, ball sport was often part of religious ritual, played to resolve conflicts, heal the sick, develop strong, virile men and prepare for war. Legend tells of games with more than 100 players from different tribes taking turns to play. It could be played on a field many miles in length and width; sometimes the game could last for days. Early lacrosse balls were made of deerskin, clay, stone and sometimes wood. It was known then as “The Creator’s Game”.

THE NAME The French Jesuit missionary, Jean de Brebeuf, saw Iroquois tribesmen play it in 1637 and was the first European to write about the game. He called it lacrosse.

Some say the name originated from the French term for field hockey, le jeu de la crosse. Others suggest that it was named after the crosier, a staff carried by bishops.

In 1856, William George Beers, a Canadian dentist, founded the Montreal Lacrosse Club. In 1867 he shortened the length of each game and reduced the number of players to 12 per team. The first game played under Beers’ rules was at Upper Canada College in 1867, with Upper Canada College losing to the Toronto Cricket Club.

WOMEN’S LACROSSE The first modern women’s lacrosse game was held at St Leonards School in Scotland in 1890. The Headmistress, Miss Louisa Lumsden, visited Canada in 1884 to attend the British Association for the Advancement of Science’s Annual Conference in Montreal. She was accompanied

by Miss Frances Dove, who became the founding Headmistress of Godstowe in 1900.

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Above: girls play lacrosse at Godstowe from the age of 11 years old

In a letter from Canada dated 6th September 1884, Miss Lumsden tells of her visit to watch the Canghuwaya Indians play lacrosse against Montreal Club. She wrote: “It is a wonderful game, beautiful and graceful.”

As Miss Lumsden had left St Leonards in 1882 it can only be assumed that she suggested the idea of lacrosse to her successor Miss Dove when consultations began to find an appropriate game for the spring term.

LACROSSE TODAY Today, lacrosse thrives around the world in many forms for both men and women. The Women’s Lacrosse World Cup takes place every four years. In 2001 it took place in High Wycombe, home town of Godstowe. The latest World Cup was held in the UK in July 2017. The USA won the tournament, while England won bronze – their first medal since 2005.

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Below (left to right): Ballplay of the Choctaw by George Catlin; a game at St Leonards in 1909, and women of Bishopshall East line-up in 1890

www.godstowe.org

It’s time to level the playing field. www.cheltladiescollege.org

WISHING YOU THE BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR LACROSSE TOUR

GOOD LUCK TO THE LACROSSE TEAM!

Outstanding activity day camps during the Easter & Summer holidays for 4-14 year olds at Godstowe School!

0330 111 7077 help@ultimateactivity.co.uk