Australia Trip A "Very Valuable" Experience for Oregon Lacrosse
01/27/17 | Women's Lacrosse
A transition period is inevitable when welcoming a new coaching staff to a program, both on and off the field. Systems need to be implemented, new roles need to be determined and, most importantly, relationships need to be formed.
For new Oregon lacrosse head coach Katrina Dowd, assistants Becca Block and Michelle Tumolo and the 2017 Ducks, a team trip to Australia in December was the bonding experience the new-look Ducks needed going into Dowd's first season at the helm of the program.
Sophomore midfielder Morgan Santiago took on the task of capturing Oregon's time in Australia. See the Ducks' experience through her eyes in the video below.
"I think it was great timing for a new staff to come in," said Dowd. "We're a spring sport and we really get going in January, so to be able to get 10 days in December to bring everyone a little bit closer and get to know everyone on a deeper level other than just on the lacrosse field, I think, will be very valuable as we hit our season."
The Ducks had plenty of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in their 10 days across the world, including surfing lessons, bridge climbing and interacting up close with kangaroos and other wildlife. They also had the opportunity to play in the 2016 Australian Women's Tri Series, taking on the Australian National Team.
"That was an amazing experience," said Dowd. "That's one of the top countries in the game of lacrosse, they're always competing for the gold medal, so to be able to be in that training camp and play against them was an incredible experience.
"It's one of the first times Oregon has played against a national team and played at that speed and that physicality. So I think the girls enjoyed it, I think it was eye-opening for them, and it was a great benchmark for where we want to get to."
Now, the Ducks are just eight days away from kicking off the Dowd era against Michigan on February 4 at Pape Field. Comparing team practices from before the Australia trip to now as the start of the season looms, Dowd acknowledges improved team chemistry and believes those memories will be crucial as the team faces adversity throughout the year.
"I think, as a team, we're definitely a lot closer from one through 29 and from seniors to freshmen," said Dowd. "We want them to be excited about being on Oregon lacrosse, but more specifically to be on this 2017 Oregon lacrosse team. They only have one year to be on this team and I think they're starting to understand that, and I think now after this experience we're all better at cherishing each other both on and off the field."
Additional Footage from the Ducks' Trip
Oregon and Colorado Lacrosse Take "Dream Trip" to Australia (From Pac-12 Networks)
Ducks vs. Australia Highlights
For new Oregon lacrosse head coach Katrina Dowd, assistants Becca Block and Michelle Tumolo and the 2017 Ducks, a team trip to Australia in December was the bonding experience the new-look Ducks needed going into Dowd's first season at the helm of the program.
Sophomore midfielder Morgan Santiago took on the task of capturing Oregon's time in Australia. See the Ducks' experience through her eyes in the video below.
"I think it was great timing for a new staff to come in," said Dowd. "We're a spring sport and we really get going in January, so to be able to get 10 days in December to bring everyone a little bit closer and get to know everyone on a deeper level other than just on the lacrosse field, I think, will be very valuable as we hit our season."
The Ducks had plenty of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in their 10 days across the world, including surfing lessons, bridge climbing and interacting up close with kangaroos and other wildlife. They also had the opportunity to play in the 2016 Australian Women's Tri Series, taking on the Australian National Team.
"That was an amazing experience," said Dowd. "That's one of the top countries in the game of lacrosse, they're always competing for the gold medal, so to be able to be in that training camp and play against them was an incredible experience.
"It's one of the first times Oregon has played against a national team and played at that speed and that physicality. So I think the girls enjoyed it, I think it was eye-opening for them, and it was a great benchmark for where we want to get to."
Now, the Ducks are just eight days away from kicking off the Dowd era against Michigan on February 4 at Pape Field. Comparing team practices from before the Australia trip to now as the start of the season looms, Dowd acknowledges improved team chemistry and believes those memories will be crucial as the team faces adversity throughout the year.
"I think, as a team, we're definitely a lot closer from one through 29 and from seniors to freshmen," said Dowd. "We want them to be excited about being on Oregon lacrosse, but more specifically to be on this 2017 Oregon lacrosse team. They only have one year to be on this team and I think they're starting to understand that, and I think now after this experience we're all better at cherishing each other both on and off the field."
Additional Footage from the Ducks' Trip
Oregon and Colorado Lacrosse Take "Dream Trip" to Australia (From Pac-12 Networks)
Ducks vs. Australia Highlights
Players Mentioned
MF
/ Women's LacrosseJessica Drummond | Postgame vs. Central Michigan
Sunday, February 23
Jenae Sperling | Postgame vs. Central Michigan
Sunday, February 23
Paige Crowther | Postgame vs. Central Michigan
Sunday, February 23
Jessica Drummond | Postgame vs. Stetson
Wednesday, February 12
