For the last two years, coach John Danowski talked about constructing a U.S. national team that could perform the best on the last day. Danowski’s vision wound up holding true to the very last second.

On July 21, Team USA defeated Canada 9-8 in the gold medal game of the FIL World Championship in Netanya, Israel. Though the immediate aftermath focused on the game’s wild and controversial ending, for the U.S., it marked the culmination of an incredible journey in which the players forged unbreakable bonds.

The September/October edition of US Lacrosse Magazine takes you behind the scenes of that journey — from a revealing players-only retreat in March to their two weeks on “the kibbutz” in Shefayim and the theatrical finish at Netanya Stadium.

Also in this edition: a story of survival and friendship as told by lacrosse referee and US Lacrosse manager of men’s officials development Gordon Corsetti; a closer look at the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame Class of 2018, including trailblazers and trendsetters David Morrow and Alex Kahoe; and more goodies from your favorite sections of the magazine like Fuel, USA Insider and Give & Go.

ON THE COVER
Photo by Oded Karni

Paul Rabil hoists the Turnbull Shield in front of U.S. teammates (from left) Joe Fletcher, Trevor Baptiste, Joel White, Rob Pannell, Kyle Hartzell and Jack Kelly as they sing the national anthem after a 9-8 win over Canada in the FIL World Championship gold medal game July 21 in Netanya, Israel.

LETTERS

From the CEO: Forward Thinking
By Steve Stenersen

The FIL has adopted a new strategic plan, the aspirations of which have introduced a pivotal period in the sport’s history.

From the Editor: Common Ground
By Matt DaSilva

An all-day tour of Jerusalem and the Old City set the tone for a deeply meaningful experience in Israel.

FUEL

Toran Maronic’s Miraculous Recovery
By Laurel Pfahler

Two years after a freak collision left him in a vegetative state, Toran Maronic played for a state title.

Coach Battling ALS Inspired State Title
By Justin Feil

As long as he can walk and talk, Graham Harden will keep coaching kids and fighting for his cause.

Westview (Ore.) Players Saved Teammate’s Life
By Megan Schneider

After surviving a scary episode of commotio cordis, Colby Clay owes his life to Ben Balzer and Ben Wu, as well as the emergency responders who sprung into action May 23.

Making Waves
By Laurel Pfahler and Mike Loveday

Culver Military Academy laid claim to the No. 1 spot in the Nike/US Lacrosse High School Boys’ National Top 25 and Strath Haven (Pa.) senior midfielder Jeffrey Conner was named the Warrior/US Lacrosse National Player of the Year.

New Champion in Town
By Laurel Pfahler and Will Cleveland

For the first time in nine years, McDonogh (Md.) did not claim the No. 1 ranking in the Nike/US Lacrosse High School Girls’ National Top 25. That honor belonged to Manhasset (N.Y.), while Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.) senior midfielder Sophia DeRosa earned Brine/US Lacrosse National Player of the Year honors.

Faces on the Field
Do What Makes You Happy
As Told to Matt DaSilva

Aniya Flanagan, a the recently graduated defender from the University of Florida, never wanted to be stereotyped, instead breaking the mold as a black lacrosse player.

Faces on the Field
Anyone Can Score
As Told to Matt DaSilva

Jeremy Winston, a rising sophomore midfielder for Jacksonville University, says lacrosse’s growth will inevitably make more than an all-white sport.

Life After Lax
Passion for Fashion
By Matt Hamilton

North Carolina graduate and New England Command midfielder Carly Reed has built her own clothing and lifestyle company, even outfitting the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

FEATURES

Miracle on the Mediterranean
By Matt DaSilva

On the 10th day, in the seventh game and 560th minute and with one second remaining in the FIL World Championship, Tom Schreiber etched his name in lacrosse lore.

From VP to MVP
By Brian Logue

Michael Ehrhardt shed the business suit and 20 pounds, transforming into the havoc-wreaking force the U.S. needed in Israel.

Lacrosse Saved My Life
By Gordon Corsetti and Matt DaSilva

From the dark recesses of Gordon Corsetti’s mind emerged a story of friendship and survival.

The Unexpected Pioneer
By Corey McLaughlin

How David Morrow shattered doubts to rise to the top of the lacrosse industry.

Challenge Accepted
By Megan Schneider

Why the wait was worth it for Maryland’s Hall of Fame keeper Alex Kahoe.

The Nationals Generation
By Paul Krome

Girls’ club teams marked 10th-annual US Lacrosse Nationals with emotional moments and dramatic competition.

USA INSIDER

Best Foot Forward
By Megan Schneider

New rules will propel lacrosse into the Olympics, says U.S. defender Megan Douty.

Coach Spotlight
Ann Elliott
By Megan Schneider

A Q&A with Colorado women’s lacrosse coach and U.S. U19 team assistant Ann Elliott.

How To
Do Yoga for Lacrosse
By Megan Schneider

U.S. midfielder Taylor Cummings turns to yoga to recover after workouts.

GIVE & GO

Davey Emala
Interview by Megan Schneider

The MLL All-Star and U.S. indoor hopeful aims to add surfing to his resume.