Hello from Poland!

It was a big day here in Wroclaw as we officially started the lacrosse portion of The World Games.

We began the day with a brief opening ceremony with all six teams participating in the event. Since The World Games started last week and we missed the ceremony with all of the different athletes and sports, it was really nice to have a mini ceremony with ourselves to commemorate a monumental moment in our sport.

Immediately following the ceremony, we headed to the locker room to get ready for our first game of the tournament against the host country, Poland.

We had to adjust to some new rules for the tournament which included a 10v10 format, holding only two players behind the restraining line. This meant that we had several players getting some midfield runs that we are not used to seeing on both ends of the field. I was so impressed by all of my teammates who took on this challenge of playing out of their comfort zone and doing it with complete ease and confidence.  

This was Poland’s first international competition and it was really special that our team could be a part of that moment. They were so grateful to us for playing with them and it was yet another moment where I felt honored to have an opportunity to play for my country while working toward something that we all have wanted our entire careers – for lacrosse to be an Olympic sport.

After the game, we went back to our dorms to shower and relax. We were all pretty sleepy after having a very early morning wake up call. It was nice to have a low-key afternoon where we could rest our legs and spend some time catching up on sleep. 

Once we were all rested, the team headed into the Market Square to have dinner together. Market Square is so cute and picturesque. The buildings inside the square are all colorful with beautiful architecture and detail.

My group stayed in our comfort zone and went to an American restaurant for some burgers. While you are probably reading this thinking that we are crazy for not taking advantage of new kinds of food, the burger was amazing and we all cleared our plates and left the restaurant with full bellies. 

We capped the night off with some gelato at a nearby dessert spot, which definitely put me over the edge, but it was totally worth the indulgence. 

We are now back and ready to go for another great day at The World Games tomorrow.  Another early morning game at 10 a.m. against Great Britain to look forward to!

Thanks for following along and Go USA! 

– Alyssa Murray
(Twitter: @abmurray01, Instagram: @alyssamurray1, Snapchat: @alyssamurray)

Player Profile

ALYSSA MURRAY

Years with the U.S. Program: 3
Position: Attack
College: Syracuse 2014
Honors: UWLX All Star (2016), Tewaaraton Finalist (2013-14), First Team All-American (2012-14), First Team All-ACC (2014), First Team All-Big East (2012-13), Big East Attacker of the Year (2013)
Hometown: West Babylon, N.Y.
Current Residence: Austin, Texas
Current Career: Club Lacrosse Director, High School Coach

What does playing for Team USA mean to you?

Wearing "USA" across my chest is the highest level of lacrosse and the biggest honor. To be selected as one of the lucky people who gets to wear those letters and represent all of the amazing lacrosse players we have playing in the U.S. is a true honor.

When did you start playing lacrosse?

I started playing in kindergarten, the first year of my town's youth program in West Babylon, N.Y. My sister was in fourth grade at the time and she and her friends were the majority of the team. They struggled to field a team consistently, so after lots of begging, my dad and the other coach let me play with the "big" girls.

What other sports did you play in high school?

Basketball and cross country. 

Who is your favorite lacrosse player?

My favorite lacrosse player is Kristin Kjellman because she was one of the players that I looked up to most when I was growing up. We used to go to the final fours when I was young and it was during Northwestern's most dominant stretch. I would watch her and just be amazed by how talented she was.

What is your go-to pregame meal?

Pasta with marinara sauce and grilled chicken.

Was there ever a time when you doubted yourself?

I doubted myself as I was coming back from my ACL tear my freshman year of college. I was so confident in my play as a high school senior and getting injured rocked my world. I was able to persevere with the support from my teammates and coaches at Syracuse. No one ever got down on me when I was struggling and the feedback was always positive, which helped me be more positive with myself.

What one word do you think best describes yourself?

Hardworking, because win or lose, I will never allow the result of the game be affected by a factor that is completely in my control.

What is one thing that always puts you in a good mood?

Chocolate, because it's chocolate. 

What is something that most people don't know about you?

I played the violin until I was 17.

What is one thing you can't live without?

My adorable pup, Oliver, because he is the most lovable thing in the entire world. 

I wish someone would hold me like this after I was sprinting after a ball too, but I'm not that lucky... or lightweight. . . . #stxwlax #laxpup #atxlacrosse #sstx #multitasking

A post shared by alyssa murray (@alyssamurray1) on Apr 6, 2017 at 3:52pm PDT

Follow the U.S. women's national team as it competes for gold in the 2017 Federation of International Lacrosse Women's World Cup in Guildford, England, and the 2017 IWGA World Games in Wroclaw, Poland. This "Mission Log" will continue throughout both events with each player providing insight on their journey.