Linville helps Guide Team Canada Under-19 Team to Bronze Medal
August 29, 2011
Photos Courtesy of Team Canada
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HANOVER, Germany -- During an extensive international summer for University of Delaware athletics, Blue Hen women’s lacrosse head coach Kateri Linville had the opportunity to coach the Canadian squad at the U-19 Women's Lacrosse World Championships in August.
Linville, who completed her first season as head coach at Delaware this past spring, served as an assistant coach and helped guide the Under 19 Canadians, who captured the Bronze medal and reached the podium for the just the second time in history.
Team Canada was one of two North American teams on the podium as Team USA took the Gold, defeating Australia in the championship game.
In addition to Linville (at right) bringing home an Under 19 bronze medal, UD women’s basketball standout Elena Delle Donne also took part in international competition this summer as a member of the Team USA World University Games squad that captured the Gold in Shenzhen, China.
“Coaching at the international level has always been a part of my dream," said Linville, whose family heritage is a quarter French-Canadian. "Making your dreams your reality is special, but what made this World Championship experience special for me was the people I worked with and got to know the last two years."
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Starting off strong, Team Canada won its first game, defeating the Native American Haudenosaunee squad 21-1. The Canadians then fell 13-6 to the USA in a well-played game against one of the sport’s powerhouse teams.
After dropping the USA game, Canada rebounded with a 13-10 victory over international rival England. Team Canada then dropped a hard-fought match against eventual runner-up Australia by an 11-9 score.
In the final game before the medal round, Canada rebounded with a 13-8 victory over Japan. With their seed locked in, Team Canada would face a team it had seen earlier in the tournament, the Hadenosaunee.
Having seen the Haudenosaunee in the first game, Canada took the win for a second a time, advancing to the semifinals with a 20-5 victory. Canada then met Australia in the semifinals, and once again the Australians took the advantage, 14-10.
“As a staff, I felt we prepared the team to compete for a medal, so it was my responsibility to be ready to sing the Canadian National Anthem with the team from the championship podium,” said Linville on earning the Bronze medal.
In the Bronze medal game, the Canadians once again had a rematch, this time drawing England, which was knocked to the Bronze medal game after suffering a 19-5 loss to the Americans.
With the opportunity to reach the podium, Team Canada secured a position with a 14-5 victory over the English, assuring themselves a medal.
Team USA defeated Australia 14-11 in the championship game to claim the Gold.
Not only did Team Canada win the bronze medal, but three players were named to the All-Tournament team. Midfielders Taylor Landry and Kaylin Morissette were selected to the team along with netminder Katie Donohoe, who worked directly with Linville.
“Coaching the U-19 Team Canada was an honor,” said Linville. “I am proud of each and every team member's ability to compete and win the Bronze. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with a great staff and a National Team organization."
Linville had the opportunity to work with several NCAA coaches who staffed the team. Team Canada head coach Scott Teeter is the head coach at Canisius College in Buffalo. In addition to Linville, Tami Rayner served as an assistant as well as Scott Tucker, head coach at NCAA Division II Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C.
