Andy Segal, Racheli Levy-Smith Named 2024 Mort & Judy Beroza Man & Woman of the Year

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Andy Segal and Racheli Levy-Smith are the 2024 recipients of the Mort and Judy Beroza Man and Woman of the Year Award.

Presented annually by the Israel Lacrosse Association, the Mort and Judy Beroza Man and Woman of the Year Award recognizes one man and one woman whose outstanding individual contributions to the development of lacrosse in Israel deserve immortalization. Segal and Levy-Smith’s work was critical to the ILA’s achievements and the sport’s growth in Israel in 2024.

Andy Segal

Segal, a veteran fixture in the Florida lacrosse scene, began his relationship with the ILA in 2021. The organization nestled perfectly between of his lacrosse love and appreciation for Israel, and he became a financial donor. It didn’t take long for Segal to begin offering his logistical expertise as well, and he organically grew into an unofficial role with the women’s program.

In January 2024, it was official. The ILA hired Segal as the Director of the Women’s National Teams, and he was immediately thrust into the fire. He was tasked with managing the senior national team as it traveled to Portugal in July for the 2024 ELF Women’s Lacrosse Championship, plus the U20 team’s trip to Hong Kong in August for the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship. Segal went with the teams to each event and was instrumental to the overall success of both endeavors.

“Andy Segal has been an unwavering supporter of Israel Lacrosse, going above and beyond in his role as the Women’s National Team Director for Israel’s Women’s Senior and U20 National teams,” ILA Executive Director Ian Kadish said. “His tireless dedication, from coordinating logistics to ensuring the team’s needs were met during their journey to Portugal or Hong Kong, was essential to ILA’s success this summer.”

Kadish explained that Segal’s intangibles have made him more than a team manager.

“Beyond his organizational expertise, Andy is a deeply compassionate leader, creating an environment where players can thrive on and off the field,” Kadish said. “Andy’s ability to connect with players and staff alike has left a lasting impression on the program. His involvement extends beyond the technicalities of team management; he is a mentor, confidant, and a driving force for the advancement of lacrosse in Israel. His passion for the sport and for Israel Lacrosse shine through in everything he does, making him an irreplaceable figure in the organization.”

Segal said he is “blown away” to receive the award and thanked the organization for what it has offered him.

“Israel Lacrosse really means so much to me. Some may call it a mid-life crisis, but for me it’s about discovery,” he explained. “I have met the greatest people and worked with so many brilliant and influential athletes, coaches, officials, and supporter in the sport coming into my association with the ILA. It was a daily dream come true, but to have been welcomed into the Israel Lacrosse family – it’s just hard to explain. It took my love for the sport, for Israel, and the people to a whole new level of fulfillment that I can no longer do enough for this organization. The appreciation and love I have received from everyone involved has made my heart full.”

Racheli Levy-Smith

One of Israel’s bright young lacrosse stars, Levy-Smith made some statements in the Blue-and-White in 2024.

It was a strong year for Levy-Smith on the whole – in her sophomore season at Holy Cross, the player started in 17 games, won 30 ground balls, and scored three goals as a key part of a team that went 12-6 and finished fourth in the Patriot League. Then in the summer, she had two major moments with Israel.

Racheli Levy-Smith celebrates with coaches and teammates in Hong Kong after an outstanding performance in her second of two international tournaments this past summer in the Blue-and-White.

First, the Margate, New Jersey-native made her major senior international tournament debut, playing in all seven of Israel’s 2024 ELF Women’s Lacrosse Championship contests in Portugal in July and chipping in five goals and three assists to boot. The following month, Levy-Smith was in Hong Kong with the U20 women’s team, leading Israel in goals (15) and helping the Blue-and-White to its best-ever finish at a World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship.

“She was a cornerstone of the ILA throughout the summer of 2024,” Kadish said. “Her influence extends beyond her stellar performances, and her leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on our program, inspiring for only her teammates but the entire Israel Lacrosse community. She is a role model for younger players and a true ambassador for the sport in Israel.”

Levy-Smith said she views the honor as more than individual, characterizing her Israel teammates and coaches, Holy Cross teammates and coaches, her family, and the entirety of the ILA as co-winners with her. She carried that spirit with her while representing Israel on the lacrosse field in 2024.

“Making history with the U20 Women’s Lacrosse National Team was more than an athletic achievement,” Levy-Smith explained. “It was a testament to the power of unity and purpose. We weren’t just playing for ourselves. We were playing for our teammates, our families, and every young girl who dreams of lacing up her cleats and hearing the national anthem echo before the first whistle.”

She also described a deep connection to Israel and her Jewish lineage, a connection which makes donning the Blue-and-White that much sweeter. Her grandfather lives in Israel, and her mother grew up in the country – it’s more than a game for Levy-Smith.

“Playing for Israel Lacrosse has been a dream come true from the beginning, and something I never thought in a million years that I would be able to do,” she said. “It isn’t just about competing but honoring the people before you and inspiring generations to come. Israel Lacrosse means the absolute world to me. I love seeing ‘Israel’ splayed across my chest and picking up my stick with the Jewish Star tape. I believe this program can make the impossible possible – I’ve seen it and I believe it.”

A Look Ahead: 2025

Segal and Levy-Smith were pivotal to the ILA in 2024, and their impacts on the organization will endure into 2025.

“Andy’s leadership will continue to bring stability and vision to Israel Lacrosse. His ability to foster community and drive results ensures that the ILA’s programs will grow stronger in the coming years,” Kadish explained. “Racheli’s dual participation in the Senior Women’s and U20 teams positions her as a bridge between generations of athletes. Her on-field performance and off-field influence inspire young players while demonstrating what is possible through dedication and teamwork.

“Together, Andy and Racheli represent the best of Israel Lacrosse,” he continued, “combining experience, passion, and leadership to propel the ILA toward a brighter future.”

Segal and Levy-Smith’s shared ILA wish list for 2025 included a continued climb up the international pecking order for the national teams and an increase in involvement among Israeli youths. But Levy-Smith outlined something more that they’re both aiming for that can’t be measured in trophies or on the scoreboard.

“Beyond the wins and titles, I hope the ILA becomes a model for inclusivity and resilience, proving that sports can build bridges, spark friendships, and create lasting change,” Levy-Smith said. “In 2025, I want the Israel Lacrosse Association to be recognized not just for our achievements but for the values we represent: community, perseverance, and resilience. Together, I know we can make this vision a reality.”