There is focus and commitment, and then there is Liel Hodera.
The 20-year-old from Bet Ezra represented Israel at the 2023 ELF Women’s U21 Lacrosse Championship in Prague and at the 2024 World Lacrosse U20 Championship in Hong Kong. In 2025, she will do it again, this time at the World Games Qualifiers in Algarve, Portugal, in March.
The road here was far from easy. More than two years ago, Liel began her military recruitment process. She didn’t want to leave lacrosse, though, and in order to continue training, she needed to receive special athlete status.
This typically takes months to approve, and the player’s parents were not initially onboard, Liel said. It took time, but she did convince them, but that was only one part of the battle. Just days before she was set to enlist, Liel had her answer: athlete status accepted.
“From that moment on, I threw myself into preparing for the U20 European Championship,” she recalled. “Afterward, I worked tirelessly to pass the entrance exams for both the European Women’s Championship and the U20 World Championship, where I had the honor of competing in the summer of 2024.”
It’s all for a goal Liel has had since she was little. As a child, she watched the Olympics in awe. She imagined herself competing in them one day. Lacrosse is her shot at making that dream a reality.
“From a young age, I set a goal: as soon as I found a sport I was truly passionate about, I would give everything I had to reach the Olympic stage,” she said. “I know the road ahead is long and challenging, but I firmly believe that I am moving in the right direction. This is just the beginning, and I am ready to keep pushing forward, step by step, toward my ultimate goal.”
Representing Israel means something different to Liel now than prior to October 7, 2023. Before, it was an honor and an opportunity to continue her family’s legacy, which dates back eight generations in Israel. Now, it’s all that and then some.
“With the rise of antisemitism and hatred, representing Israel is now a statement of resilience – a message that we are strong, unbreakable, and only growing stronger,” the player explained. “Outside of Israel, many Jews and supporters of our country face hatred and violence simply for who they are. Playing lacrosse in Israel in this climate is a symbol of strength, pride, and unwavering determination.”
To support Liel and her journey with the Women’s National Team as they travel to Algarve, Portugal, to compete in the 2025 World Games Qualifier, please donate using the embedded form below or at the following link: Liel’s Fundraising Page