Since 2016, lacrosse has been integral to Lielle Assayag’s life.
That was the year that coaches from Israel Lacrosse came to her school to show students the game. Lielle didn’t think much of it – just something new. Not long after, she stumbled upon a women’s lacrosse team practice at a park near her home in Netanya while walking her dog. The laxers roped her into giving the game another shot. This time, it stuck.
“After just two months of playing once or twice a week, I was hooked,” she said. “I fell in love with this unique sport and decided to commit to it fully.”
At the end of 2016, Lielle had joined her local lacrosse club. She played in the field to start, but in 2017, she uncovered her true calling: defending the net.
In 2018, Lielle wore the Blue-and-White in Poland for the U20 European Championship. In 2019, she put the colors back on for the U21 World Championship in Canada. In 2025, about six years after her last appearance on the international stage, Lielle will be back in action for Israel, minding the net for her nation at the World Game Qualifiers this March in Portugal.
“Playing for Team Israel is more than just competing,” the goalie said. “It is an immense honor – an opportunity to represent my country, be part of a close-knit community, and help grow the game in Israel. Standing in goal, defending Israel’s symbol, fills me with strength and motivation to keep improving and leasing forward.”
In the years between the 2019 U21 World Championship and now, Lielle has remained deeply connected to the game and Israel Lacrosse. For years, she coached youth teams in Netanya, Tzur Moshe, and Herzliya. In 2021, she received an offer to play NCAA Division III lacrosse at Cornell College in the United States, but she was drafted into the IDF. However, her status as an active athlete ensured her the ability to keep training. Even as she transitioned into a permanent service role, she remained in touch with lacrosse and further honed her skills.
At 22 years old, Lielle has graduated to the senior national team. She said that she sees it as a chance at professional and personal development – to elevate her people and lacrosse skills, to share experiences with her passionate teammates, to continue coaching and inspiring the next generation, and playing her part in the sport’s growth within Israel.
“Lacrosse has changed my life,” Lielle explained. “It has shaped not only the athlete I am but also the person I want to be – at home, with friends, and on the field. The sport has pushed me to grow into an ambitious, professional, and highly-driven individual. It has given me a place to grow, dream, and achieve more than I ever imagined.”
To support Lielle 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: Lielle’s Fundraising Page