For the third year in a row, Yagel Geva will don the Blue-and-White at an international lacrosse event.
The 17-year-old made her international debut in 2023 at the ELF Women’s U21 Lacrosse Championship in Prague, then represented Israel again at the World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship in Hong Kong. This March will confirm 2025 as her third straight with an international tournament as Yagel is slated to compete with Israel at the 2025 World Games Qualifier in Algarve, Portugal.
Not bad for a reluctant player.
Yagel loves lacrosse now, but she wasn’t so excited initially. It took a lot of convincing from her older brother, Dolev, to get her to the Ashkelon lacrosse field. Dolev had already caught the lacrosse bug, but at age 13, Yagel didn’t see the need for sports in her life, let alone lax. That changed as soon as a stick met her hands.
“Something about it felt magical, and from that moment on, I was hooked,” she explained. “Lacrosse opened the door for me to discover the beauty of sports – not just in this game, but in others as well, like running. That’s when I truly understood how powerful and transformative sports can be.”
Yagel dove deeper and deeper into lacrosse, rising the ranks and securing spots on Israel Lacrosse national youth teams. Her dedication to the sport, the ILA, and her nation have introduced her to people, places, and experiences that have changed her life.
Perhaps more impactful is the stability lacrosse has provided her during an unstable time.
“Lacrosse became the only thing that remained constant in my life after the war started – the one thing that kept me going through everything,” she said. “Having the opportunity to play for my country, with my team, despite everything we endured, makes me the happiest and the proudest I have ever been. I am grateful beyond words for this incredible opportunity.”
When Yagel began her lacrosse journey, she said she was shy, struggled with social situations, had poor English skills, and felt lost. Lacrosse was the bridge to her evolution into a confident, capable, and strong young woman. The belief she felt from her coaches, even when she didn’t believe in herself, made an impression that remains resolute. Now, Yagel wants to be that person for those who will come after her.
“I see myself in the young girls just starting out – their excitement, their struggles, their potential,” Yagel said. “I want to help them grow, just like my coaches helped me. Giving back to the sport and the community isn’t just a responsibility. It’s an honor.”
To support Yagel 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: Yagel’s Fundraising Page