Devon Wills Becomes First Woman Claimed To Major League Lacrosse Team
BOSTON (CBS) - Barriers are being broken in Major League Lacrosse.
The league announced Monday that two-time FIL (Federation of International Lacrosse) Women's World Cup gold medalist Devon Wills was claimed by the New York Lizards, making her the first woman to be selected by an MLL franchise.
The former Dartmouth goaltender is excited for the opportunity to make the team come April.
"This is a huge honor," said Wills. "It was an honor to be considered and I have a lot of respect for all the guys in the supplemental draft. Now comes the time for me to compete and take my chance to fight for a spot on the first team."
Wills was a standout player in Dartmouth where she was a three-time All American and named to the All-Ivy First Team three times. She led the Big Green to its first NCAA title game in 2006, but they fell short in a 7-4 loss to Northwestern. Wills finished her collegiate career second on the school's all time saves list, and currently serves as assistant coach and defensive coordinator at the University of Southern California.
WBZ-TV's Paula Ebben Talks With Wills:
Wills has been in the U.S. Lacrosse Player pool since 2007 after participating in two FIL World Cups. Her teams have won two Gold Medals, including the most recent win over Canada this past summer when she was also named to the FIL World Cup All-World Team. In 2009 Wills earned Player of the Match honors in the championship game, making eight saves while allowing just five goals in the U.S. team's win over Australia.
Wills will have a chance to fight for a spot on the Lizards when they begin training camp at the beginning of April. If she makes it, she will be the first woman in Major League Lacrosse.
MORE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM CBS BOSTON
