Players covet ‘The Call’ to play in UA showcase
All-America status a top honor for prep stars
Glenelg girls lacrosse star Anna Callahan was shoveling snow in her family’s driveway in March when she got “The Call.”
Boys’ Latin standout Matt Brandau was sitting in his car getting ready to go to work when his phone rang. And St. Mary’s boys goalie Aleric Fyock was in his room watching TV when he looked at his ringing phone and saw the unfamiliar number.
For many of the area’s top boys and girls lacrosse players, the icing on the cake of their senior years is playing in the Under Armour All-America Lacrosse Games in the summer. “The Call” has to come first. “When I heard that I was selected, it was one of the greatest honors I’ve had,” said Callahan, a Duke commit who helped lead the Gladiators to three straight state titles. “It’s such a great feeling that all the hard work paid off and people see how hard I’ve been working and the dedication and the time I’ve put into lacrosse. It really pays off and it’s such a rewarding feeling.”
In its 13th year, the national summer showcase — set for tonight at Johns Hopkins’ Homewood Field — has become the most prestigious event for high school seniors. This year, 12 local girls made the list of 44 players on the North and South rosters, while five boys will represent the South
team. The girls game will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by the boys game at 8.
From the start, the event was an instant success and quickly became a goal for local players to make the cut.
“I’ve watched the game my whole life,” said Brandau, who is set to play at Yale. “I’ve been to many of the games and watched the others on TV, and it’s just something I’ve always thought — those guys playing are at the pinnacle of high school lacrosse. The top of the top of high school lacrosse is on that field, and to be chosen to play is such a great honor.”
Notre Dame Prep defender Sarah Cooper will see a couple of familiar faces, only they’ll be sporting different colors. While she was named to the South roster, her teammates Hannah Mardiney and Caitlynn Mossman — both attackers — will represent the North squad.
“It’s going to be fun,” Cooper said. “Hannah Mardiney and I are best friends and playing against her is always fun. ... I think it’ll be a great game.”