Oshawa, ON - Lacrosse Canada is proud to announce the coaching staff for the inaugural Canada West Women's Development Team for U15, U17, and U19 which will play a key role in the growth and development of lacrosse across the country. These coaches bring a wealth of experience both on and off the field, including successful playing careers at the national and collegiate levels, as well as proven track records in coaching at various competitive levels.
U15 Age Group Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Megan Kinna
Megan Kinna has been a staple of Team Canada since 2015, representing her country at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and playing a key role in the 2022 World Games World Championship for Sixes. She also earned a silver medal at the 2024 Box Lacrosse World Cup, where she was named to the All-World Box Team. Megan was a four-year starter at Northwestern University and recently competed in her first professional season with Athletes Unlimited.
Assistant Coach: Giulianna (Gigi) Gaspar
Gigi Gaspar, a standout defender, played for Arizona State University where she made significant contributions to the team’s defense. Gigi earned multiple academic honors, including being named the Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She was a key member of Team Canada at the 2023 Super Sixes and 2024 Super Sixes tournaments, helping the team secure a gold medal.
Assistant Coach: Bella Gaspar
Bella Gaspar, Gigi's sister, also had an impressive career at Arizona State University, where she was a two-time PAC-12 All-Conference First Team selection and a US Lacrosse All-American Honorable Mention. Bella holds multiple ASU records and was a member of the gold medal-winning Team Canada at the 2024 Super Sixes tournament.
U17 Age Group Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Kylee White
Kylee White has a distinguished history with Team Canada, having played in four World Championships and leading the team to a bronze medal in 2009. A former four-year letter winner at Ohio State, Kylee went on to coach at several prestigious universities before becoming the Head Coach of San Diego State University, where she started the women’s lacrosse program in 2010. She recently helped Team Canada to a silver medal at the 2023 U20 Women’s World Championships.
Assistant Coach: Shonly Wallace
Shonly Wallace played NCAA Division 1 lacrosse at Stony Brook University, the University of Oregon, and the University at Albany, where she won multiple championships and was named to the Pac-12 All-Tournament team. Wallace has coached with several national teams, including Team Canada at the U19 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Box Lacrosse World Championships. She is currently the Assistant Coach at Central Michigan University. She was recently named the first woman NLL scout in history.
Assistant Coach: Krista Lovse
Krista Lovse, from Calgary, Alberta, has over 15 years of coaching experience in both field and box lacrosse. She has been a key part of Team Alberta's box program and was recently an assistant coach for the inaugural Women’s Team Canada Box team in 2024. Krista is passionate about servant leadership and creating positive environments for young athletes to thrive.
U19 Age Group Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Sarah Lehman
Sarah Lehman has a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. She captained Team Canada to a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships and has since become a successful coach at the provincial and national levels. Sarah led the Edmonton Razorbacks as Head Coach and Female Director and has coached multiple Team Alberta teams to national medals.
Assistant Coach: Eve Hritzuk
Eve Hritzuk, an accomplished NCAA player at Northwestern University and the University of Colorado Boulder, was a key part of Team Canada’s 2024 World Sixes Championship team. She is also a two-time NCAA Division 1 Final Four competitor and has represented Canada at the U19 level. Eve brings a wealth of international experience and leadership to the U19 Development Team.
Assistant Coach: Jordan Thompson
Jordan Thompson has a long history in lacrosse, including playing in the 2007 Women’s World Cup and coaching multiple gold medal teams. Jordan has coached at various levels, including the Jr Ladies Silvertips in Alberta, Team Alberta, and the Mustangs Women’s Field Lacrosse team. Her expertise in player development and fostering teamwork will be instrumental in the success of the U19 team.
Looking Ahead
Lacrosse Canada’s Development Teams provide a crucial pathway for athletes to showcase their skills, develop their game, and compete at the highest levels. With these experienced coaches leading the way, the next generation of Canadian lacrosse stars is in great hands.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT TEAMS
About Lacrosse Canada
Founded in 1867, Lacrosse Canada is the governing body responsible for all aspects of lacrosse in Canada. Our organization is comprised of 11 Member Associations representing nearly 85,000 individual participants, including coaches, officials, and athletes of all ages and abilities. Lacrosse Canada’s mission is to honour the sport of lacrosse and its unique nation-building heritage, by engaging our members, leading our partners, and providing opportunities for all Canadians to participate. Lacrosse Canada oversees the delivery of numerous national championships and the participation of Team Canada at all international events sanctioned by World Lacrosse. Lacrosse Canada is proud to be affiliated with partners that share the same vision and values, including our corporate partners - Nike, CoachThem, Gait, Cascade, Normatec, Zoll, Signature Lacrosse, and Baron Rings - as well as our funding partners the Government of Canada, the Coaching Association of Canada, and the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation.
For more information, please contact:
Kealan Pilon
Communications Coordinator
Lacrosse Canada
Email: kealan@lacrosse.ca
