Thorne Named to Australian National Team for World Championships and World Games
3/20/2022 4:16:00 PM
PITTSBURGH — University of Pittsburgh sophomore Abby Thorne has been named to the 2022 World Championships and World Games rosters for the Australian Women’s Lacrosse National team.
“I am at a loss for words. It is an absolute privilege and honor to represent my country, especially on the senior level,” said Thorne. “It is a dream I have had since I was a little girl and first picked up a stick. To not only be selected for the World Championship Team but also the World Games Team is beyond exciting. I am looking forward to the intensity and physicality of the game I grew up playing as well as the 6v6 rules being played in the World Games, which will be introduced when lacrosse makes its debut in the Olympics.”
“Abby is an incredible young woman and is extremely relentless,” said University of Pittsburgh head coach Emily Boissonneault. “It is no surprise to me or her teammates that she has the honor of representing her country. We are very proud of Abby and are excited to see her on the world stage this summer. Anytime we have athletes take their game to the World Cup level is a testament of the dedication and character of our team. Part of the reason Abby chose Pitt was that it aligned well with her goals to be playing internationally. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help her get there and everything she brings to this team.”
Thorne was a member of the U18 and U19 Australian national teams and competed at the 2019 Women’s Lacrosse U19 World Championships in Peterborough, Canada. Australia earned bronze, while Thorne netted a goal in the game against Team USA.
“I want to thank everyone that has made this dream possible,” Thorne continued. “To my Australian and Brighton Bomber teammates and coaches, thank you for fostering an environment that made me fall in love with the game. To the University of Pittsburgh, the staff, my teammates and my coaches, especially Coach Boissonneault, thanks for taking a chance on this Aussie and pushing me to reach my full potential throughout my time here.”
The 2022 Lacrosse Women’s World Championships will take place in Towson, Md. from June 29-July 9. The tournament will feature a record 30 teams. The 2022 World Games will take place in Birmingham, Alabama from July 7 – 17.
Thorne has started all nine games on defense for the Panthers this season ranking among the team leaders in grounds balls (3rd -16) and caused turnovers (2nd -9).
