Kapanen again coaches Finnish National lacrosse team

North Central College head lacrosse coach Jenni Kapanen is becoming a veteran of international competition. She will get a second opportunity to coach the Finnish National team this summer in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, during the 2013 Women’s Lacrosse World Cup. Finland will be one of 19 countries represented in the event, which takes place every four years.

Kapanen coached Team Finland at the 2012 European Championships, guiding the team to a ninth-place finish. “The international game is very different from the collegiate game,” explains Kapanen. “Now that I have one international tournament under my belt, I feel like I’ll be much more prepared.”

Kapanen believes the team has put in the hard work necessary to be successful. “These ladies are eager to learn and eager to leave it all out on the field,” she says.

That work ethic will come in handy because Finland’s squad only carries 18 players total, which includes two goalkeepers. And having a familiar face on her coaching staff should help.  Serving as an assistant coach for Kapanen at the World Cup is former North Central player Caroline Gully ’12.

The event begins July 11 and concludes July 20. For information visit 2013worldlacrosse.com.