Ever since the New York Lizards signed Devon Wills following the MLL supplemental draft, all eyes have been on the Team USA goaltender. She is the first woman to ever sign with a Major League Lacrosse club and she will be on the Lizards practice roster when they open their season against Rochester this Sunday.
“I am really excited and honored to have been selected to the practice roster.” Wills told us. “I want to contribute in any way I can to the team. I view it as a great opportunity to get adjusted to the men’s game while still competing.”
The starting goalie for the Lizards, Drew Adams, along with Sean Brady made the roster as the active goaltenders. Asked if she anticipated any time on the active roster, she told us “That is really in the hands of the coaching staff. I am trying to focus on one practice, and even one shot at a time. The Lizards have to do what is best for the team and their success. And I certainly do not expect, or hope, to be treated any differently than any of the other practice players. All I can do is my best, and it is in the coaching staff’s hands.”
Wills stood out with a solid training camp for the Lizards. Otherwise, she would not have been given a shot at the practice roster. Wills is 29 years old and she played women’s lacrosse with Dartmouth where she was a three time All-American, and she has been the starting goaltender for the Team USA women’s team.
“I was nervous coming in, but finally was able to settle in.” Wills said of being in Lizards camp. “The rest of the men there really helped with that. On the technical side though, I definitely have some areas I need to focus on improving before I go back for the next practice. ”
New York missed the playoffs last season and have drastically altered their roster. They acquired Ned Crotty, Steve DeNapoli and Matt Stribel, plus adding Shamel Bratton and Kyle Hartzell. Wills is just another addition New York made to try and improve their club.
“I think they are starting off the year on a really high note.” Wills said of the Lizards. “Coach Spallina and the other staff sent a clear message at camp that they have high expectations for this year, and the team definitely brought the energy to that first training camp. I am trying to take it day to day and I am grateful for the role they’ve given me thus far. All I can hope to do is to try to compete each time we are on the field, and hopefully make the team better overall.”
While it is newsworthy Wills is the first female lacrosse player in Major League Lacrosse, for her it is more of an honor to play at the highest level she can.
“I definitely understand how being a female in a men’s arena is notable. However, for me, it is more of an honor to be chosen to compete at the next level.”
