Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Lacrosse Spotlighted on U.S. Senate Floor by Sen. Dick Durbin
6/23/2023 3:18:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
EVANSTON, Ill. — From the shores of Lake Michigan to the nation's capital, the story of Northwestern's dominant 2023 national championship run continues to spread. Members of the United States Senate were the latest to hear the tales of the Wildcats' explosive offense and suffocating defense, as told by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
Durbin recognized head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller and Northwestern's national title-winning campaign on the floor of the U.S. Senate earlier this month. He congratulated the 'Cats on their triumph over Boston College in the national championship game as the program captured its first national title since 2012.
Durbin underscored Amonte Hiller's recruiting efforts throughout her tenure at the helm of Northwestern lacrosse, which has "cultivated a culture of excellence." He highlighted Amonte Hiller's eye for talent both within and outside the East Coast as a source of success for the program.
The East St. Louis, Illinois, native said Northwestern's rise to the national championship was "a masterclass in resilience."
Durbin applauded the team's veteran players for returning to Evanston in hopes of making one last push for a title, in spite of the bitter ending to the 2022 season — a loss to UNC in the national semifinals. He said the 'Cats "never shied away from a challenge," taking a season-opening loss to Syracuse on the chin before rattling off 21 straight wins en route to a national championship.
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow, Durbin cited Northwestern and Amonte Hiller's program as a source of inspiration for young athletes in Illinois and beyond.
"The expansion of lacrosse to other colleges and westward, along with the rise in demand for youth lacrosse in Illinois, is a testament to the excitement Northwestern has helped generate," Durbin said. "Since that fateful moment in 2002, when Amonte Hiller took the reins as coach, Northwestern has emerged as a powerhouse in women's lacrosse.
"Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller and her team represent the best of Illinois," Durbin added. "I hope their resilience, dedication, and commitment will continue to serve as an inspiration for young athletes across the country for years to come."
Durbin recognized head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller and Northwestern's national title-winning campaign on the floor of the U.S. Senate earlier this month. He congratulated the 'Cats on their triumph over Boston College in the national championship game as the program captured its first national title since 2012.
Durbin underscored Amonte Hiller's recruiting efforts throughout her tenure at the helm of Northwestern lacrosse, which has "cultivated a culture of excellence." He highlighted Amonte Hiller's eye for talent both within and outside the East Coast as a source of success for the program.
The East St. Louis, Illinois, native said Northwestern's rise to the national championship was "a masterclass in resilience."
Durbin applauded the team's veteran players for returning to Evanston in hopes of making one last push for a title, in spite of the bitter ending to the 2022 season — a loss to UNC in the national semifinals. He said the 'Cats "never shied away from a challenge," taking a season-opening loss to Syracuse on the chin before rattling off 21 straight wins en route to a national championship.
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow, Durbin cited Northwestern and Amonte Hiller's program as a source of inspiration for young athletes in Illinois and beyond.
"The expansion of lacrosse to other colleges and westward, along with the rise in demand for youth lacrosse in Illinois, is a testament to the excitement Northwestern has helped generate," Durbin said. "Since that fateful moment in 2002, when Amonte Hiller took the reins as coach, Northwestern has emerged as a powerhouse in women's lacrosse.
"Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller and her team represent the best of Illinois," Durbin added. "I hope their resilience, dedication, and commitment will continue to serve as an inspiration for young athletes across the country for years to come."
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