Bainbridge Islanders do not get recognized at the state level or nationally often. However, Lindsay-Kate Meyers, Sophia Weindl and Izzi Pujolar put BI on the map by competing in lacrosse for 2024 Team Washington at the U19 Women’s National Tournament in North Carolina.

The Spartans helped lead Team WA to a 3-0 record in pool play with 24 goals scored and 15 goals allowed. Team WA faced Massachusetts/Rhode Island in the championship match but lost 1-0.

Despite the loss, the players said they gained respect not only for the state but for the entire West Coast.

“There is this stigma that West Coast lacrosse is behind the East Coast,” Pujolar said. “Last year, we went 4-1 but we want to be able to prove the Washington girls can hang with the girls on the East Coast.”

The players said just making the team was an honor.

“It was a cool experience playing with people all around the state,” Pujolar said.

Weindl added: “It feels really good [to represent Bainbridge] because you know the little girls are looking up to you, and everyone is very supportive. It feels good everyone is cheering for you.”

Coach Tami Tommila nominated the Spartan trio so they traveled to Marymoor Park in Redmond to compete alongside hundreds of other lacrosse players statewide.

Team WA cut half of the players a few hours into the tryouts. The rest competed for a couple more hours before being notified that night.

“It was scary because I know I made it but did everybody else?” Meyers asked. “It takes an hour or two to figure it out but once we did, the stress was over.”

Weindl said, “I didn’t know if I was going to make it but Izzi texted me and asked, ‘Are you 77?’ and I said, ‘Yeah’ and she told me I was on the team.”

Pujolar, who also made the team last year, said: “It was so nice having more chemistry on the team. Last year, I didn’t know many people but having these two helped a lot.”

All three said they were unsure if they made the cut.

“I started playing club in sixth grade and growing up watching the high schoolers,”Meyers said. “You never think that will be you. I was a bit surprised it is now me the sixth-graders look up to.”

The three Spartans made Team WA since they are quick midfielders who are independent and know how to work as a unit, officials said.

They traveled to Raleigh, N.C. and competed May 25-26. In addition, they were able to watch top college-level contests.

“You go down Thursday and watch the NCAA semifinals on Friday,” Pujilar said. “Saturday and Sunday you play games, and Sunday you watch the national championship.”

In addition, the Spartan trio had college scouts watch their games. Before the tourney, they had goals in mind.

“I just want to have fun with it since it is my only chance to do it,” Weindl said. “I just want the experience to be special.”

Pujolar said: “Last year, I wasn’t as confident because there were only two freshmen on the team, and we were just supporters. This year will help me grow more as a leader.”

Meyers courtesy photo Lindsay-Kate Meyers competes for Team WA with her teammates.