Three Team 91 Girls Named to US U15 National Team
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Juliet Diorio wasn’t sure what to expect.
The Team 91 2029 Roar and South Side midfielder missed the tryouts for the U15 Youth National Team and was told to send in a video in order to evaluate her for a spot. That can be hit or miss, especially with only 24 players making the roster.
As it turns out, there wasn’t anything for her to worry about. DiOrio, along with ’29 Roar teammates and St. Anthony’s duo Michaela Grever and Payton Ioannou, earned a spot on the team. The three will represent the country against Lacrosse Canada on Sept. 18-21 at USA Lacrosse Headquarters in Sparks, Md.
“I’m just really excited,” Diorio said. “You’re never sure because it’s a national team and you’re competing with so many people. I was so happy when I found out my teammates made it, too. It’s a huge dream of mine to represent my country with my teammates.”
Representing Team USA
Ioannou, a recent transfer to the Friars from Cold Spring Harbor, was also taken aback when she received the email telling her that she made the team. Usually a dynamic midfielder, she’ll play defense for Team USA and couldn’t be happier about it.
“I was shocked, but so excited when I found out,” Ioannou said. “I tried out as a midfielder, but I’m also really good at defense. Really, I’m just trying to get on the field. I’m so excited to play with Jules and Michaela because I play so well with them. They’re like sisters to me, and we’re really close friends and work well together.”
Grever, a lefty attacker who will also attend St. Anthony’s after scoring 90 varsity goals in two seasons as a middle schooler at John Glenn, is looking forward to the unique opportunity to represent the country.
“I am excited for the opportunity to play with new girls and meet incredible coaches,” Grever said. “Working with different players makes me better but also forming relationships as well is really important to me.”
’29 Roar Sets Itself Apart
The ’29 Roar has firmly established itself as one of the elite teams nationally in the class of 2029. They’re the first girls’ team in Team 91 history to earn spots in the US Club Lax national rankings, and they’re a mainstay in the rankings’ top five slots. As a result, it’s not surprising, yet still rewarding, to have the team represented on the biggest stage.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Juliet, Michaela and Payton for earning spots on Team USA,” ’29 Roar head coach and Team 91 founder Brian Spallina said. “It’s such an unbelievable honor for them to wear the red, white and blue, and it’s a testament to the work that they put in to get here. They’re so talented that they could play anywhere, and they chose to play at Team 91. The ’29 Roar has been a driving force behind taking our 91 girls to the next level, and now, young girls can look to these three as inspiration for what they can do in the future.”
For these three trailblazers, there’s something different about having done it at a club that has traditionally been better known for its success on the boys side. They know that they’re helping to set the standard for future teams and players.
“It’s awesome,” Grever said. “We put in all of the work and have amazing coaches, so it’s all earned. We have big goals that we will accomplish together. Seeing how the younger girls look up to us is inspiring and we are going to keep chipping at all of our dreams.”
Changing Times
“A lot of people in my school think that 91 is just for boys, but the girls are also getting really good,” Diorio said. “I want to influence other young girls in my town to play 91. I cannot say enough good things about Brian, Jill (Pfeifer) and Claire (Petersen). They’re such good coaches and they’re very personal coaches. They’re always looking out for our best interests, and I think that’s why we’re as successful as we are. They really do care about the players.”
Now, they’ll be looking forward to cheering them on for Team USA.