Grand Valley State women's lacrosse associate head coach Nora Boerger and sophomore Lakers Ashleigh and Karleigh Rothe are set to compete in the World Lacrosse Women's World Championship, which will take place in Towson, Maryland starting on June 30. Boerger will be representing Switzerland as their head coach, while the Rothe sisters are representing team Mexico.

Boerger was hired as the associate head coach of the Swiss Women's National Team in 2018 and led the team to qualify for the 2020 World Championships (which were canceled due to COVID-19) after their success in the 2019 European Lacrosse Championships in Israel. Less than two seasons later, Boerger was promoted to head coach in January of 2020 and has been preparing the team for this week's 2022 World Championships.  

"Our experience at the Women's World Championship has been amazing so far," said Boerger. "We have six players on our team who've never been to the United States, and the Swiss Women's National Team has never competed in the U.S. previously. It is such a joy and honor to be on this journey with them. Our players have dedicated the time and committed the energy necessary to get to this point despite the challenges presented by COVID-19. I'm humbled by the opportunity to help our program compete, have fun, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Los gehts und hopp Schwiiz!" 

Switzerland comes in as the 19 seed and is scheduled to play China (June 30), Argentina (July 2), Haudenosaunee (July 3), and Japan (July 4) in Pool E play.

GVSU women's lacrosse sophomores Ashleigh and Karleigh Rothe join team Mexico after their All-Conference seasons in a Laker uniform. The sisters helped guide the Lakers to a 19-2 season, a GLIAC Regular Season title, a GLIAC Tournament Title, and a historic run in the NCAA Tournament. 

"It is truly such an honor to represent my family heritage and to have the ability to continue to learn about my dad's culture," said Ashleigh. "I have already learned so many new words and made countless new international friends. Not only that, but having the opportunity to represent GVSU means more than words can describe. The program is truly a place of togetherness, selflessness, love, and hard work, and I hope to bring those aspects to team Mexico. Vamos Mexico and Anchor Up!"

Both Ashleigh and Karleigh are excited for not just the opportunity to represent their family heritage, but for the chance to be able to experience this opportunity together.  

"This has been an amazing experience so far," said Karleigh. "Both of us are so grateful for the open arms from the team and the opportunity to compete at the highest level to help grow the sport worldwide. We are super excited to represent our heritage at this event, making my family in Mexico, my grandparents, and my dad proud while sharing this with my twin sister!"

Mexico comes in as the 20 seed and is scheduled to play Sweden (June 30), Italy (July 2), Czech Republic (July 3), and Colombia (July 4) in Pool F play. 

All games will be played in Towson, Maryland and can be seen on ESPN networks. For more information, head to the 2022 World Lacrosse Women's World Championship site.