Four Syracuse Stars Set to Shine at PALA Championship in Florida!

Auburndale, Florida, USA - Four former Syracuse lacrosse players are set to don the colors of the Haudenosaunee Nationals at the Pan-American Lacrosse Association (PALA) Women’s Championship, taking place from June 26-30 at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale, Florida. Sierra Cockerille, Alie Jimerson, Jalyn Jimerson, and Ally Trice will represent their team against seven other nations, including the United States, Canada, and Argentina, among others. This championship is not just about competition; it’s a vital stepping stone as the top four finishers will qualify for the Division I bracket of the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Japan, while the next three will move on to the Division II bracket, as noted by Cuse.com.

Sierra Cockerille, who earned a spot on the IWLCA All-America Third Team in 2023, ended her Syracuse career with an impressive tally of 28 goals and 13 assists in her final season. Alie Jimerson, a talented player who previously played at UAlbany, accumulated 59 points over her two seasons with the Orange. Meanwhile, Jalyn and Ally Jimerson bring unique experiences; Jalyn was a competitor in both the 2022 World Championship and the U-19 World Championship, while Ally contributed significantly on defense, helping Syracuse rank 15th in the nation for scoring defense in 2021.

A Unique Sovereign Entity

What makes the Haudenosaunee Nationals particularly intriguing is their status as an indigenous sports organization, recognized by the Haudenosaunee Grand Council. As the only organization of its kind worldwide, the Haudenosaunee Nationals represents a rich history tied to the roots of lacrosse itself, a sport that many believe originated from indigenous communities in North America. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, which includes the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas, calls lacrosse the „creator’s game.“ This connection to the sport underlines the importance of their participation in international events, as emphasized by haudenosauneenationals.com.

However, despite their significant achievements and rich heritage, the Haudenosaunee Nationals face hurdles when it comes to international participation. Recognition as a sovereign nation remains a critical issue, especially as lacrosse prepares for its return to the Olympic Games in 2028. Notably, the Haudenosaunee were nearly blocked from competing at the 2022 World Games due to questions surrounding their sovereign status until the Irish National team graciously withdrew to allow their participation. This incident highlights ongoing challenges, as discussed in Villanova’s Sports Law blog.

Toward Olympic Presence

The Haudenosaunee Nationals are ranked third among international teams in lacrosse yet have historically encountered difficulties—like their denied entry to the 2010 World Lacrosse Championship due to visa complications. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stipulates that nations wishing to compete must receive recognition from the international community, often hinging on UN membership status. Yet, there is hope: the U.S. could potentially engage in agreements that would streamline the recognition process for the Haudenosaunee delegation, following a pathway that has seen other unrecognized nations, such as Puerto Rico and Kosovo, compete successfully.

As these four athletes gear up to showcase their talents at the PALA Championship, they also carry the aspirations of their nation with them. Their participation symbolizes more than just a game; it represents enduring cultural identity and the pursuit of rightful recognition on the world stage. It’s a compelling chapter in the narrative of sports and sovereignty, and as they take to the field, one thing is certain: the spirit of the Haudenosaunee remains vibrant and resolute.