TOWSON, Md. - Rhiannon Coogle, a junior on the Towson University women's lacrosse team, recently had a chance to try out for the U.S. Women's Lacrosse National Team along with former teammate Mary Teeters. Coogle checked in with TowsonTigers.com to reflect on the experience and what she learned.

Trying out for the U.S. team was overall a beneficial experience. It started out as an all weekend tryout that proved to be more challenging due to the hot weather and physical challenges that the program places on potential candidates. I was honored to have tried out among such an experienced group of coaches and former college/current players.

What I enjoyed about the experience the most was the fast movement of the ball and quick decision-making of the players to adapt to make positive situations on the field. This fast pace teaches a player to move quickly, but yet be patient enough to create an opportunity that will benefit the team. It fit my style of play which is to be instinctive, working off of my teammates.

I took a lot of good things from the tryouts. The experience of playing with a very talented group of athletes showed me that the game can be played at a faster pace, with intensity, while maintaining composure. The things that I took away from this experience are that if you are playing at a high level you have to be willing to take chances within your game. When you are pushing it to the limit the difference between winning and losing is being willing to play on the edge.

I'm thankful that I had the chance to be a part of U.S. lacrosse and know that I have grown as a player. I will take pieces of what I have learned through this process and use it to allow me to be more successful on the field at Towson, adding to the team's success next season. I was inspired by the experience and hope to one day be apart of the U.S. Lacrosse team!