By Lance Jenkinson
Williamstown Women’s Lacrosse Club rising star Abbey O’Mahony will be the pulse of Australia’s midfield at the under-19 Women’s Lacrosse World Championships in Canada later this year.
O’Mahony impressed the national selectors with her starring role in Victoria’s title-winning run at the under-18 Australian Lacrosse Association National Championships last year.
The 18-year-old was elated to receive a call-up to her first national team.
“Getting to wear Australia across your chest, it’s unbelievable,” O’Mahony said.
“Representing your country is not something a lot of people get to do, so it’s exciting and I’m really looking forward to it.”
O’Mahony’s performances for Victoria earnt All Star honours at the nationals.
The Williamstown resident had to do it all for the Vics in the midfield, taking the draws, being alert on defence and providing an attacking option.
She used her height to win the aerial balls and speed and endurance to work up and back.
As the captain of the Victorian team, she set a fine example for her teammates to follow.
O’Mahony capped off an incredible tournament individually with a title and that is what she wanted above all.
“Being able to captain the winning team, the national championship team, it was an even better feeling,” she said.
“It’s just a great honour.”
O’Mahony got her start in lacrosse at the age of 12. She was introduced to the game at Williamstown Women’s – the club she plays for in state league.
Colleen Hunter has had a big influence over her in her early years in lacrosse.
“She’s been a mentor of mine since I started,” O’Mahony said.
Impressing from a young age, O’Mahony went on to represent Victoria’s under-15 team at numerous tournaments.
After showing tremendous leadership on tours, she was appointed skipper of the state under-18 side, which she led to victory.
O’Mahony never changed the way she approached the game or how she presented herself on game day.
“I was myself the whole time,” she said.
“I thought, if I’ve been selected [as captain], I’m doing that already [demonstrating leadership qualities], so I just kept doing what I was doing and it all came naturally.
“I wanted to be there for everyone and make it as enjoyable as I could.”
O’Mahony is looking forward to her first overseas competition.
She is eager to get to Canada to take on the world’s best players in her age group, though she knows there is plenty of toil to be undertaken by the squad in the lead up.
“I am counting down the days, but we still have a lot of work to do before then,” O’Mahony said
O’Mahony is the March nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star award.
The award, hosted by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club and
Star Weekly, recognises young athletes from the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at state and or national levels.
O’Mahony will receive $1000 and other prizes, donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, to assist her in achieving her sports goals.
