Fury Lacrosse

National Sport Academy Welcomes Lizzy Finley

Womens Field Lacrosse Head Coach

Thursday, June 4, 2026

National Sport Academy Launches Female Field Lacrosse Program for 2026-27

Female lacrosse athletes in Alberta now have a new opportunity to combine high-performance training with academic excellence.

Beginning in September 2026, the National Sport Academy (NSA) will officially launch its Female Field Lacrosse Program, providing student-athletes with a structured pathway to pursue post-secondary lacrosse opportunities while continuing their academic studies through the National Sport School.

The program is designed for athletes in Grades 8 through 12 who are interested in competing at the college and university level and want to further develop their skills in a high-performance environment.

A Unique Student-Athlete Experience

The National Sport School has long been recognized as a leader in supporting student-athletes across multiple sports. The school’s flexible academic structure allows athletes to pursue elite training while working toward their Alberta high school diploma and future post-secondary goals.

Athletes enrolled in the Female Field Lacrosse Program will participate in approximately 120 training sessions between September 2026 and June 2027. Training will take place on school days during the late afternoon and will be hosted at WinSport and Shouldice Athletic Park.

In addition to training, athletes will compete as part of an official National Sport Academy field lacrosse team.

The program is specifically structured to complement Alberta’s box lacrosse season, helping athletes continue their development while minimizing the risk of overtraining.

Led by Accomplished Athlete and Coach Lizzy Finley

Leading the program will be Coach Lizzy Finley, one of Alberta’s emerging leaders in female lacrosse.

With more than 17 years of playing experience, Finley brings a unique blend of high-level competition, leadership, coaching, and mentorship to the role.

Beginning her lacrosse journey at just four years old, Finley has represented several prominent Alberta programs including Sabrecats Lacrosse, Fury Lacrosse, Silvertips Major Female Lacrosse Club, Calgary Field Lacrosse, Mustangs, and Elev8.

Her accomplishments include:

  • Multiple City of Calgary Female Lacrosse Championships
  • Member of Fury Lacrosse’s first-ever U17 City Championship team in 2019
  • Member of Alberta’s first-ever ALA Midget Showcase Championship team
  • Three consecutive National Championship Gold Medals with Team Alberta U22
  • Assistant Captain in 2023 and 2024
  • Team Captain in 2025
  • Part of the first Alberta women’s team to achieve three consecutive national championships

As a coach, Finley has served as:

  • Assistant Coach, Female Box Lacrosse Development Program
  • Assistant Coach, Fury U17 Club Team
  • Assistant Coach, Fury U17 Selects Travel Team

Her coaching philosophy focuses on developing lacrosse IQ, technical skill, confidence, leadership, and teamwork while maintaining a strong emphasis on athlete wellbeing and mental health.

“I want athletes to become the best version of themselves both on and off the field,” says Finley. “Lacrosse teaches life lessons, builds confidence, and creates opportunities that extend far beyond the game.”

Preparing Athletes for the Next Level

The Female Field Lacrosse Program is designed specifically for athletes interested in continuing their playing careers beyond high school.

Benefits include:

  • Exposure to field lacrosse systems and concepts
  • Preparation for collegiate recruitment opportunities
  • High-performance training environment
  • Development of lacrosse IQ and technical skills
  • Academic flexibility through National Sport School
  • Opportunity to earn Physical Education credits through training participation

Athletes who attend other schools may also have opportunities to participate in National Sport Academy programming while remaining enrolled at their designated school.

Registration Now Open

With registration deadlines approaching quickly, interested athletes and families are encouraged to inquire as soon as possible.

As female lacrosse continues to grow throughout Alberta, programs such as the National Sport Academy Female Field Lacrosse Program help create additional pathways for athletes looking to compete, develop, and pursue opportunities at the next level.

For athletes dreaming of collegiate lacrosse, this program offers an exciting opportunity to train, learn, and compete under experienced leadership while balancing academic success.

Registration for the 2026-27 season is now underway.

For More Information, please contact NSA Director, Roger Wolfe. 

National Sport Academy

Email: rwolfe@nationalsportacademy.com

Phone: 403-689-3646