DENVER— The University of Denver women's lacrosse team assistants Tee Ladouceur, Brittany Read, and Bailey Mathis represented DU by spending their summers playing in professional lacrosse leagues, returning home with a victory.

For Ladouceur, assistant coach for the Pioneers, this was her first summer playing in a professional league. She joined the Philly Force in the United Women's Lacrosse League (UWLX), and managed to put up 10 goals in five games, and she scored the first goal of the season for all teams in the league. The Philly Force competed in the UWLX Championship game on Aug. 4, claiming the team's first league title.

"I had a blast playing with the Philly Force this summer," said Ladouceur. "It was great to be back on the field playing with some old teammates of mine, and amazing new ones too. With all the recent rule changes, being able to play has given me new perspective and insight on how I can better my game as a coach as well."

Read, the newest assistant coach to the women's lacrosse staff, played alongside Ladouceur for the Philly Force.

"Playing alongside some of the best players in the country taught me a lot," said Read. "I can't wait to bring my experiences from this summer into our team this upcoming season."

Women's lacrosse Director of Operations Bailey Mathis played for the New England Command as part of the Women's Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL) this past summer. Mathis' defense helped lead the New England Command to the first-ever WPLL Championship, defeating the New York Fight 13-10.  

"This summer I had an absolute blast getting to play with and against the best players in the sport!" said Mathis. "Although I have been playing lacrosse for years, I have never had more fun than I had this summer, and the cherry on top was the fact that my team was able to win the first ever WPLL Championship! I'm excited to share my experience with our girls, and hopefully inspire some of them to set their sights on playing professional lacrosse after they graduate as well!"