Crosse Over Lacrosse Celebrates 29th Year With First American “Legacy Daughter”

In 1996, Pamela Colistra joined Crosse Over Lacrosse on a tour of Northwest England, playing lacrosse against English players in English towns. Twenty-nine years later, her daughter, Caliana, did the same. Caliana, 14, the first “legacy daughter” of the Crosse Over program, joined 23 other players hailing from the Anne Arundel County area to play a variety of English teams before their competition culminated in an all-star “friendship game” against the English Metros this summer.

Founded by Steve Willett and Steve Barry, the Anne Arundel County Crosse Over lacrosse program allows young players to get a taste of international play with a system of alternating hosting — during even years, the Metros travel to Maryland, and during odd years, the Crosse Over team heads to England.

Despite an initial obstacle at Dulles International Airport — which added 24 hours to the team’s travel journey — the 2025 trip across the pond allowed players and coaches to visit London, Manchester and Warwick Castle. Past trips included a stop at Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of Shakespeare.

Plenty of games were played in the Manchester area. “I really enjoyed walking around Manchester,” Caliana said. “I thought it would be like New York City, but it’s a lot different. The culture in England is different — they’re a lot nicer.”

The team’s day in London included visits to the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Hard Rock Cafe and, perhaps most notably, according to Caliana, “Our coach bought us all ice cream.”

Players host one another in alternating years — this year, the Crosse Over players stayed with English families. For the first time, the teams played sixes lacrosse, as it will be played in the 2028 Olympics.

“(The Metros) took the game so seriously,” Caliana said. “The whole town would come to watch.”

Since the program’s inception in 1996, “The style of play has been intensified,” according to Pamela. “They want to compete at our level. The friendship game last year was intense. USA only pulled away by one goal.”

Jeff Bunker, co-director and head coach, identified the Crosse Over team as a “baseline” for where the Metros aim to be as the sport grows in the United Kingdom. “In Anne Arundel County, you’re born with a lacrosse stick in one hand and Old Bay in the other,” Pamela said. “It’s great for the players on the English teams to see the level they can reach.”

The Crosse Over team is made up of players from numerous teams; only two or three players at a time may know one another from the same club or high school team. Players are chosen based on community nominations and their attitude, emotional maturity, and lacrosse skills. Bunker mentioned that, despite the awkwardness that comes with unfamiliarity, “There are plenty of tears at the airport when it’s time to leave.”

Caliana finds it really fun to get to know and play with her competitors. Pamela added, “During the games, they’ve got that competitive edge. Afterward, they’re hugging each other.”

The volunteers, players and parents who join the Crosse Over program may find intense games of lacrosse, but most of all, they aim to find community, friendship and cultural education. For example, one key volunteer, Jennifer Beall, is the “huggy mom,” giving players who are away from home the opportunity for hugs and support when needed.

“Steve Willett’s legacy has allowed for 300 girls to be able to experience international play and immerse themselves in a different culture at such a young age,” Pamela said. “This experience helped shape me. It’s a blessing to pass it on.”