There’s two kids playing lacrosse in their backyard. The brother, the older by about six years, usually wins the one-on-one battle over his little sister.
They’ve played lacrosse in their backyard together for years, but never played in a tournament together.
Fast forward to 2024, and Canada women’s box lacrosse attacker Katy de Snoo is making her international tournament debut. Her older brother, Mitch, is playing on Canada’s men’s team.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity for us both,” Mitch said. “And to be doing this together, it’s really special.”
The sibling duo are heading to the championship game for the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships, both with the high expectation of leaving Utica with a gold medal.
“I think all of us have our eyes set on gold,” Katy said. “But we’re here to work hard until the very last minute.”
This tournament is more than just a lacrosse game though. Both Mitch and Katy are playing in honor of their father, Casey. They lost their father five years ago, making this tournament all the more emotional for their family.
“It’s really important for us to win in his memory,” Mitch said.
Mitch plays professional box lacrosse in the NLL for the Toronto Rock. He found out he made Canada’s roster first, after both the men’s and women’s teams held tryouts over the summer to determine their rosters of 23 athletes.
Men’s athletes competing in the NLL, PLL and collegiately were invited to compete, and athletes on the women’s U20 roster also received invitations to try out. Only five players on the women’s box roster have previous international experience, and Katy felt comfortable in her ability to make the squad
She has since scored 18 goals and 12 assists. Mitch plays defense, so he won’t show up on a box score, but adds to Canada’s physicality. And playing alongside Katy is their cousin, Rachel Lepine, who’s making her Canada debut as well.
“I was able to get there in time to see Katie score the first goal of the tournament, which was really cool,” Mitch said. “Lots of guys on our team talk her up and the player they’ve seen her be this tournament, scoring goals and stuff.”
Katy said she’s always looked up to her big brother, and loved that he never took it easy on her. The two would battle it out as kids, and still hold the classic sibling rivalry close to their hearts.
Though it might be a bit less physical now. There were some bumps and bruises from things getting too competitive — not to mention regular, in-season injuries along the way — but it’s how Katy learned to fall in love with the game.
“He never took it easy on me,” Katy said. “But it’s how he helped get me here.”
They still train together during the summer, going on runs and doing workouts together, and while playing against one another isn’t as common anymore. Katy and Mitch still celebrate each other’s wins.
“We would be cheering on the men’s team anyways, but this experience is extra special,” Katy said. “Especially being with my mom and his wife.”
The de Snoos have a full cheering squad in town to support the teams, including their mom, a few of Katy’s friends, some cousins and their aunt and uncle. Katy and Mitch attend each other’s games in between their team schedules.They called this tournament a true family affair.
“This is the first women’s tournament and maybe the only one my brother will get to be in, too,” Katy said. “It’s really nice to just be able to experience all of this together.”
Although Casey won’t be sitting in the stands Sunday, Mitch and Katy are determined to make their father proud. The idea of winning gold for Canada on the same day, in the same city, while making history together has been motivation for the duo to play the best box lacrosse they can.
“It would mean everything,” Mitch said. “We would be able to achieve a pretty unbelievable feat, and do it all together on the same day.”
Chasing a championship title is what brought them to Utica, but Sunday is about making their dad proud, above all else.
