World Lacrosse President Sue Redfern closes her seven-year tenure on December 17 after her election in 2017.
In that time, Redfern led the organization through a period of unparalleled growth, development and change, including modernization of governance structures, attainment of provisional and full recognition by the IOC, and returning lacrosse to the Olympic program for LA28. She has also established several commissions, including Ethics, Diversity and Opportunity, and Women in Sport.
In Redfern’s presidency, World Lacrosse has also welcomed 36 new member-National Federations for a global membership of 92. In September of 2024, World Lacrosse also hosted the first-ever women’s box championship with 10 teams.
To serve as the president at World Lacrosse, which is a volunteer role–the amount of hours and time that she spends in that is not a volunteer job–it’s a vocation. She’s put so much time and energy into the organization, it’s incredible. She’s just a very driven and passionate person about the game of lacrosse.
Jim Scherr, WL CEO
She’s raised the standards of the sport, and of all the board and the staff to new heights. We’re now a more unified group and have the respect of each other.
Fiona Clark, WL Competition Director
Redfern’s lacrosse career began in 1969 as goalkeeper for the Birmingham Ladies Lacrosse Club and spanned 17 years with Birmingham and the Worcester Ladies Lacrosse Club. She served as vice president of the International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations from 2001 to 2008 and helped oversee the transition to the Federation of International Lacrosse.
In 2009, Redfern was honored with both the FIL Lifetime Achiever Award and the FIL Development Award. In 2008, Prince William presented her with the Torch Trophy Trust Award for her services to lacrosse. Other honors include the IFWLA Honorary Life Member Award, the ELA Development Award, the ELA Award for Services to International Lacrosse and the AEWLA Honorary Life Member award.
