World Lacrosse today announced four awards, as Lorna Powell received the Lifetime Award, Oren Lyons Jr. is the recipient of the Special Achievement Award, and Rob Powell and Stephen Taylor were both named International Officiating Award honorees.
Lorna Powell | Oren Lyons | Rob Powell | Stephen Taylor
The Lifetime Award is the highest honor bestowed by World Lacrosse to individuals who have made a significant impact worldwide in lacrosse over an extensive number of years, showing a lifetime of dedication to the sport.
World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr said: “Lorna has demonstrated true life-long service to our sport as a player, coach and leader for Lacrosse Scotland and World Lacrosse. Her passion and dedication to advancing the game in so many facets have tangibly improved the experience of countless members of our entire community.”
Lorna Powell’s journey in lacrosse began as a player for the Scottish Schoolgirls, leading to her playing for Scotland in three World Lacrosse Women’s Championships (1982, 1993, 1997).
As the head coach for Scotland from 1997 through the 2001 Women’s Championship, Lorna Powell exhibited exceptional coaching skills as she guided and inspired athletes to achieve their best. She also officiated at both national and international levels, including at women’s senior and junior field world championships.
Lorna Powell’s leadership within Lacrosse Scotland is also exemplary. She served as a committee and board member for many years and oversaw officials and rules development and directed major events. Her role as director of the World Lacrosse Women’s U19 Championship in Edinburgh in 2015, for which she received a Heart of Lacrosse Award, and as competition director for World Lacrosse highlight how vital her contributions were to the experience of athletes, coaches and fans.
The Special Achievement Award was created by World Lacrosse to honor a significant commitment to lacrosse, and Lyons is the first recipient for his unparalleled efforts to share the game’s spirit.
Scherr said: “Oren has been one of the most significant figures in the history of lacrosse and has been an incomparable steward of the game. He has dedicated significant time and energy to sharing his knowledge of the Creator’s Game and enlightenment on the Haudenosaunee culture and spirit, which has truly impacted the entire international lacrosse community.”
Lyons, a Faith Keeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, was one of the first Native Americans to attend Syracuse University, which is located on Haudenosaunee ancestral land. There, he led the 1957 men’s lacrosse team to an undefeated season and played club lacrosse until 1972. He has since been inducted into six Lacrosse Hall of Fames and is also Honorary Chairman of the Haudenosaunee Nationals.
As a tireless leading advocate of indigenous causes and environmental rights, Lyons continues to fulfill his mission of education and service, and he inspires future generations through his leadership. Through his advocacy, he has promoted the principles of peace, friendship and healing, which helps bring people together to enjoy the game at its finest.
The International Officiating Award is presented to individuals who have made a significant impact worldwide on the growth and development of lacrosse officiating while demonstrating the highest standards as officials.
Scherr said: “Rob Powell and Stephen Taylor have both exemplified lifelong service to lacrosse through officiating, not just in their on-field work through various championships, but in their constant effort to improve the quality of officiating through mentorship and governance. They have both strived to ensure the highest standards of fair play for the global lacrosse community.”
Rob Powell has been an international referee in various events, including multiple men’s senior and junior World Lacrosse and European championships. He has also served on the World Lacrosse Men’s Rules Committee.
Within Lacrosse Scotland, Powell has chaired several groups for the men’s program, including the Rules and Refereeing Committee.
Rob Powell’s prowess as a player is equally impressive, having represented Scotland at seven European Championships and four World Lacrosse Men’s Championships. One of his notable achievements is winning the Heart of Lacrosse Award while serving as the event director alongside his wife, Lorna Powell, at the 2015 World Lacrosse Women’s U19 Championship in Edinburgh.
Stephen Taylor has contributed significantly to women’s lacrosse for more than 30 years in officiating. He was an on-field official at five World Lacrosse Women’s Championships, a technical delegate who coached and mentored officials at two women’s championships and a chief official for three women’s championships.
Taylor officiated two bronze medal games and one gold medal game across the 2001, 2005 and 2009 Women’s Championships. He also officiated at six European Championships and many other international tournaments worldwide.
Taylor participated in and led the World Lacrosse Women’s Officiating Committee as its chair for four years. Overall, his leadership helped raise the bar on the quality of officiating at these events to help deliver a first-class participant experience.
Additionally, Taylor served on the World Lacrosse Rules Committee from 2013 to 2019 and was the International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations International Committee for Lacrosse Development representative from 2003 to 2008.
Taylor’s work in England has included officiating in domestic leagues, and multiple British Home Internationals and Territorial Championships. He led the England Umpiring Committee for 10 years and was also appointed by the European Lacrosse Federation as its Women’s Umpiring Chair from 2003 to 2007.
