My close family, friends, teammates, coaches and mentors know that I am very passionate about playing the game of lacrosse. I started playing the game in 6th grade and played on local Orange County and San Diego CA clubs such as Wildhorse, Irvine Rangers, Buku, Pride, SoCal Devils, and Mad Dog through High School. I attended and played at Woodbridge High School in Irvine and then transferred to San Diego and graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School in 2022. I was recruited and went on to play college ball at NCAA D2 Walsh University in North Canton Ohio. I just finished my Freshmen year and returned home to San Diego for summer break. I just started playing Box Lacrosse a few weeks ago and made it on the San Diego Royals practice squad. I was already feeling pretty good and blessed to have these opportunities and experiences.

But then, I all of sudden received the news that I was being called up to play on the Philippines National Team for the Lacrosse World Championships starting later this week in San Diego CA (I had tried out for the Philippine Player Pool. last Fall and played at a Heritage Cup tournament in 2022). I will be one of the youngest players on this 2023 World Championships Men's Senior Team roster. I am so excited and confident I can contribute to the team, but not gonna lie, I also feel a bit nervous in representing my country/heritage for the first time, playing with/against some of the best players in the world, and just being on the biggest international stage for our sport (all games are being televised/streamed on the ESPN/ESPN+ networks). The team came out of nowhere, playing for the first time at the last 2018 World Championships in Israel and came out with a top 10 finish. So expectations are high for this WCs.

This is where I need your help. Since the Philippines lacrosse program is relatively new and still developing, much of the expenses to prepare and field our teams to represent the Philippines at events and tournaments nationally and internationally are primarily player paid and individually fundraised. That is the case with these World Championships as well. Our player expenses and direct cost is $5000 - travel not included. So I hope to fundraise at least that amount plus additional to help our lacrosse association grow and develop further. Also please help me spread the word by sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and social networks.

I believe in hard work, discipline, helping the youth develop skills/passion for lacrosse, and growing the game especially to underserved/underrepresented communities both here in the US and also internationally to developing countries such as the Philippines. That will be my continued mission now and after I play in the World Championships and after I finish with my collegiate career.

Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and mentors who have helped get me here.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Josh