Chelsea Cho, a standout lacrosse player from Mercer Island High School in Washington State, has gained attention for representing South Korea’s women’s national lacrosse team at the World Cup qualifiers held in Australia this past January.
In an interview with local station KING5, the high school senior said, “When I was in kindergarten, I wrote that I wanted to join the Korean national team. I still can’t believe that dream came true.” She added, “My whole family is from Korea, and I’m the only one born in the U.S., so playing for Korea means a lot to me.”
From Soccer to Lacrosse After Injury
Although Cho is now considered one of the top high school lacrosse prospects in the region, she began her athletic career in soccer. A knee injury during her freshman year led her to stop playing soccer and commit fully to lacrosse.
“I loved practicing every day and felt happy on my way home,” she said, explaining how her enjoyment of training helped her make the switch naturally.
Since then, she has played as a starting member of the school’s Islanders team, averaging more than four goals per game since ninth grade.
All-American Honors and Future Plans
Cho earned national recognition after being selected for the All-American girls’ lacrosse team in both 2023 and 2024. Known for her dominance in draw control and her role as an offensive leader, she helped guide her team to two Washington state championship titles.
Her coach, Lyndsey Gillis, praised her impact: “Chelsea’s speed and change of direction make her tough to defend. She’s the heart of the team and a joy to coach.”
Looking ahead, Cho plans to continue her lacrosse journey at the University of Denver, home to one of the top women’s lacrosse programs in the country. “Watching their games since I was young inspired me. Seeing them in action made me sure I wanted to join that team,” she said.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
