FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason University's women's lacrosse coach, Kara Mupo, has been appointed as the head coach for the Israel women's Sixes team. This announcement comes as the team prepares for the 2026 European Sixes Lacrosse Championship, scheduled for this November in Salou, Spain. The European Championship starts the qualification process for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
 
Mupo said the offer from Israel Lacrosse was unexpected but extremely exciting. She noted that she knew one of her current George Mason student-athlete, Tori Bates, who played for the U20 2024 national team, and her family, passed her name along to the Israel Lacrosse Association Board of Directors. Mupo expressed her gratitude and excitement for this opportunity, acknowledging the significant growth of lacrosse on an international scale, stating, "I'm super grateful for this opportunity and really excited for the challenge. Lacrosse is spreading not only in our country, but worldwide, and it is an honor to be apart of the growth on a global level."
 
Israel lacrosse has shown competitive prowess, currently ranked #2 in Europe and #6 in the world. With Sixes lacrosse still being a relatively new format of the sport, which will launch it's  Olympic debut in the summer of 2028, Mupo is enthusiastic about the ability to bring a fast and furious style of play amongst the player pool in hopes to clinch one of the six qualifying spots for the Olympics. 
 
She said, "While Sixes will be new on the Olympic stage, it is a style of play that has permeated within our sport over the last few years and has gained a lot of traction. The style of play showcases the athleticism and speed of players all over the world. The idea of potentially coaching in the Olympics feels like I dream. I remember growing up watching Miracle and fantisizing over the idea being an Olympian. And now, at 33, having the chance to chase that dream with Israel Lacrosse feels like my miracle on ice!"
 
For more information about Israel Lacrosse check out their website at https://www.lacrosse.co.il/ and follow along their journey to LA 2028 on Instagram (@israellacrosse) and X (@Israel_Lacrosse).