HIGH POINT, N.C. — Lacrosse has been in
Bella Germani's life for as long as she can remember.
Since picking up a stick in kindergarten for Northport PAL to travel lacrosse in fifth grade with the Long Island Yellow Jackets, Germani continued perfecting her craft in high school to earn Division I interest.
As a two-time All-American at Northport High School, the New York native played two seasons at Stony Brook University before transferring to High Point University for her final two years. Germani will wear No. 17 in her first season with the Panthers while majoring in sports management.
"I am proud to be a student-athlete who was given an incredible opportunity to pursue my passion for lacrosse while furthering my education," Germani said. "The facilities, dedicated coaching, staff, and the chance to compete at a high-level, made High Point University an ideal environment for me to thrive as an athlete. From the moment I stepped on the campus, I was greeted by Coach
Lyndsey Boswell and Coach
Hannah Wszalek who welcomed me as if I was part of their family. Choosing High Point was more than just a decision to play lacrosse, it was about finding a place that I would have the opportunity to grow on and off the field and I knew this was the right fit for me."
Germani has always looked for ways to grow within herself.
In 2023, the 5-foot-8 midfielder was scrolling through social media and stumbled across open tryouts for the Italian National Team in New Jersey. Then a sophomore at Stony Brook, Germani instantly spoke with her parents about the opportunity to represent her heritage on an international level.
All in agreement, Germani tried out for the team and made it. Fast forward to a year later, where she just played for Italia Lacrosse in the team's first-ever appearance at the World Lacrosse Women's U20 World Championships in Hong Kong, China on Aug. 15-23.
"I felt an immense sense of pride and responsibility to honor the traditions and values of my family," Germani said. "I am extremely proud to be a member of this team, and to work alongside with my coaches and teammates from different backgrounds and parts of the world, who share the same passion for lacrosse while building lifelong friendships."
Germani helped Italy win three games in Pool C en route to an eighth-place finish in the Italian's first-time campaign at the women's U20 championships. World Lacrosse featured Italy for the country's impressive debut, which sets them up for success to compete at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Italy defeated Mexico, New Zealand and Scotland to earn a place in the playoffs as Germani scored 10 goals and had an assist. She scored four goals in the first-ever game against Mexico, helping make history in the country's first-ever win, 15-11.
"I was excited to see Bella play for the Italian National Team this past week and represent High Point in Hong Kong," HPU Women's Lacrosse Head Coach
Lyndsey Boswell said. "We look forward to having her here when she's back and helping us continue to build on our success at High Point this fall."
Now, Germani heads back to the United States for her new adventure, where she will be able to continue to grow through the sport that has guided her and helped her blossom each step of the way.
"Lacrosse has always been a significant part of my life," Germani said. "It has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. By playing for the High Point women's lacrosse program, I'm not only able to contribute to a legacy of excellence but also grow as an individual. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for me and I also look forward to making lasting memories and friendships during my time here at High Point University."
#GoHPU
