My Experiences with USA WEST
by Rob Warner

Hello, my name is Rob Warner and I have traveled with the USA West team three times. In 2000 I was a member of the first team which traveled to Japan. The next summer we were sent to England and Prague. And in 2002 I was a coach for the trip to China and Japan. All of my experiences have been wonderful and life changing. There is so much more to the trip than just playing lacrosse. USA West allows its members to explore new cultures and help develop the game abroad.
The most fulfilling trip I have been apart of was in 2002 to China and Japan. While in China, the team concentrated its efforts towards helping a developing program in Beijing. The players and coaches in China were warm and welcoming while showing an enthusiastic desire to learn lacrosse. In between clinics and games the team had the chance to explore Beijing and the surrounding areas. We had guided tours of the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City. The team also had a chance to venture into downtown Beijing.
The second part of our trip took us to Osaka and Tokyo. Here we really had a chance to explore the Japanese culture. Each member is paired with a Japanese player and gets to stay with his or her family. After every day's events you travel to your host's house and experience their daily life. Activities ranged from home cooked meals, karaoke, and traditional Japanese baths. The attention the team receives in Japan is like no other. USA West has played in sold out stadiums, appeared in TV interviews, and met the Empress. They welcome you with open arms and make you want to never leave.
I highly recommend to anyone interested in participating in this year's trip to apply. It will be an experience you will never forget.