Women's Team Toyota started in the spring of 1997. Jay Pivec, a long time executive of Team Toyota, realized we needed women players to support the highly successful tour of youth clinics.

The team played at a high level from the beginning, but it takes time to develop a loyal base of committed players, which has grown over the years.

Other than hard work, consistent focus, and steadfast support of the Central Atlantic Toyota dealers, Women's Team Toyota has always enjoyed a strong draw of new talent allowing the team to be successful.

Each year, at least one half to two thirds of the players from the prior year return. The majority of Toyota's players are graduates from such Division I programs as Maryland and Loyola. Most players range from 22 to 28 years old. But we do have 5 players age 35 and up.

Suzy Waire was elected by the team members in 1998 to serve as President/Treasurer and has served in this position since then. She played at Loyola College, graduated in 1996, and was also a Team Toyota player until 2 years ago, after tearing both Achilles.

The team is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Club Lacrosse League, founded in 1998. The season generally runs from the beginning of March until the end of May. There are no disadvantages to the league. It provides a structured format with guidelines all teams must adhere to with a Final Four type championship at the end.

League games are throughout the metropolitan Baltimore area, Annapolis, and DC. In the summer, the team plays in the Lake Placid, NY tournament and the Ocean City, MD tournament. We have also been to the Hawaii Invitational one time and the Mardi Gras tournament several times.

Toyota has won many championships in the league and at tournaments, but there is always good competition. Sports Her Way had a great team until they disbanded a few years ago. Capital Lacrosse Club and Hero's have been our strongest competition within the league most recently.

The team funds itself through yearly dues, fund raisers, and a stipend from Toyota. The biggest expenses are league and tournament dues.

Our strength is our history of success and championships, gained through a close knit group of women who love the game and love playing for Toyota. It is sometimes difficult to get the whole team together for games since a lot of our players are college coaches with conflicting schedules.

Toyota stands a part because the players are committed to success and loyalty. We are proud to support Toyota since we know they put so much into our program.

Our worst times were during the first year or two when we knew we were on the verge of being a dominant team, but just needed a little bit more. The best memory was when we started winning league championships consecutively and realized we finally reached our potential.

To keep the team going with the same success we enjoy today.

When you have an athletic, competitive spirit, it does not go away just because you can no longer play college lacrosse. Club ball provides an outlet to still be competitive as a part of a team. The relationships you form with your team members as a result of playing together is a fortunate bonus of the whole experience.

Be persistent. There does not seem to be a shortage of companies, restaurants, etc, looking to sponsor a team. They are out there, you just need to find them. Also, do not get frustrated with your playing level. Numerous teams in the league have developed as powerhouses within just a few years of forming their teams. Have fun with it. As competitive as everyone is when they play, we play because we still love to. Take advantage of the social aspect. You may play with girls who were your biggest competition in college. But, when you become teammates, all of that fades and you have great opportunities to make a lot of new friends.