ALL WORLD: Michael Sowers controls the ball in action for the U.S. team at the FIL (Federation of International Lacrosse) 2016 U-19 Men’s World Championships in British Columbia last month. Incoming Princeton University freshman Sowers starred for the U.S. scoring 22 points on 11 goals and 11 assists as the American squad edged Canada 13-12 in the finals to win the championship. Sowers was one of three attackmen named to the All-World team at the conclusion of the competition.

When Michael Sowers took the field last summer in the opening tryout for the U.S. team that was being picked to go to the 2016 U19 World Lacrosse Championships, he didn’t have great expectations.

“My goal going in was to get to the first camp and just show well,” said Sowers, an incoming Princeton University freshman attackman who enjoyed a record-setting career at Upper Dublin High in Fort Washington, Pa. where he became one of the all-time leading scorers in the history of U.S. high school lacrosse.

“You get down there and there are some big name guys that you recognize. It is real nerve-wracking at first. In the beginning I was a little timid but seeing some of the other guys, I knew if I was going to have any shot of making it past that first camp, I would have to be a little more confident. I was a little more aggressive in going to the net.”

Making it through that first camp, Sowers felt more and more comfortable as he went through the selection process.

“It is always like I have got to make a couple of plays early and once I get my confidence, that is when I really start having fun and enjoying it,” said Sowers.

“I definitely felt like I was able to fit in and mesh pretty well with the guys.”

Sowers was ultimately picked for the squad and played very well, helping the U.S. win the tournament as it rallied to beat host Canada 13-12 in the championship game. The 5’9, 170-pound Sowers tallied 22 points on 11 goals and 11 assists and was named as one of three attackmen on the All-World team.

Entering the competition, Sowers wasn’t focused on stats as much as giving the U.S. some fiery play around goal.

“I wanted to be able to create and draw slides and play within the offense,” said Sowers.

“But also just be an energy guy for the team and be a spark plug when needed.”

Posting a 12-5 win over Canada in the opening game of Blue division play helped spark the U.S.

“We had lost a tough one to the Hill Academy (Canada) and then a really tough one in the winter to those guys,” said Sowers, who tallied two goals in the victory .

“To finally beat them was a huge confidence booster for us; it made that opening week a lot easier.”

Surrounded by so many talented players, Sowers found it easy to get into an offensive rhythm.

“The unique thing about it is that everybody is picked to do what they do best,” added Sowers.

“That was a big thing stepping out on the field and knowing I don’t have to do anything more than what my role is and if I just play within myself, I am going to do fine.”

Playing with future Princeton teammate, rising junior midfielder Austin Sims, was a big plus for Sowers.

“Austin is an awesome guy, with me being one of the younger guys, I think he looked out for me a little bit,” said Sowers.

“That was one of the cool things that I took away from the whole experience, just the fact that I got to play with him early. If I have any questions about school or anything like that, I will shoot him a text and he will get right back to me.”

Rolling into the championship game against host Canada, things weren’t looking good for the U.S. as it trailed 8-2 at halftime.

“From the outside perspective, everybody would think that it was a huge panic,” said Sowers.

“I came off to the sideline, it was just business as usual. That was something I have never seen before, just how cool, calm, and collected everyone was. I think that was the difference maker. It was the same routine and everyone stuck to it and we were ready to go in the second half.”

With Sowers contributing a goal and two assists in the third quarter, the U.S. outscored Canada 6-3 in the frame, turning the tide of the contest as it went on to pull out the dramatic 13-12 victory.

“We started to get some balls bouncing our way and against a team like Canada you have got to catch some breaks, especially being down like we were,” said Sowers.

“Going to fourth, even being still down, we had the momentum and we could feel that. Having the momentum going in there was really huge because it allowed us to play with confidence. Nobody panicked and everyone stuck to the script.”

The Hollywood ending for the U.S. left Sowers on an emotional high.

“It took me two days to finally wind down,” said Sowers. “It was really cool, putting in so much work and dedicating so much time to it just to have everything come full swing like that was truly unreal. You could not have asked for it to happen in any better fashion.”

In Sowers’ view, competing for the U.S. has given him a new perspective on dedication to the game.

“This has been one of the best years for my lacrosse career, just in the sense of where I have got to go and the things I have learned,” said Sowers.

“I think the big thing it has taught me is just work ethic. From the moment this thing started, I really dedicated myself to the whole process. I put away last summer and just focused on that. It has really paid off and it was awesome.”

Sowers is excited to bring that work ethic to the Princeton men’s lax program.

“I fell in love with the campus and also being around the guys I saw how close of a bond it was with the team and it was pretty unique,” said Sowers, reflecting on his decision to come to Princeton.

“I also love the fact that it is so close to home; my grandparents and parents love to come out and watch me play. I am going to try to hit the ground running. I am going to start lifting, get a stick back in my hand and start running again to get ready for fall ball.”