TOWSON, Md. — Women's lacrosse alumni Gabby Cha and Kelly McQuilkin are both set to participate in the 2022 Women's Lacrosse World Cup, hosted by Towson University from June 29 to July 9. Cha will compete for the Korean Republic while McQuilkin will serve as an assistant coach for Uganda.  

"It's really special to see former Tigers engaged at the world lacrosse level and helping grow this great sport," Towson women's lacrosse head coach Sonia LaMonica said. "Both Gabby and Kelly were very active throughout their college careers in various initiatives and community service, so it's no surprise to see them continuing to help provide opportunity, resources and leadership to those with less access. I'm really proud of them." 

This will be Cha's third season with the Korean National team, since graduating from Towson in 2018. This year, she is also joined by her younger sister, Esprit Cha, who just completed her freshman season at High Point.  

Cha is a native of Glenelg, Maryland and was granted one of the team's non-passport waivers to compete in the tournament. Although she is not a Korean citizen, Cha still has a very strong connection to her heritage, as her father and grandparents were born in Korea.  

"One of the best parts of this experience is how proud my family is," Cha said. "My dad and grandparents are so happy for my sister and me. They have been telling all their friends and it brings the biggest smile to my face. Between my sister and I, we have played lacrosse and worked for 20+ years for this opportunity to represent Korea for our family." 

During her time at Towson, Cha totaled 72 goals and 23 assists for 95 points. She also recorded 16 ground balls, six caused turnovers and 10 draw controls. She burst onto the scene her freshman year, appearing in all 19 games and registering points in all but three outings. She finished third on the team with 36 points on 22 goals and 14 assists. Cha was named 2014 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Year as well as the Towson University Female Rookie of the Year. She was also a three-time CAA Rookie of the Week selection.  

The Korea Republic will face Israel in its first game of the tournament on Thursday, June 30 at 5 p.m. at Johnny Unitas ® Stadium. Korea is also scheduled to face Puerto Rico (July 1), Netherlands (July 3) and Norway (July 4).  

McQuilkin joined the coaching staff of Uganda's first ever women's lacrosse national team in July of 2021. She was introduced to the team at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Lacrosse Camp was in 2019.  

"It been a phenomenal experience," McQuilkin said. "The women that I have worked with are so joyful and kindhearted. Lacrosse gives all of them so much hope. This gives them the opportunity to come to the United States and get them in front of college coaches. Lacrosse just means so much more to them." 

McQuilkin has made the 7,155-mile trek from Maryland to Uganda several times in the past year, helping to implement an offense and defense. 

"I didn't know what to expect when I first went over to Africa in December, but I have seen such an improvement in the team," McQuilkin added. "They have been practicing every weekend and have grown a lot with their stick skills since last year. It has been exciting to see them capture every ounce of coaching." 

While at Towson, McQuilkin often marked the opposition's top threat on defense. She recorded 85 ground balls, 60 caused turnovers and 22 draw controls throughout her four-year career. She also represented the Tigers at the 2017 IWLCA Senior All-Star Game. 

The Columbia, Maryland native joined High Point as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator in 2017 before being promoted to associate head coach in 2020. She has coached three Big South Defensive Player of the Year the first All American in program history. She has also helped to lead HPU to multiple Big South Tournament Championships and regular season titles.  

McQuilkin played professionally in the WPLL for 2018 and 2019 summer seasons for the Brave and won the WPLL Championship in 2019.

Uganda will face Latvia in its opening outing of the games on Thursday, June 30 at 6 p.m. on the Lower Fields. The team will continue onto play Germany (July 1), Wales (July 2) and Jamaica (July 3).