ITHACA, N.Y. – Max Seibald '09, one of the most decorated players in the history of the Cornell men's lacrosse program, will add another accomplishment to his illustrious post-collegiate playing career this summer when he participates in his third Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championships. Unlike his two previous appearances, which include winning a gold medal with Team USA in 2010, Seibald will participate as a member of the Israeli National Team. Israel's city of Netanya will host the sport's pinnacle event that will include 50 participating countries from July 12-21.
 
"I am humbled to have the opportunity to represent Team Israel in Netanya next summer," said Seibald. "I was fortunate to spend some time touring Israel about a year ago not only teaching the game to the youth but also experiencing many of the sites that make Israel such an amazing historic place. I also have family history there. For about five years, my paternal grandmother lived a few blocks away from where the tryouts took place in Netanya, and it is also where my grandfather met and married my grandmother." 
 
The roster is composed of both Israeli players, as well as members of the Jewish diaspora, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the FIL. Seibald is one of 13 Americans on a squad that will look to improve on the team's seventh-place finish in the program's first-ever appearance at the FIL World Championships in 2014.
 
"In 2010 and 2014 I had the honor to wear the Red, White and Blue and play for my country and both times were amazing experiences," said Seibald. "This opportunity is a little different. I am excited and honored to get the opportunity to wear the Star of David on my uniform and represent Israel and my Jewish heritage alongside a great group of coaches, players and administrators who share my passion for Israel as well as the game of lacrosse." 
 
Seibald, who plays professionally with Major League Lacrosse's Boston Cannons, was one of more than 150 players to try out for the team this past July. Due to the timing of the three-day event, Seibald had to travel to Israel in-between a pair of Cannons games on July 16 and July 20.
 
"I got on a plane on Monday in NYC and landed in Tel Aviv on Tuesday," he said. "I went straight to the field to join in drills for the first session of the day. On the final day, I had to leave the final scrimmage at half to shower and get to my flight back to NYC before my Thursday night game. It was very quick, but an awesome experience. There was lots of great talent and a ton of passion on the field competing for spots on this team." 
 
In conjunction with the Israel Lacrosse Tzedakah Program, each player on the roster will be competing in honor of a charity of their choosing and Seibald has selected to play in honor of UJA Sports For Youth, an initiative of UJA-Federation of New York. It aims to continue the positive influence sports have on youth through enabling children from all backgrounds and abilities to enjoy sports.
 
"The game of lacrosse has given me so much in my life and I try to do my part in giving back to the game in any way that I can," said Seibald. "I get so much gratification when helping someone accomplish their goals or take a step closer to their dreams and the best way I know how is by spreading the game that has changed my life. Now my two biggest outlets to doing this are through Israel Lacrosse and CityLax. Both programs have directors who have an unmatched selflessness and passion the game. Both groups are run by small teams of workhorses that are extremely ambitious, dedicated, passionate and not afraid to get their hands dirty. The major differences to me it that one is in my backyard, while the other is a 10-hour flight away."
 
Netanya's selection to host the FIL World Championship is historic, as this will be the first time since the competition's inception in 1967 that a country outside of the US, Canada, England or Australia has hosted the Championship and signifies a major expansion of the sport, both in Israel and globally. 
 
For more information on the event, please visit www.worldlacrosse2018.com.