MOUNT OLIVE (Aug. 1) – Former University of Mount Olive standout Tim Collins '20 recently competed for Team England in the 2023 World Lacrosse Men's Championship in San Diego, California.
Collins made the 23-man roster for the World Championship for the second time in his career after making the team in 2018 just after the conclusion of his sophomore season at Mount Olive. This year marked a fourth-straight appearance for England at the World Lacrosse Men's Championship after placing fifth in Israel in 2018.
The preparation for the worldwide competition began a year prior to the event after the pandemic forced a year postponement after originally being scheduled in 2022. Despite the delay, Collins continued his training playing in the NEMLA Premier 1 for Brooklands, one of the top leagues in Europe, while also working his full-time job as an accountant. Team England began training 12 months prior to the competition before the final cut was made in April. Collins battled a hamstring injury early in training but secured his roster spot as one of the veteran players. Additionally, 13 players made their debut at the championship event, including five from the U21 team.
A native of Manchester, England, Collins also received the prestigious honor of being named one of three team captains heading into the international event. "It was surreal and an indescribable feeling at the same time (being named captain). It comes with pressure and responsibility, but I take a lot of pride in it, which makes me step up my game," said Collins.
Gallery: (8-1-2023) Tim Collins - Team England
As one of the top 10 finishers from 2018, Team England automatically qualified for the world championship and competed in Pool A with the top teams in the world – the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Haudenosaunee. The event featured 30 national teams split into six groups for pool play. "Playing the top teams is a daunting task, but you need to focus on getting the best performance. The atmosphere is unmatched at the world championship and helps me elevate my game, which brings out my energy."
Collins registered five points on four goals and one assist over seven games played, including netting the first goal of the competition versus Australia (video below). Team England recorded a 7-6 win over Puerto Rico in the playoffs before securing a sixth-place finish. "It would have to be my personal best tournament, but I'm always going to be critical and evaluate what I could improve on."
Collins expressed gratitude to his employer Beever and Struthers, an award-winning firm of Charter Accounts and Business Advisors, for sponsoring a majority of his tournament fees and allowing him three-weeks off to prepare and travel to the world championships.
With the 2023 competition in the rearview, Collins turns his attention to the European Lacrosse Championships in two years and plans to compete in one more World Championship scheduled in 2027.
"My final years at Mount Olive, I was playing with a lot of confidence. It became a point if I remain healthy and continue to train properly the on-field play with take care of itself. That is my mentality now and moving forward to stay apart of Team England."
