Questions Loom for Angie Benson

David Vick — February 7, 2022

In a league with only a handful of African American players, there will be one less in season two of Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse.

Angie Benson, who ranked fourth in both saves and stat points of the eight goalies who competed last summer, was informed in January she would not be receiving a contract offer for season two.

There was no hiding how she felt.

“I was quite shocked and disappointed,” said Benson.

Other players have yet to receive a contract, but what makes Benson unique is that she was informed an offer will not be extended to her.

This makes her the only known player to have been given a hard no from the league. Others are still waiting and hoping for an opportunity.

In response to communication from Athletes Unlimited, the Virginia Tech alum scheduled a meeting with the league in an attempt to find out what the rationale was behind their decision. She describes it as running into a brick wall.

“I was given no reasoning other than AU is not obligated to release any information,” said Benson.

In addition to no reason given by Athletes Unlimited, she has also not heard from the Player Executive Committee; governed by Meg Douty, Amber McKenzie, Lindsey McKone and Mira Shane.

For Benson, the most disappointing part of the entire situation is how the league, which has the goal of empowering women in sports, has operated.

“It’s an organization that has a lot of experience dealing with professional female athletes. I would have expected more from them with transparency and communication,” she says.

With limited options, Benson started a petition and shared it on her Instagram account. Since her January 21 posting, the goalie has heard from many supporters, including fans, friends, family and other professional lacrosse players.

As of February 7, her petition has collected 1,024 signatures.

“I’m not exactly the stereotypical lacrosse player, so seeing that many people support me and have my back was humbling,” said Benson.

She describes the high level of support as the most uplifting part of the difficult situation.

For now, many questions remain for Benson. Despite these, she still has her eyes set on playing the game she loves.

“All I want to do is just play lacrosse.”

_{Correction: Angie Benson ranked fourth in stat points amongst goalies, not overall points.}