Part of the fun of the Las Vegas Invitational is sorting out where all of the talent is playing. Who’s taking the competition seriously and sticking with the elite levels, and who’s going the social route? Scion is another one of those all-star teams that has culled players from across the nation, pairing veteran Eagles alongside up-and-coming college players in the Women’s Elite 7s division.

Coach Joanne Lui is still sorting out the 12-player roster for the Elite squad, but she’s narrowed down the pool to 17 athletes (below). Fellow coach Farrah Douglas and player/coach Lynelle Kugler will also advise on the selections, which will be influenced by injury recovery and schedule.

Scion has claimed a few players who’ve played for the USA 7s, which used to send two representative sides to the LVI. Kaelene Lundstrum used to be a 7s resident, and the leggy finisher is one of the toughest ballcarriers to bring to ground. Sylvia Braaten has played for the USA Stars & Stripes and has a unique kinship with teammate Kugler. The Eagle duo (along with Lundstrum) comes from the Twin Cities Amazons and comprises the best center pairing in the Women’s Premier League.

Former Navy All American Elizabeth Trujillo has played at various levels of the U.S.’s developmental programs, and she’s been an integral player in the San Diego Surfers’ Club 7s National Championship run last year. Add in players like Philly’s Kate Hallinan and NOVA’s Abby Gustaitis, and there’s a solid core of players representing Scion.

But the most exciting players might be coming out of the recently graduated and current collegians. Quinnipiac University’s Maggie Myles is a USA U20 alum and captain of the DI Bobcats. Boston College grads Brittany Bruder and Lily White have added to Berkeley and Beantown, respectively, and are also familiar with Liu, their coach from BC. The very speedy Emily Fulbrook made a name for herself at James Madison, and Corinne Heavner hails from the best college team in the country: Penn State.

There’s still a lot of room to carve out a team, and the second side will be bolstered by some solid talent. The Elite team will have tough work ahead, as multiple high-level Canadian teams, as well as Japan, Atlantis and Stars (2) will be fighting for the title.

Scion Elite Player Pool
Sylvia Braaten - Twin Cities Amazons
Brittany Bruder - Berkeley
Raquel Davis - Baltimore
Kate Flanagan - Philadelphia
Emily Fulbrook - James Madison
Abby Gustaitis - NOVA
Kathleen Hallinan - Philadelphia
Corinne Heavner - Penn State
Lynelle Kugler - Twin Cities Amazons
Kaelene Lundstrum - Twin Cities Amazons
Margaret Myles - Quinnipiac
Marjorie Olney - D.C. Furies
Michelle Perna - Seattle
Katy Stewart - D.C. Furies
Leigh Thierfelder - Albany
Elizabeth Trujillo - San Diego Surfers
Lily White - Beantown