SACO — Saco resident and Thornton Academy lacrosse player Jaden Wells was recently selected to play for the United States’ lacrosse team in the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Ontario, Canada.

The 17-year-old standout began playing for the Portland Pirates club squad this summer after the conclusion of TA’s spring season. It was his coaches in Portland that suggested submitting an application to try out for the national team.

“I was encouraged to tryout for the U- 19 U.S. indoor lacrosse team by one of the coaches from the club team I played on this summer, the Portland Pirates,” said Wells. “A committee reviewed my application and checked with my coaches before I was even invited to attend the national tryouts in Pennsylvania.”

After a long application process, Wells secured an opportunity and endured a grueling tryout that tested the players both physically and mentally.

“The tryouts consisted of nine hours over two days. There were several Division I athletes there, including players from the University of Denver, Penn State and Princeton,” said Wells. “It was tough, the temperature was 95-to-100 and we practiced five-to-six hours each day.”

Wells’ hard work paid off, and now he looks forward to the honor of representing his country playing the game he loves.

“It’s hard to think of a higher honor,” said Wells. “Wearing U.S.A. across my chest feels pretty amazing. I’m just going to do my best to contribute to my team’s success.”

Wells will be entering his senior year of high school this fall, and has already began looking at colleges.

Thanks to his participation in club teams like the Pirates, Wells is well-prepared to play at the next level.

“I am definitely looking at colleges right now. I’m wavering between engineering and business. Playing for the Portland Pirates and U.S. Indoor Lacrosse has increased my exposure to a lot of college coaches,” said Wells.

Although the world championships are around the corner, Wells is also focused on ending his high school career on top.

“As soon as I get back from the World Championship, I will focus on preparing for my senior season at Thornton Academy. We should have a very strong team this year.”

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at sports@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @ JournalTsports.