BOSTON, Mass.-- Earlier this summer Salve Regina University women's lacrosse goalie Flynn Kayajan '28 was selected to participate in the 2025 Heritage Cup which was held over Memorial Day weekend, May 23-16.

With Kayajan in net, team Armenia advanced to the quarterfinals and beat the reigning 2024 Heritage Cup champions, team China, before moving to the consolation bracket after falling 8-7 to team Ireland.

"I had the most fun I've ever had playing lacrosse and I've been playing for over ten years," said Kayajan. "There's something different about having the same history. For Armenians specifically, our heritage is really important to us based on the horrors that our people have gone through. Having that bond showed on the field after having known each other for just 72 hours."

The rising sophomore goalie heard about the opportunity from her older cousin who started playing for team Armenia when they traveled to Greece and Portugal. When her younger cousin, Claire, found out that Armenia was starting a competitive women's team, Flynn decided to join too and immediately received an invitation to compete at the Heritage Cup.

"Overall, it was a blast," recalled Kayajan. "I don't think I would have wanted it to be any other way. Even though we lost against Ireland they were angry because we were so good. The performance was amazing. I wish more people would ask me about it because I could talk about it forever."

Led by head coach Morgan Radner and assistant coach Isabel Kubikian, team Armenia practiced together. Starting on Thursday, May 22, the group trained together to prepare for the upcoming weekend. This allowed the athletes to begin working together and understand everyone's level of play. 

"Even after the first couple of days of practice we were looking really good, but I still wasn't sure how talented the other teams would be," remembered Kayajan. "We had two games on Saturday, one game on Sunday evening and two on Monday. To stay in the championship bracket, you have to win all of your games. We won our first two and when we lost on Sunday night we moved into the consolation bracket. It was just tournament style. The games were two 20-minute halves. It was running time, so they went by really fast."

Going into the weekend the only person Kayajan knew was her cousin, Claire. After the tournament though, she formed bonds and made lasting friendships through a shared heritage and mutual love of lacrosse. 

"I've grown up playing lacrosse in the backyard with my cousin, but we've never been on the same team until now," stated the rising sophomore. "To be able to share that experience with her was incredible. Being able to play with my immediate family was awesome. That whole experience taught me that there is so much fun that can come out of sports. I'm still really close with a few of the girls I met for the first time while competing with team Armenia. We talk every day. The opportunities that can come from something so simple like a game are incredible."

Kayajan's dedication to the sport of lacrosse has impacted not only her team Armenia teammates but also her Seahawk coaches and teammates.

"Flynn's selection to play in the 2025 Heritage Cup is a testament to her relentless work ethic," said head women's lacrosse coach Meg Malloy. "Being able to play for your country and represent team Armenia is a once in a lifetime opportunity. At Salve Regina, she's the backbone of our defense— competitive and committed. Her presence elevates everyone around her." 

While Kayajan's competitive drive certainly played a role in her decision to compete, being part of a group representing Armenia was also quite important to her. 

"I learned a lot about Armenia's history too. We had a bunch of experiences at museums," said Kayajan. "We are obviously a growing program but Armenians in general are incredibly gritty and work really hard. We come from a history of genocide and discrimination for years and years. Having that history and bond is what brought the team close together."

Playing for team Armenia in the Heritage Cup gave Kayajan a new perspective not only on lacrosse but on Armenian culture as well, which she will hold on to throughout her college lacrosse journey.

Find more information about team Armenia here and read about the 2025 Heritage Cup results here.