Parkland's Tapia Takes His Talent to the World Stage
World Lacrosse - August, 2025
Jeju , South Korea -
Parkland High School's own Danny Tapia, a senior, recently made a significant impact on the international stage, representing Team Puerto Rico at this past summer's World Lacrosse Men's U20 Championship in Jeju, South Korea. As one of the youngest players on his squad, Tapia competed alongside teammates with impressive collegiate backgrounds, including talent from Division I programs such as Johns Hopkins, Army, Hofstra, Utah, and Mount St. Mary's, as well as players from various Division II and III programs.
Under the guidance of head coach Shawn Mowry, a Saint Joseph's University alumnus, Team Puerto Rico had a remarkable tournament run, ultimately finishing an impressive 6th place overall. Their journey concluded with a hard-fought quarterfinal loss to the Haudenosaunee in a thrilling 13-12 game.
Tapia’s individual performance was a key part of the team's success, especially in the playoff bracket. In the crucial match against Japan, he contributed one goal, and he was a standout against England, where he recorded three assists in the 15-11 victory.
His final tournament statistics demonstrate his crucial role in the offense:
Goals: 6 (15th overall)
Assists: 10 (7th overall)
Scoring Points: 16 (13th overall)
Matches Played: 7
Shots on Goal: 12
The championship tournament provided an unexpected preview of Tapia's college career. The event concluded with a historic finish on Jeju Island, as Canada won its first-ever gold medal at the event, defeating the United States in the final. This victory has an exciting personal connection for Tapia: The Canadian squad was coached in part by Mark Miyashita, who is the Head Coach at Canisius University and served as an assistant for the gold-medal-winning team. Tapia is committed to play for Coach Miyashita and the Canisius Golden Griffins starting in the Fall of 2026.
Now back in Breinigsville, Tapia is focused on his senior season with the Parkland High School lacrosse team. With aspirations of leading his team to a district championship under new head coach Scott Ketcham, Tapia’s experience on the world stage will undoubtedly bring a new level of skill and leadership to the field.
