What makes a successful Public High School lacrosse Program.
1. Quality Youth Program. Youth Directors that understand the importance of everyone playing equal, building interest in the sport, and developing the fundamentals for the game.
2. Get as many kids to play in the community as possible. That 6th grader who just picked up a stick might be your next All-American at the High School level.
3. Don’t let your top kids go to Private school as they enter 9th grade. Know who your top Middle School athletes are and keep them in town.
4. Luck – sometimes it’s a matter of getting several stud classes in a row, getting the ball to bounce your way, or getting hot at the right time.
5. All year round commitment from a core group of players. Successful HS programs are working together each season. From summer tournaments to Bubble practices in the winter, it’s not just what you do in season any more.
6. Coaches who are all in. Top down process. If the coaches are invested, so to will be the community. Get quality coaches who care at all levels. Varsity, middle school, elementary, and primary. Every stage of development matters.
7. Skill. There are athletes in every town, it’s how you develop those athletes that sets you a part.
8. Community. Developing a sense of community is a part of building a successful program. Get the band involved in some games, fundraise for the program, get behind other Spring sports teams, support local business. Successful lacrosse programs know it’s not all about them.
9. Win the big game. There’s gonna be some games that everyone talks about. Some games that get a little more attention toon than others. Some games that are win or go home. Successful programs win tbe big game.
10. The Next Level. All successful programs have people there to support their athletes as they pursue their dreams at the next level. These people can be coaches, mentors, managers, volunteers, or guidance counselors. Success is more than the wins and loses. It’s about preparing athletes for life after High School.
