Growth, Development and Opportunities in the 2024 Lacrosse Season. Alongside Utes vs Denver and MCLA Action
Written by: Megan Chambers and McKenzie Christiansen
Greetings, lacrosse enthusiasts! The article before you delves into the exciting realm of growth, development, and opportunities within the world of lacrosse.
ULR sponsors make this all possible. Visit our title sponsors Tribal West Lacrosse (website) & MinersTown Strength and Condition(website).
Tribal West Lacrosse is offering free shipping during the 2024 season by using promo code FREESHIP24 at tribalwest.com
Does your school have three boys lacrosse teams?
With Utah's significant growth, educational institutions are adapting across various facets, including athletics. Multiple high schools are expanding from single-team structures to three-tiered setups. Each program's growth presents a learning curve for our community. Recently, UHSAA reiterated a crucial guideline concerning team categorization: only one team per level of play is permitted—Varsity, JV, and Sophomore. Although schools may internally designate their Sophomore teams as JV2 or Fresh/Soph, UHSAA and respective schools officially recognize them as Sophomore teams. Despite labeling differences, Sophomore teams may appear as Freshman when scheduling games on platforms like MaxPreps, but efforts are underway to address this discrepancy. Additionally, while teams have the flexibility to compete across levels, such games must be identified as non-Varsity/JV/Soph when entered into MaxPreps schedules. Results from these matches do not affect RPI ranking, a statistical system transparently used to rank teams. Unfortunately, some schools or districts do not permit a third team due to reasons like transportation, field space, and budget constraints, which hampers the growth of our sport.
Utah National Team
The Utah National Team is a prestigious opportunity for top lacrosse players in Utah to showcase their skills at the USA Lacrosse National Tournament, a tradition dating back to 1933. Each year, a team of the best players from the state competes against other top teams from around the country, with this year taking place in North Carolina May 25-26th with travel dates for the Utah team of May 24-27th. With teams from across the country competing annually, the National Tournament serves as a premier college recruiting opportunity. High school players (freshman, sophomores and juniors as of 2023-2034 school year, no seniors) must try out for the regional team to participate, and selected players represent Utah while competing against elite competition. The Utah National Team will consist of 20-25 high school players, including two goalies, to compete in North Carolina, plus watch both the NCAA Division 1 semifinals and championship game! Participating in the Utah National Team is not only an honor but a valuable addition to a lacrosse resume. Utah Team tryouts are scheduled for March 23rd from 8-11am at Brighton High’s Turf Field (indoor or outdoor, weather dependent) and interested players must register for tryouts online with an active USA Lacrosse membership.
Join Our Growing Lacrosse Community: Coach and Participation Opportunities Await!
As the love for lacrosse continues to flourish in our community, we are thrilled to extend an invitation to passionate individuals like you to join our ranks as coaches and officials. With multiple openings available, now is the perfect time to become a part of something truly special.
Why Join Utah Lacrosse?
Impactful Coaching: As a coach, you hold the power to shape not only the skills but also the character and teamwork of young girls. Your guidance on and off the field can make a lasting difference in their lives.
Community Engagement: Joining our lacrosse community means becoming a part of a supportive, inclusive environment dedicated to fostering positivity for players, coaches, and officials alike.
Professional Growth: Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting your journey, we offer ample opportunities for professional development and growth. Our organizations are committed to helping you enhance your coaching and officiating skills.
Flexibility: We understand the demands of busy schedules. That's why we offer flexible coaching and officiating opportunities to accommodate your lifestyle.
How to Get Started
If you're interested in becoming a youth coach, reach out to Cassie Cottle at cassie@imlaxutah.org. For high school coaching positions, contact the Head Coach of the respective high school team. If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to reach out to the Athletic Director or Boys: Jeff Brzoska at jeff.brzoska@vegasgroupent.com, Girls: Melissa Nash at Melissa.Nash@canyonsdistrict.org for assistance. For those interested in officiating, visit uwloa.org for more information and training dates.
HIRING - Open High School Coaching Positions for the 2024 SeasonÂ
Position: Girls Varsity Head & Assistant Coach AND Girls JV Head & Assistant Coach
School: Northridge High SchoolÂ
More Info: Contact jlarsen208@gmail.com
Position: Boys Varsity Assistant/Offense Coach
School: Orem High SchoolÂ
More Info: Contact jkinney@alpinedistrict.org
Position: Girls JV Head Coach
School: Woods Cross High SchoolÂ
More Info: Contact woodscrossgirlslacrosse@gmail.com
Are you a new lacrosse player at the youth level (K-8th)?
Newcomers to the world of lacrosse are welcomed with open arms by Intermountain Lacrosse, where volunteerism plays a pivotal role in fostering the sport's growth. For those venturing into the realm of lacrosse for the first time, understanding the differences between boys' and girls' lacrosse is essential. Boys' lacrosse is recognized as a full-contact sport, while girls' lacrosse is characterized by its non-contact nature.
Navigating the equipment requirements for lacrosse can be daunting for beginners. Intermountain Lacrosse offers a helpful equipment rental program for new youth boys players, easing the initial financial burden associated with the sport. Registration for any IMLAX league or event is conveniently conducted online through the Demosphere registration system, accessible via the organization's website. Following registration, players are aligned with teams based on their residential high school boundaries, ensuring a seamless integration into the local lacrosse community. While game schedules are thoughtfully crafted to minimize travel distances, scholarships are also available to support players in need, embodying Intermountain Lacrosse's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility within the sport.
Equipment Rental: Tribal West Lacrosse / IMLAX
2024 Spring Gear Rental Registration Opened February 1st
Entering the lacrosse community? Outfitting boys with gear can pose a financial challenge. As athletes grow, so do expenses. However, fear not! IMLAX's Gear Rental Program for boys' lacrosse gear offers a budget-friendly solution. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned player, we're committed to ensuring everyone can access the necessary equipment for the upcoming spring season.
New Coach Spotlight: Katie Colton
Katie Colton, the new head coach for the gir's varsity lacrosse team at Uintah High School this season (Region 8), has a rich coaching background that began during her undergraduate and graduate studies at Utah State University. Initially stepping into coaching as a favor for a friend at SkyView High School, Katie's passion and dedication quickly propelled her to the role of head coach within a season. Over the years, she continued to hone her coaching skills, even amidst academic pursuits, coaching at Copper Hills upon her return to Utah in 2019 after a stint in Florida.
With a commitment to fostering the growth of lacrosse, Katie spearheaded the establishment of a club team at Uintah High School over the last two years upon her relocation to Vernal for a teaching gig when the pandemic hit. Her efforts culminated in the team's official sanctioning by the District last April, marking a significant milestone for the school. Emphasizing the importance of hard work and personal development, Katie instills in her athletes the principle that success is measured not only by game outcomes but also by individual improvement and dedication. She prioritizes the balance between academics and athletics, guiding her players to excel both on and off the field. Through her leadership, Katie aims to cultivate a strong foundation for the sport and her team, ensuring every athlete finds joy and fulfillment in the pursuit of their lacrosse goals.
Utah Utes
The Utes dropped their 2024 home opener against #6 Denver 16-8 on Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.Â
Utah kept pace with Denver through the majority of the first quarter thanks to goals from Tyler Bradbury, MJ McMahon and Carson Moyer. Denver went on a 4-0 run between the end of the first quarter and start of the second quarter to open up a 5 goal lead, 8-3 with 10:33 left in the first half. The Pioneers created multiple opportunities against the Utah defense right in front of the cage with their quick ball movement and off ball cutting. Utah trailed Denver 9-5 at the break.
However, the Utes came out in the second half dominating play, etching a 15-4 shot advantage, and 6-3 shots on goal advantage. However, despite the constant pressure, Utah was only able to scrape together one goal in the quarter before the highlight of the game. As the third quarter was winding down, Utah’s defense forced a shot clock violation on Denver. With just over 0:02 left, a heave from Nikko DiPonio the length of the field deflected off Tyler Bradbury to pull Utah back to within 3.Â
The fourth quarter saw Denver settle back in to the same possession and defensive pressure that dominated a majority of the contest. Denver’s keeper Malcolm Kleban shut down chance after chance that Utah worked to create in the second half, posting an impressive .636 save percentage. A dominating 6-1 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter helped Denver put the game away.Â
Though Utah didn’t get the win, fans saw pushes and dominating possession and pressure from Utah against a top-ten team. The Utes were led by Tyler Bradbury with 2 goals and 1 assist, MJ McMahon and Carson Moyer each added a pair of goals for Utah. Lenskold in cage saved 11 Denver shots, and posted a .407 save percentage, including several saves being left alone facing the intense shooting prowess of the Pioneer offense.Â
The Utes season continues next week with a cross-country trip to take on #5 Syracuse Orange (Wednesday, February 21 at 10am MST) before returning home on Saturday, February 24 to host Vermont at 12pm at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
MCLA Action
Utah State will kick off their season this week when they travel to Colorado to take on Denver and MSU Denver.Â
Utah Valley will start their season this week by travelling to the Gem State to take on Boise State and Washington.
Utah kicked off their season this week in California, falling to San Diego State 13-8 in their season opener before participating in the Pac-12 Shootout. The Utes went 1-2 on the week, losing to Washington 12-10 before getting some retribution in a big victory against Washington State 18-3. While not all stats have been reported from the games, Trevor Douglis had a solid first couple of games for the Utes with 5 goals and 2 assist. Keeper Charlie Reno posted a .442 save percentage.
Whittle / Gear Rental / Archers / Ski Town
Upcoming Camps/Clinics/Trainings/TryoutsÂ
→ Utah Summit Boys Lacrosse Tryouts
Season: Summer 2024Â
Boys Tryouts: February 23rd (6-7:30pm) for 2034, February 23rd (7:30-9pm) for 2033
Location: Spence Eccles FieldhouseÂ
More info: utahsummitlc.comÂ
→ FREE program clinics from Wasatch LCÂ
When: Spring 2024 (programs will set convenient dates/times)Â
What: Wasatch Lacrosse Club will come to you and run a FREE clinic for your program on passing, catching, ground balls, shooting, footwork, cradling, lacrosse IQÂ
Who: Boys & Girls lacrosse, 3rd-8th grade and high school
More info: Set up a clinic today! Email at wasatchlacrosseclub@gmail.com
→ Nike Lacrosse Camp Â
When: June 17-20, 9:00am-3:00pm, Monday-ThursdayÂ
What: Â For the All Skills/Complete Skills program at the Nike Boys Lacrosse Camp, our goal is to provide campers with the fundamental skills, position-specific training, and in-game tactical knowledge needed to enhance their skills.
Who: Boys and Girls ages 8-15
Where: Sunnyside Park (Salt Lake City)Â
More info: https://www.ussportscamps.com/lacrosse/nike/utah/salt-lake-city
→ Triple Threat Lacrosse Camp Â
When: Session I (June 11-13th), Session II (July 9-11th) 9am-2pmÂ
What: Â Triple Threat Lacrosse Camps are designed to inspire and improve lacrosse skills and IQ. The camps are formatted by age group, and players are coached on fundamentals, lacrosse pattern recognition, positional skillsets, and FUN Freeplay Games.
Who: Boys Graduating 2025-2027 (High School), 2028-2030 (Middle School), 2031-2034 (youth)Â
Where: The Waterford School (Sandy, Utah)
More info: Session I and Session IIÂ
→ Game Breaker Lacrosse Camps  Â
When/Where: July 1-3rd (Salt Lake City for girls and boys) and July 8-11th (Logan for girls and boys)
What: Â Drills, games, and scrimmages are designed to help each camper learn, improve, and have fun!
Who: Camp is open to all ages and ability levels, boys and girlsÂ
Where: Logan, Utah (The Aggie Legacy fields at Utah State University) and Salt Lake City, Utah (West High School)Â
More info: https://laxcamps.com/lacrosse-camps/utah-lacrosse-camps/Â
→ University of Utah Men’s Lacrosse Prospect Camp   Â
When: June 2-3, 2024Â
Where: Men's Lacrosse Crimson Field (turf) Complex (Salt Lake City)
What:  The Utah Men's Lacrosse Prospect Camp is an excellent way to visit campus, showcase your skills to the Utah coaching staff, and get an in-depth view of the school and program.Â
Who: Boys 10th-12th grade as of the 2023-2024 school year Â
More info: https://register.ryzer.com/camp.cfm?sport=27&id=262838
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