WELCOME TO LEXINGTON YOUTH LACROSSE
State of Lexington Lacrosse
Annual Message 2021
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2021 Summary
2022 Outlook
Leadership in 2022
Spring Registrations
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Dear Lexington Lacrosse Players & Parents,
As we close another year of Lexington Lacrosse, we want to take a moment to reflect on the year’s accomplishments. Coming off the loss of our 2020 season, and still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the return to lacrosse in 2021 was a huge unknown. In the face of this uncertainty, lacrosse ultimately provided an opportunity for our community to get back out, to get back together, and - for at least some brief moments - to get back to normal. Looking back, we can say the 2021 lacrosse year not only met, but exceeded expectations. And the resiliency that was exhibited by our players, coaches, and families demonstrates the strength of the LEX LAX Nation!
2021 Summary
With so many activities taking place across 3 programs,10 levels, 13 grade years, and 23 teams, it is hard not to make this address several pages long! Here are some of the most noteworthy 2021 highlights:
- Over 300 families were part of LEX LAX NATION in 2021! There were more than 100 new players!
- 75% of the Select Teams earned a spot in their respective Championship Tournaments!
- For the first time - Boys Grade 1/2 Spring took their skills on the road and went 2-1 in the MBYLL Jamboree!
- For the first time - Girls Grades 1/2 Spring participated in an inter-town games in the Spring
- For the first time, Boys Grade 2/3 formed a summer travel team and played regionally, setting up future rivalries
- For the first time (in a while) - LHS Boys Boosters brought back the annual program book, which showcases the team and the LEX LAX nation! Look for major expansion of the program book in 2022
- For the first time - Boys & Girls Grades 3-8 played GAMES in the Fall to keep our players’ skills and competitive spirit revved up!
- Our Free Intro-2-LAX Clinic attracted over 51 new potential players - the most this event has ever seen.
- In support of our players trying out for Club Lacrosse programs, we added summer preparatory sessions
- LYL expanded its footprint and visibility, bringing lacrosse to Centerfield
And we must recognize that all of our accomplishments didn’t happen spontaneously. We must thank our all-volunteer staff of coaches and team managers. We truly don’t have a program without your commitment and dedication. And since we know the kids probably won’t verbally say it, we’d like to thank all of the parents on their behalf. You are the best cheerleaders, taxi drivers, uniform washers, stick fetchers, mouthpiece molders, and water bottle fillers a player could ever ask for!
2022 Outlook
Each year we guide our players to strive toward a common goal or ethos. It is always something more global than lacrosse and bigger than any one person. This year’s theme is Make Yourself Better; Make Someone Else Better; and Thank Someone Who Made You Better. But it is not just the players, we ask the entire program to work towards these same goals in 2022.
Plans are already in the works to expand and enhance the various training opportunities, character development programs, and community-building events for our players and families. Look for new specialty clinics, new challenge videos, more inter-town competitions, a return of LEX LAX Night Out events, a return of LYL Supports LHS Athletics events, collaborations with top college and professional coaches, and more.
In spirit of our goals, we are also excited to announce that the LYL Girls Program will be joining the Mass Bay Youth Lacrosse League (MBYLL) in 2022. MBYLL announced the creation of a Girls League under their umbrella this past year. After much discussion both internally and with other town programs, we believe the relationship with MBYLL provides the Girls Program with the greatest opportunities, potential for growth, and stability for years to come.
Leadership in 2022
As John Soares steps down from his position as Equipment Director and Board Member, we would like to thank him for his service. Don’t worry - John isn’t leaving the program. He will still be bringing tons of energy, passion, and fun to the Girls Program as a coach!
As we look to 2022, our leadership brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to the program, both in terms of lacrosse and the organization. However, for our program to meet its mission statement, we must continue to look for strategic opportunities to expand the board in terms of numbers and functions. Announcements will follow, but please consider joining this talented group in 2022!
The 2022 LYL Board of Directors
Bobby Lyng (President, Boys Director)
Ken Ford (Treasurer)
Bret Quick (Clerk/Secretary)
Allison Watts (Girls Director)
Rebecca Corwin (Director, Webmaster)
Rachel Harrington (Director, Registrar)
Adam Blauer (Director, Operations)
Keri Caron (Director, Communications)
Colby Crogan (Director, President Emeritus, LHS Boosters)
Christian Boutwell (Director, President Emeritus)
Dave Walsh (Director, LHS Boosters)
Jane Kennedy (Director)
Spring Registrations
Our registrations are OPEN! Grades 3-8 will be open until December 15th and Grades K-2 will remain open until April 1st. We often hear people tell us in hindsight that they wish they had known about our program. So please don’t assume your friends and neighbors are familiar with our program. Get the word out! If you know of a child who would benefit from the lacrosse experience, please let them know about LYL!
As you can see, we continue to strive to be a top-notch youth sports program in terms of lacrosse instruction and character development, all while providing a fun experience for each and every player in 2022.
We hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season. We will see everyone out on the field soon!
Sincerely,
Bobby Lyng
LYL President
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