US Lacrosse Community Forum Forums NORTHEAST LACROSSE BOTC MAIN FORUM (LI, CT, WC) Girls 2021-7th Grade Fall 2015 Summer 2016

BOTC is opening our Fall 2015 through Summer 2016 thread covering the Girls 2021-7th Grade age group.

Ok question tryouts are here and with so many travel teams my head is spinning. I'm fairly new and learning insight on some teams but trying to figure out best teams for my daughter to tryout for. Meaning strong coaching etc... She typically plays attack or defense. Just this past season the team she was on the coaches had a lot to be desired for. Wasn't happy at all. Taking all advice as this is a fairly new and quickly becoming a learning process

How about this: Ask her where she wants to play.

I quickly learn why some people do not register as users and respond anonymously. Just looking for insight as the whole travel lacrosse "world" is new to us. But I forgot my 11 year old will know good team coaches and directors and lax programs to choose from on her own maybe because she likes the uniform color! How about an educational response from an adult who remembers what it's like starting out and asking around because they wanted good training for their child and overall a great program! I'm by far not one of these living thru my child type parents ,like I see many others doing. Just looking for advice. Now if I could actually get from real insight and advice that would be great! Last I checked you learn by asking, not sarcastic sly remarks that are meaningless!

Why not PM one of us and ask.. The Hop will always help you out and with my limited knowledge of the game do know the principals and who I would go to if my child was looking.

Thank you! This site is new as well didn't know you can do that! Thank you for the input

It all depends on what you are looking for in a club. Remember just because your daughter makes a team she has to put in many hours every week throughout the year to remain in the team because there are many girls looking for her spot. You can choose a club that is highly competitive or one that is more like a PAL extension. The decision should be more of a family one because it will effect every member of your household . Some things to factor in are: where the team will be holding their practices, what and where the tournaments they enter, coaching staff......remember winning record doesn't matter as long as the team is competetive.

Good point about the travel - not to name the club, but if you are not into a weekly trip down the Turnpike from mid-May until late June. Look elsewhere.

Yes great point, luckily my child does put in the time and I thank you for your educational response. We live and learn thru this process!!!

Would you mind sharing the name of the club your daughter played for? Many people looking for a first or new clubs so your input about coaching is important.

Understandable to want the information, but I won't post bad press about any team(s). As I like to say what didn't work out for me and a few others might not be the case for other families.

Coaches had a lot to be desired? But they may be ok for someone else? I don't really get it, but ok.

I'm not going to bash on public forum the coaches. I do not feel the need to elaborate but think the general statement of the coaches had a lot to be desired for speaks for itself. I'm also suggesting that it's my opinion and someone else's of them could very well be different! Does that makes better sense for you?

You don't have to answer to the trolls. You obviously have class and don't want to bash people.. Good for you.

What don't you get?
This poster had a bad experience and feels the coaching was lacking. That's heard from many club parents.
No club name was mentioned...
Move on.

Tryouts in MD are in a couple weeks. Any MD teams going to get a win over M&D this year? Curious to see what movement there is between teams.

N

It seems like this poster is looking for feedback on clubs to help make a decision as to where his/her daughter should try out. Am I misunderstanding?

But, they said that others may not have the same issues with the coaches. I'm curious. And how could someone give ligitimate advice when they don't know what that person is trying to avoid. Who knows, their issue with the coach could have been playing time.

I'm suggesting that with the new season approaching hopefully changes have been made starting with the director down to the coaches. The issues were brought to his attention last year a number of times so "hopefully" the program will be changed for the better!!!!

Personally I decided not to stick around to wait and see! I can definitely let you know it absolutely was not about playing time for my child! Let's not forget the program runs different age groups and coaches move with these girls. So the "others" I speak of are with different coaches and are of different age groups. Just like in any other program.

Let me ask you or anyone else a few questions let see what responses I get! Before any tournaments if for example your game starts at 10am what time are you/team expected to be there? Practice: if your practice at 6-8 what time as parents you expect them to start practicing? If you are guaranteed 15 practices during the summer and you receive emails constantly it's cancelled and not due to heat what are your thought? Or during tournaments your child's coach is texting instead of coaching. I can go on or do we get my point.....

Yes that is exactly what I was looking for

Time will tell... how many are headed elsewhere... that might affect the departures.

You are obviously not happy with "brand X" lacrosse club, you are looking for information on other clubs, and that is a perfect example of how these message boards can be used in a productive manner. I get you don't want to bad mouth the club you are walking away from, but letting other people know is also productive so they may avoid a similar situation. Knowing where your at now will also help people recommend a new club or team for your daughter. There are vast differences in the skill level and ability as you hop around from club to club and team to team. The coaching and organization and every thing your looking for may be present on say a top YJ or TG team, is your daughter able to make those rosters? Likewise if your leaving one of those teams, does someone's recommendation for a lower level team do you any good? Where your coming from can help put into context where you are going. Good luck with your search.

To add to that - are you out on the island or from Westchester. Knowing where you are or where you are from will help. What if someone recommends the club you are trying to leave.

I'm on the Island and I definitely know they won't recommend the club I'm leaving. I'm not worried whether she will make the roster on YJ or TG's. Quite frankly she just trained recently with Ms. Smith. So last thing I'm concerned with is how my child can play!

That's where everyone gets caught up!!! It's not about the team NAMES parents!! Please stop twisting everything people write and let's just focus on the question! And if you know on some great travel teams that you heard good things aboutjust reply saying saying so.

And I don't mean all that to you directly I'm just making a general statement overall! So please don't mistake all that towards you!

Sorry, but the questions were kind of vague and open ended. You did not say where you were coming from or what exactly you were looking for. Tracking this post since yesterday - it sounded like you were looking for Xanadu. Dude, nothing out there is perfect and a pure Nirvana. When it comes to club lax nothing is perfect - they all have their warts. My youngest daugher is in 2021 - my oldest is doing her college visits right now. If you want perfect - stick with PAL and coach the team. Sorry, that's how I'm - answer questions so that people can help. "Help me help you".

I heard that M&D and Heros are the teams to be on - especially at the lower age groups. If you can ge on either squad your daughter will be set.

Central Maryland is a big place with a lot of lacrosse players. Heroes is a very good program but located in Howard County. If you live in Baltimore County, that is a long haul to get to practice on a weekday night. The same goes for M&D. In Baltimore County, this will be a very interesting period for tryouts. The teams will likely lock in two years so it is time to get to a place where you know you want to be through high school. Diamonds has gained some momentum but they are not in the NPGYLL. C2 has a good team but they only have teams in a few graduation years and again, they are not in the NPGYLL. Skywalker's will be much improved as many of the girl's playing up will now be on their 2019 team. TLC had some good wins early and then seemed to have lost their way. MD United had a great year and they seem to have the best program in Anne Arundel County. The fall tournaments should be interesting.

You already seem to know the programs around LI - you named off YJ and TG? You probably have your kid doing private sessions with someone - maybe even SS. Why are you bothering asking - I'm under the impression that you are already well informed about the various clubs on LI.

Wow - great detective work on the SS conclusion. He/she said daughter trained with her in the comment you replied to.

Move on. This topic is exhausted.

Heard bunch of girls leaving 91

91 has a girl's team? do they play in tournaments?

Where they going?

Didn't take long for the trolls to show up on this thread.

Bandits and top guns

Who are Bandits never heard of them.

If you are looking for a girls club on LI the top 3 are YJ, TG and Elevate. I had seen a reference on here to 91. Their girls program is just awful. The only other girls program worse than them on LI is fl$. I have no idea how people write checks to those clubs!

Who are the bandits? My kids have played lax on LI for a while and I never heard of that club.I did not see them at one tournament this summer.

clearly you are the expert on girls travl lax on LI....Elevate?....

by Bandits he/she may be referring to how some travel lax directors steal parents $$ to have their son/daughter play in the program?...

What other team on LI besides YJ would beat Elevate? TG in this age group isnequal to elevate? Elevate plays all top teams in this age group.

Originally Posted By: Anonymous
I'm new to travel teams last year was my daughter's first travel season. Looking to expand but trying to feel out all these teams. I have a question can anyone give me some insight on Legacy and Team 91.


Please be more specific as to what you are looking for. Are you looking for a stronger team? If so, where are you now? Legacy had no 2021 team last year.

Legacy had 2021 players on the 2020 Teal team. I'm sure they will field a competitive 2021 team next summer.

is there a particular age group when you refer to Elevate?...otherwise you sound like a DK mouthpiece...

I know you just got your power back on at the trailer park after the storm last night - so just to bring you up to speed until the alcohol wears off - you are in a girls 2021 thread so that would be the gender and age we are discussing here.

BLUE DEVILS is a good sound club... Usually good showings in the tournaments they enter which is about 4-5 in the summer. Fraction of the cost of other programs . They have a 2021, 23 and 24 team.

ouch...that hurts....coming from someone who has his 75' Vega up on bocks in his South Shore driveway....but good one, nonetheless..

I think they are referring to the Brookhaven Bandits

My daughter played for the blue devils great experience

There used to be a window block on the left side of this website page that had all the website links to all the girls teams. At this time of the year all these people are looking around and asking questions about what teams/options are available, that link window was a great resource for people. I know that over the years BOTC moves things around, restructures the pages and elements on the page. Did this list of girls club links get moved somewhere or is it gone?

It has been removed and will not be back.

Is anyone playing winter ball ? If so where? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

Anyone go to tryouts? Did Legacy have enough girls for a team tonight?

Legacy had enough for 2 teams. Lots of TG bags on the sidelines.

Sounds like Legacy, Elevate, will be the top teams in this age group on the Island.

It seems when editing you may have left out some teams . Nice job mods

Not a YJ person or fan, but they are a top team in this age as well, if not the top after this summer (things can change year to year)

I assume you are kidding? M&D and YJ are heads and shoulders above every other team at this age group. M&D will be even better this year with 7 new players. I assume YJ added talent as well. Good luck to Legacy and Elevate this year. You will need it.

Why only 18 girls listed for the 2021 Legacy team? i thought someone on here posted that there were enough girls at try outs for 2 teams.

YJ has not held tryouts yet but anyone have any ifo about that team? My daughter is thinking aobut going, how hard will it be to get on A or B

A team is nearly impossible unless you are a tremendous talent, last year they didn't add very many to b team either. Though the b team is significantly weaker. Actually weaker than TG's b team and Liberty's b team.

Maybe so but the B team is going to get a lot stronger when 3 A girls move down.

Great read, loaded with information in choosing the right Club for your daughter!

by Trevor Tierney NCAA Assistant Coach University of Denver
THE "BEST TEAM" MAY NOT BE WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR KIDS

“And why do we fall, Bruce? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.” - Batman Begins

Don’t get me wrong here. I love all of the players, parents and families that I get to work with in sports. I would not want to be doing anything else with my life! But lately, I have been bewildered by a phenomena that seems to be growing in youth athletics. There is a constant search amongst parents and players to be on the “best team” that wins the most games and tournaments. It is no longer enough for our children to play on a local youth or high school team and enjoy the experience of playing sports. Furthermore, it is no longer even enough for our children to play on a good club travel team that plays well together, is competitive with other great teams from around the country and has top-notch coaching. Rather, there is a “grass is greener” mentality amongst parents and young athletes who are on the constant lookout for the absolute greatest team to be a part of.

There are a lot of factors driving all of this. It is partly due to the parent’s misconception that the better their child’s team, the better their chances for recruitment and success down the road (by the way, college coaches do not even know the scores of the high school games that they are scouting—they only notice who is 6’4”, 225 and runs like a gazelle in the Serengeti). I believe that this mentality runs deeper than that though and we have simply lost touch of what sports are all about. You know when you watch the people on a reality show like Honey Boo Boo or Swamp People and you say, “man…those people are nuts!”? Well, I hate to tell you, that is all of us in sports right now! We are those crazy people. And for the past few years, this perception of making sure our children win all the time and at all costs has become utterly mind-boggling. Every single game in sports, one team wins and one team loses. That’s just the way it works. It is completely narcissistic for us to think that we ourselves (or our child) should never lose. What fun would sports be if we knew that we were going to win every time anyway?

Every great athlete and coach that I know has had their fair share of ups and downs. Even though my claim to lacrosse fame is that I won two NCAA National Championships, a MLL Championship and a FIL World Championship with Team USA, I also got my butt kicked a whole lot along the way! My youth teams were disgraceful, my high school team had some serious rough patches, I can’t even count how many goals Syracuse scored on me at Princeton over the years and I was on the only USA team that lost in the World Championships since 1978 for goodness sake! Even Michael Jordan (who I apologize for even mentioning in the same paragraph as my athletic career) admitted in a commercial, “I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” The point is, that no matter what an athlete does in their career, they will have some wins and they will have some losses. Trying to control that is not going to change anything. Furthermore, there is actually something about the pursuit of always winning that is detrimental to our children’s development as athletes and as people.

As I have pondered this mindset that we are witnessing in youth sports for the past few years, I knew something was wrong. I just didn’t know how to explain it, other than sounding like a grumpy old curmudgeon. The fact is though, there is scientific evidence that shows that we should actually want our children to lose! Again, as I have written time and again, I am not saying that athletes should not care about trying to win and just act like it does not matter. And I am certainly not an advocate for the “everyone gets a trophy” mentality. Our young athletes should care deeply about trying to win and be their best. And when they go into competition and want nothing more than to win that game, it will be absolutely fantastic for them when they lose! Before you think I have been hit in the head with too many lacrosse balls (which is completely factual), let me explain further.

In the past month, I have been fortunate enough to study under one of our country’s leading researchers on human resilience at Harvard, Dr. Shelly Carson. As soon as I sat in our first lecture, the lightbulb flashed on! I started to realize that when we want our child to play on the most dominant team, we are completely missing the boat on how sports build resilience for young men and women. This is not just me blabbing about it either. There is decades of research being compiled by people much smarter than me (surprising I know) that explains how we all develop resilience and how this leads to overall happiness, well-being and success. And isn’t that what we really want for our children?

I am starting to understand how sports are actually the perfect set up for resilience training as losses are very stressful and a challenging adversity for young athletes to face. From this perspective, you realize that no one is going to die, get seriously injured, get cancer, lose a family member, get dumped by their girlfriend (and if so, good riddance I say), lose their home, get thrown in jail, fail out of school, or face anything truly tragic from losing a game. And while I might be sounding trite here, the sad fact is that all of us will face one or several of these things at some point in our life. Nobody’s existence on this earth is perfect. We all encounter some serious adversity whether we like it or not. With that being the case, don’t we want our kids to learn how to deal with it in a skillful manner?

In the field of psychology, resiliency has been defined by Luthar (2000) as, “the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change . . . a positive adaptation within the context of significant adversity,” (as cited in Carson lecture, 2014). So, not only do the skills of resiliency allow people to overcome and recover from tragic experiences in their lives, but resilient people also flourish, grow and experience tremendous well-being and success in their lives. And that is exactly what we want for our children. I will take that over any win, any tournament championship and any trophy. The best aspect of athletics, in my mind, is that it teaches us resiliency, the ability to endure, overcome and find greatness in our lives. As coaches and parents, all we have to do is be positive and supportive of our children no matter if they win or lose. We just have to be there for them as they learn to get back up and keep moving on with their heads held high. That is how our youth can learn to deal with life on life’s terms and develop as strong individuals. What a great gift that is to bring our children and I cannot think of a more powerful way to do it than through athletics!

There are a lot of ways in which resiliency can be taught through sports, which I will go into some more detail down the road. For right now, I will pass along that one of the most effective ways in handling a stressor is utilizing "problem-focused coping", which means taking an active approach towards finding a solution. In summation, I will pass along what I tell my players and parents on our Denver Elite lacrosse teams. Instead of finding a better team to play on, find a way to make your team better. This is how you can truly learn to win something of lasting value through the sports.

Most clubs cap the top teams at 18-20 so they can play to win and keep everyone happy - 2 middie lines, 6 attack, 6 defenders and 2 goalies. That's probably the best mix for a comnpetitive team, everyone plays and the bottom five kids on the larger size teams who would be sitting the bench in all the close games aren't really needed in the blowouts. I here this model may be coming to YJ 2020 & 2021 teams this year, parents are complaining about unnecessary dead weight at the bottom of the rosters, at some point 26 kids and one ball doesn't work

Good read, thanks for posting

Hahahahah. That made my weekend. Yea OK. I guess legacy now has become a not for profit organization. Face it......they didn't have enough for 2 teams. Where is the little man who keeps saying all the TG girls have left.

Everyone makes comments without hearing the whole story. I had a conversation with the director and was told they are only filling rosters with players they feel will contribute. I heard they could have filled 3 teams easily at 2020 but are running only two quality teams. They seem to be angling to build a quality program that will be competitive with quality, professional coaching. Not loaded with inexperienced college players who can't communicate with parents and kids.

Great piece by Tierney. Where did you find it?

Agree about Legacy 2020 blue. Very good team. Easy does it on Teal team, not even close to competing against good B teams

That's funny! I'm guessing you don't consider TG Purple a good B team. Legacy Teal whipped them easily this year. You didn't hear about it?? Stop trying to discredit that team, Legacy has 2 strong teams.

TG recently sent an email with it to all its players in an effort to explain to them that winning doesn't matter, just send in your check and stop worrying about being a competitive team

Please take this back to your 2020 thread, you did not have a 2021 team this year nor do we wish to hear about next years, we all know your trying to great a buzz about your girls program at all age groups. Only two top programs on Long Island, YJ & TG, the rest can fight it out for third. Thank you.

Did you enjoy your trip in the time machine Marty? TG is not one of the top 2 programs on LI - and 2021 was never near the top.

Wow, That's all you got out of reading that. Pretty sad.

Hey Biff, just remember your program or new program did not develop any talent, they just stole it from other clubs. In the end character counts, but your not worried about that. I'm guessing your one of those people that sulks in the background complains and does absolutely nothing, except spread your poison to those weak minded followers. Enjoy your program, in sure next year you'll be moving on again, you know the grass is greener over there!

The part-time flip flop girls didn't develop any talent either - they just attracted it with their big name director.

In a an affiliated paper product that we get once a month, that we are all required to be a member of, but can not speak its name here for some reason.

Will TG 2021 be participating in any fall tournaments or are they unable to because their coaches are all back in school?

No. Only 17s and 18s do fall tournaments thru TG. Any fall tournaments for this age must be set up by a parent.

OK troll......if you are on the team email the directors. If you are not on the team.....you dont know and its not your business....go elsewhere..

That answer doesn't suit you? The only teams that do fall tournaments are the high school age teams. 2017 and 2018 will be going to the presidents cup in Florida and the Navy Rivalry challenge in maryland. There are plenty of fall tournaments for all ages but if you want to go, you have to organize it yourself.

If you are a good player you are noticed. Every year new players have been selected. Encourage your daughter to try her best and see where you end up. Good luck!

I would strongly recommend trying out. There are 6-8 players that are a little ahead of everyone else at this point skill wise, but after that there will be spots available. New players are added every year why not yours.

I like to read these forums, they're quite informative.
My daughter played for a young team this year, The South Shore Surf, and we gave a Legacy Black a run for their money at Harbor links. All the girls are different and I really appreciate all the attention that the Surf coaching staff pays to each and every girl.
We are not beating TG or Yellow jackets top teams but our girls are from all over the Island and are growing closer and better each week.
IMO our smaller program, takes a lot of the pressure off these 12 year old kids. If you're a good player and concerned about playing time, you will get a lot of it with Surf.
At this age there is only 1 away tournament, and the whole season is only $650.00 with caring varsity coaches. The level of Competition for girls lacrosse on Long Island is high enough. Why do I need to travel to play another Long Island team?

Legacy Long Island doesn't have a Black Team and wasn't at Harbor Links. You might be referring to Legacy Lax out of the Hudson Valley. Not even remotely close to the same level as Legacy Long Island.

[quote=Anonymous]Legacy Long Island doesn't have a Black Team and wasn't at Harbor Links. You might be referring to Legacy Lax out of the Hudson Valley. Not even remotely close to the same level as Legacy Long Island.

Legacy Long Island has a 2021 team?

never seen a legacy long island team playing at any high level tournament or level....

National Draw, Best of the Beach, The Grind, Project 120, Lax by the Sea, Nike Cup... Your right all low level. Tool!

Nope definitely long island

I stand corrected. It was Liberty Black

i believe legacy girls has a very solid bunch @2021 level, they picked off some top players from a few teams. Much chatter about that group, maybe will see what they have this fall.

Legacy did not have 2021 last year. Only 2022 and 2020

[quote=Anonymous]i believe legacy girls has a very solid bunch @2021 level, they picked off some top players from a few teams. Much chatter about that group, maybe will see what they have this fall

Look out YJ

Again, we didn't have a 2021 team last year

Big talk. When anyone actually beats YJ or M&D 2021 then talk all the smack you want. So far, that hasn't happened.

No one knows who took the invites, so stop trying to stir the pot and worry about the sinking TG ship. YJ team is a great team as is MD, no start up program is going to begin to talk smack, even before half the roster hasn't paid their deposit yet.

Legacy girls 2020 and 2021 have picked up some gamechangers- should be very competive teams for sure

Where did the new Legacy " game changers " come from ?

P.A.L.

Game changer is term highly dependent upon the team and level of competition that team would be facing. Drop an invisible kid from any clubs A team to B team and they will likely be a game changer. Are there any unknowns out there that would be considered a game changer at the highest level, say for the yj Tg or m&d top teams? Possible, but not too likely. At this age most of the very top "game changer" girls are well established. Two, three years ago you would get massive leapfrogging going on, the talent and athleticism should be apparent now and is mostly already sorted out. The term is relative and means different things to different people.

Ha ha ha have you taken a look at TG 2020 black? Majority of that team is now West Islip PAL girls. If you were being sarcastic you know the saying if you live in a glass house please don't throw stones.

2020 tg black is now 2020 legacy blue, 2020 west islip has become 2020 tg black -so true. how's 2021 looking- hearing it's the same tread?

Game Changer - you have no idea and yes she is at the highest level in a variety of sports. Talent and athleticism...hold onto your hats..... This unknown is known by many in other sports that she competes in at the highest level.

Highest level in 7th grade. Wow

bring it on the field. lets have a LI tournament with all of LI"s "top" teams and and let's see where everyone ends up in the end … put up or shut up.

Sounds like she chose the wrong club.