From the CEO: How It's Going

This article appears in the July/August edition of USA Lacrosse Magazine. Join our momentum.

Two years ago this August, the USA Lacrosse Board of Directors entrusted me with this position and the opportunity to build on the momentum and growth the organization had experienced since its 1998 inception. Here’s an inventory of what we’ve accomplished together in my first two years as CEO.

1. Refocused emphasis on our mission to fuel the growth, enrich the experience and field the best national teams. Why? Lacrosse changes lives.

2. A transformational partnership with the National Lacrosse Federation to implement 14U USA Lacrosse age verification and membership for teams and tournaments.

3. Two successful USA Lacrosse Foundation Galas — events that have raised more than $1.2 million to support our mission.

4. Two gold medals and two silver medals for our U.S. national teams in 2022, along with hosting two World Lacrosse championships on U.S. soil. (Plus another gold medal this summer in San Diego.)

5. Restructured the U.S. national teams coach selection process to include a wider pool of candidates to be part of an ongoing system.

6. Restructured to add experts in key areas such as sport growth and commercial.

7. Implemented new technologies in membership, digital asset management and project management to better serve our members.

8. Invested more than $3 million in diversity, sport growth and player development programs.

9. Launched National Celebrate Lacrosse Week — a nationwide initiative to introduce the game to new, young players.

10. Pivoted our partnership with the Tewaaraton Foundation to invest resources in growing the game in Native American communities.

11. Solidified and developed strategic relationships with professional leagues and college coaches associations.

12. Introduced data-driven processes and insights to track our programs’ performance.

13. Elevated our consumer products and licensing operation to double growth.

14. Simplified programming to focus on Pick Up & Play events that are customized to communities.

15. Enhanced our best-in-class athlete safety and protection programs and processes.

16. Solidified our leadership role as the sport’s governing body with admission into the USOPC as a Recognized Sport Organization.

17. Developed a new, aspirational long-range plan for USA Lacrosse. More to come.

There is much more in front of and behind the scenes. A heartfelt thank you to the staff, USA Lacrosse Board of Directors, Foundation Board of Directors and the countless volunteers bringing lacrosse to life in their communities.