Retiree Pete Lee (center) has committed a lifetime of service to help grow youth lacrosse in California, including the past 10 years with 805 Lacrosse.
USA Lacrosse has named six winners of its annual Youth Lacrosse Service Awards, recognizing outstanding contributors to youth lacrosse from around the country for the 2023 calendar year. The winners were selected from among the nominations submitted for each award and are being recognized with presentations arranged by their local lacrosse organizations. The awards and honorees are:
Boys’ Youth Coach of the Year -- Mark White – Carlisle, Pa.
This honor is given to a man or woman who embodies the characteristics of an ideal coach by supporting the USA Lacrosse mission and vision, dedicating themselves to players and providing the best possible lacrosse experience for everyone involved.
White has served as president of both the Carlisle Youth Lacrosse Association and Mid-Penn Youth Lacrosse since 2018, while also serving as a youth coach on three different teams during that same period of time. In addition, he is the boys’ representative to the Central PA Lacrosse Foundation and a USA Lacrosse certified coach.
“Coach White serves as a role model for not only the players in our area but also for other coaches and parents,” one parent and nominator wrote. “Coach White commits his free time without the incentive of having a child on any of the teams he works with. Last spring, you could find him on the sidelines of three different age groups. When rec season is over, he transitions right into club lacrosse where he continues coaching several days a week with an entirely different group of players. The time commitment alone is rare to find in a volunteer.”
Girls’ Youth Coach of the Year -- Nina Gartenhaus – Baltimore, Md.
Gartenhaus has served as a volunteer coach since her high school days for the Beth Tfiloh Sunday Sports program, and is now head coach for the Beth Tfiloh youth lacrosse program. She was previously the varsity head coach and middle school coach at Beth Tfiloh.
“Nina works to develop each player to their fullest potential by instructing them, teaching them new skills, collaborating with the player and parents, and encouraging them to stretch their level of play,” one parent wrote. “Nina’s personality is a perfect fit for the role as she loves working with children, has a strong leadership presence so that the players respect her guidance and instruction, and she takes time to get to know each player individually.”
Emerging Leader Award -- Daphne Schroen – Bennington, Neb.
This award honors young adults (U21) who have given unselfishly of their time and talent to help grow and build lacrosse awareness. These individuals must be USA Lacrosse members who thoroughly embody the mission and vision of USA Lacrosse. He or she is typically a person who has volunteered time while balancing a busy schedule in order to mentor others and give back to the sport.
Schroen has been serving as a U8/U10 girls’ team assistant coach since 2022, coaching during both the spring and fall seasons. She has also been a volunteer for TryLax clinics in Omaha and for USA Lacrosse Pick Up & Play clinics, in addition to serving as a volunteer for youth clinics hosted by the Elkhorn Athletic Association.
One adult coach wrote, “Daphne’s desire to grow the game goes beyond coaching youth girls, as she has run numerous open house events for high school girls who are interested in lacrosse. Similarly, as with the younger girls, Daphne is the first to encourage struggling teammates and is always the last to leave the field. Thanks in part to her help, her high school program has greatly improved and continues to recruit new players.”
Outstanding Contribution to the Game
This award honors USA Lacrosse members who are long-standing contributors to the youth game who have had a lasting impact by supporting the USA Lacrosse mission and vision. Three recipients have been selected for 2023.
Pete Lee – Arroyo Grande, Calif.
Lee has been passionately committed to growing lacrosse on California’s Central Coast as a vital contributor to the 805 Youth Lacrosse Association over the past 10 years. He has worn many hats for 805 Lacrosse, including president, vice-president, coach, and referee. He also teaches the game to youth players at regional clinics and donates his time to local elementary schools for physical education programs.
“Coach Lee is an exceptional coach who demonstrates a high level of dedication, passion, and skill in coaching youth lacrosse,” said Jeffrey Deskins, past president of 805 Lacrosse. “He has helped develop many talented and respectful players and is always supportive, encouraging, and positive with players. He fosters a culture of teamwork, sportsmanship, and excellence.”
Mark Brown – Phoenix, Ore.
Brown is founder and president of the Rogue Valley Youth Lacrosse Association and coaches multiple boys’ and girls’ teams. He has been instrumental in growing the game in Southern Oregon over the past 20 years, including as a volunteer instructor in physical education classes at area elementary and middle schools.
“Coach Brown teaches the most important lessons for kids, which is how to be a kindhearted and supportive team member,” one boys parent wrote. “Even when the score is against the team, the kids motivate and celebrate each other. He has created an environment where kids thrive and become better human beings.”
Gretchen Hoffend – Las Vegas, Nev.
Hoffend has been active in the Las Vegas lacrosse community since 2008, when she began serving as the team mom at Faith Lutheran Middle School. She then became a director with the Southern Nevada Lacrosse Association (SNLA) before moving into officer positions as the SNLA’s vice-president and president. Since 2021, she has served as league administrator for Nevada Lacrosse South.
One colleague wrote, “I have had the privilege of closely working with Gretchen on the Nevada Lacrosse South board, and throughout this time, I have been continually impressed by her unwavering commitment, enthusiasm, and remarkable organizational skills in promoting this sport and enhancing the experiences of athletes, spectators, and the community. She has made an indelible mark on lacrosse in Las Vegas, growing the game and creating a space where kids can learn and grow.”
USA Lacrosse is now accepting online nominations for the 2024 Youth Lacrosse Service Awards. If you know a deserving candidate, please visit usalacrosse.com/youth-lacrosse-service-awards to learn more and submit a nomination.
