LtN to Scale Back Programming in Costa Rica

Dear LtN Community,

As 2017 came to a close, LtN staff and the Board of Directors took some time to evaluate LtN’s presence and impact at each of our sites. After some long and hard discussions, we have decided to reduce programming at our site in Playa Potrero, Costa Rica. This was an extremely tough decision to come to; however, considering a number of factors limiting LtN’s growth in Potrero at this time, along with our current resources, it was one that had to be made.

LtN has provided children in Playa Potrero with opportunities to engage in positive and organized extracurricular outlets since 2012. Members of the Potrero community, partners in Costa Rica programming, and supporters of our efforts in Costa Rica will forever remain a part of the LtN family. While our on-site programming will be limited, LtN is committed to our students-athletes in Potrero. We will continue providing scholarships in Potrero through our LtN scholars program, and hope that in the future we can return with more resources and ways to support the LtN Costa Rica community. Please feel free to email info@lacrossethenations.org for any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continuous support,

Javier Silva

MLL's Adam Ghitelman and Scott Ratliff Return to Nica

Atlanta Blaze players Adam Ghitelman and Scott Ratliff took their first trip to Nicaragua in January of 2017. From sharing things they knew like that back of their hand - coaching new concepts and playing lacrosse with our LtN student athletes - to diving head in to things they didn't - Nicaraguan language, food, culture, and our style of lax - it was incredible to see the impressions they left on our kids. These impressions were mutual it seems, as they returned this December for another dose of Nica lacrosse, getting to see many familiar faces and meet new ones along the way. LtN players and programming in Nicaragua have developed significantly since these two's last visit, in part because of the amazing guests who come to share their experience like Adam and Scott. After their trip, goalie, Adam reflected on his time in LtN programs:

"It was wonderful to return for our second visit to Nicaragua to work with Lacrosse the Nations. Our first visit developed such a sense of attachment and love for the positives that the program created, we couldn't wait to return for our second time. We were so excited to see a number of familiar faces, all of whom looked like that they had improved both as lacrosse players and personally. The players had all improved their individual games, and the chemistry and teamwork of the program continues to blossom. The passes are sharper, the stick skills are impressive, and overall IQ is through the roof. The kids all play together for a common goal and the commitment to the team is tremendous.

It was really great to see the numbers increase. Another great characteristic of the program is to see players moving up into leadership roles as coaches and coach assistants. Those players who continue to behave and work to become better people have shown tremendous development and leadership on and off the field."

It is incredible to be able to work with others who witness and share in our mission. Utilizing the power of sport, perhaps seemingly simple, continues to be an avenue to bridge connections and share in all the benefits of play. Thank you, Adam and Scott, for your time and we hope to see you down in Nicaragua for many years to come!

LtN Welcomes New U.S. Staff Member, Brooke Wilson!

LtN HQ Welcomes New Staff Member!

We are beyond excited to announce the growth our LtN staff with the addition of our very own Communications and Development Director, Brooke Wilson! Brooke joined our U.S. based staff at the start of January. She brings all the right kind of knowledge, fresh out of her year volunteering as a program director for LtN in Nicaragua. While in Central America, Brooke handled on-site communications for LtN and started the first girls-only program in Nica. It is here that Brooke fell in love with LtN’s mission and community.

Brooke hails from Frederick, Maryland, where she first started playing and later coaching lacrosse. Brooke earned her B.A. in Healthcare Studies from the University of Richmond while playing for the women’s varsity team. Brooke’s passion for the spread of lacrosse and the development of LtN programming and communities is unparalleled. She will be taking over all things communications-related along with helping develop stronger and more expansive partnerships for the organization. When asked about her new position, Brooke commented, “I am so excited to be able to continue working with LtN in such a new and dynamic role. From my time volunteering for the organization abroad I have come to know the passion and dedication that each member of the LtN staff brings to their work each and every day. It’s an honor to be able to continue working for the cause and contribute to the growth of LtN.”

We are so excited to have Brooke on board and cannot wait to see all that she accomplishes. Welcome to the LtN family, Brooke!