Powerful Lessons from Unexpected Teachers

Carla (8), Bocas del Toro player.

While there are many lessons that coaches can teach their players, some of the best lessons we learn come from our teammates. Whether it be about having more effective communication or how to dodge better, these moments of mutual learning from our peers are special. At LtN programs in Bocas del Toro, Panama, these moments occur weekly! I would like to share one interaction between two of our players - Carla and Silas - that struck me as particularly heartwarming and supportive. 

About a month ago, our players and I were scrimmaging for the last part of practice. The teams were split boys vs. girls. After about 10 minutes of gametime, the boys were up by 3 goals. As we were resetting for a new face-off, I noticed that eight-year-old Carla had dropped her stick and looked on the verge of angry tears. 

When I asked her what was wrong, she managed to tell me through stifled tears, “Maria, we aren’t going to win. Boys are so much stronger and better than girls!” Instantly, my demeanor changed - I went from sympathetic to serious in a flash. We locked eyes and I informed her, “Carla, girls are just as good as boys. Please never think - even for a second - that you are not as strong or not as good as they are. That is simply not true.” Before she could respond to respond, Silas came over to where we were standing.

Silas (10), Bocas del Toro player.

He held up his arm and flexed his muscle and said to her, “Carlita, feel my arm. Am I strong? Do I have any muscles? Nope! Now, feel Maria’s arm.” I made a muscle with my arm and let her gently squeeze it. Her face relaxed a little.

Silas continued, “Look how strong Maria is. She is so much stronger than I am, and she is a girl. See, boys are not stronger than girls. Girls can be even more strong!” As Carla sniffled away her tears, took a breath and nodded her head, I was shocked into awed silence.

No one had told Silas to do that - he chose to help his teammate with a very important life lesson all on his own. And it worked, for Carla picked up her stick and resumed playing. This time, she wore a smile on her face.

This exchange between Silas and Carla exemplifies the incredible power of mutual learning, the value of teammates who care for one another, and the opportunities for life lessons that our programs provide youth in the communities in which we work. Though this one happened to underscore the importance of gender equality - an element that is often lacking in Bocas culture - it is just one example of the many ways our players learn and grow together. Since then, I am very pleased to report that Carla’s confidence has soared and not once has she doubted her capabilities because of her gender.

Thank you Silas for being an awesome teammate!

— Maria, Panama Program Director

LtN Elects Mikey Thompson and Gene McCabe to Executive Committee

We are thrilled to announce the election of Mikey Thompson as LtN’s newest Chair of Board of Directors and Gene McCabe as Vice Chair! Ushering in a new era of growth for LtN’s programming and staff, these two bring a wealth of lacrosse knowledge and a unique passion for pushing LtN’s mission forward.

Mikey Thompson, Board Chair

In his fourth year as Head Coach for Christopher Newport (CNU) Men’s Lacrosse, Thompson has helped the Captains establish a new standard of success while building the program into an up-and-coming power on the national stage. During his time in Newport News, he has helped CNU earn its first two NCAA Tournament berths, break into the national rankings, and establish nearly every conceivable program record.

UVA Lacrosse Alum and Co-Founder of Amped Lacrosse, Thompson joined LtN’s Board of Directors after spending 6 months in Nicaragua working with our student-athletes and coaches in 2013. Since then, he has been a staunch supporter of the organization, working with lacrosse players and teams across Virginia to recruit volunteers, raise money and send much needed equipment.

Thompson brings considerable expertise around the game as well as a passion for engaging members of the lacrosse world to give back.

Gene McCabe, Board Vice Chair

McCabe is in his 14th season as the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Washington & Lee (W&L) and transitioning out of his multi-year role as the President of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Coaches Association (USILA).

McCabe claims the most wins in W&L program history, boasting five NCAA Tournament bids and three ODAC Tournament titles.  He has guided W&L to double-digit wins in 10 of his 13 seasons, including each of the last eight years, which have included four appearances in the ODAC Championship game.

Coach McCabe’s involvement with Lacrosse the Nations began in 2015 when he partnered with Thompson to host the inaugural Virginia LtN Cup. After a season-long fundraiser, McCabe, his assistant coach, and 10 players spent a week volunteering in LtN’s Nicaragua programs. After day 1 in-country, McCabe knew this was a cause that he wanted to be a part of indefinitely. 

McCabe brings impressive experience in the governance and growth of the game on a national level, and we could not be more thrilled to have him at the forefront of LtN’s efforts.

Thompson and McCabe are joined on Lacrosse the Nation’s Executive Committee by Brett Hughes, Kim Cory, and David Hennessey.

How LtN Builds Successful Programs - Part II: Succeeding Long-Term

After our selection process, the hard work begins. There are several factors that contribute to the long-term success of our programs. Before we dive in to those factors let’s define success for LtN.

Successful LtN programs have a group of engaged students, coaches and families who have fallen in love with lacrosse. This love of lacrosse provides our students and coaches access to opportunities on the field, in the classroom and beyond. Successful LtN programs offer the US lacrosse community the opportunity to learn, teach and serve.

The Keys to Success

1. The Kids Come First.

   When making decisions about our programming we first think about who it impacts the most -our student-athletes. A great example is our LtN Scholars initiative. It was developed because many of our players were not in school. In our conversations with them we realized the reason was because there were too many barriers in their lives. Barriers that we could reduce, and in some cases eliminate. That decision was a no-brainer.
   

2. Adapt. Adapt. Adapt.

   No two programs are the same. Schedules change. Cultures are different. Unexpected things happen. Our ability to be flexible within our structure allows us to tailor our programs to the context of the community we’re working with. Conforming our programs to each school, community center and country is critical to our success..
   

3. Train Local Staff

   Developing local coaches play a huge role in our long-term success. They ensure that our programs are culturally relevant and are able to build relationships within the community better than any foreign staff or volunteer. In April 2018, we were forced to get all our US volunteers out of Nicaragua and our local coaches never skipped a beat. Programs continued as close to normal as could be expected when civil unrest shook the country.
   

4. Develop Local Partners

   Working with organizations in the community allows us to stick to what we’re good at - using lacrosse to teach life skills. Through our partnerships we get access to fields and a safe place for our tutoring sessions. Partnerships also allow us to provide opportunities beyond lacrosse. Whether it’s English classes, leadership training or creative arts classes. The more we can offer our student-athletes the more they’ll love LtN and the more we can do what we do.
   

5. US Volunteers

   Our short and long term volunteers train and develop local coaches. They help recruit student-athletes and introduce lacrosse culture at our sites. Once they are home they help grow our network of supporters. Without them we would not be able to successfully launch and maintain our programs.
   

6. Get better every day

   If we can improve a little bit every day our programs will succeed. Every volunteer and staff member is asked to leave our programs a little better than when they arrive. Doing this ensures that collectively we have a positive impact in the lives of those who participate in our programs.
   

7. Our network of donors, fundraisers and ambassadors

   Without funding we wouldn’t operate. It is YOU, our donors, fundraisers and ambassadors that ensure we continue to create positive change in the lives of our student-athletes and coaches.

Do you have any questions or comments about our work? Let us know here!