Roberto in the House

Roberto Carlos Téllez, 20 years old, joins LtN’s Coaching Staff after 10 years as LtN’s 2021 Scholar. Get to know Roberto and hear about his story, family, and future dreams:

Baby Roberto in his first LtN practice.

“I am currently in the 10th grade, my favorite subject is language arts, my favorite hobbies are: listening to music, watching action movies and series, comedy, drama, romantics, a little bit of everything, I like spending time with my friends and also play guitar, although I don't have one of my own.

“I learned about the sport of Lacrosse at the La Esperanza Christian School, when it was still in La Chureca, this was in 2010 since then I was fascinated because I started playing it as my first sport, currently what I like most about lacrosse is doing more friends, my colleagues approach me and ask me to teach them what I do, shooting, tricks, catches and other crazy passes, I have also always liked to share with foreign volunteers who always come to visit us, with them I always learn new things, especially tricks and how to move when I play. Being part of LtN for so long has been very special to me.

“I would love to play as a professional, representing Nicaragua for me would be a great achievement and pride, my teammates and I are very anxious for a lacrosse federation to start in Nicaragua. If they offered me to play for another club or federation, I would also like to, but I would put Nicaragua first.

“I am very excited to be part of the LtN staff now, it is an achievement that I did not see coming so soon, the only thing that saddens me is that I will no longer be able to play in tournaments. But I am very excited to teach and continue training other children what I have learned over the years in LtN programs, it is with these programs that I have grown, I have learned to value how much and little we have, to respect each person as they are, to get up if I fall, to persist in what I want and to always give 100% in everything I do.

“About my family, because currently in my family nucleus we are 8, my mother, my grandmother, my stepfather, two sisters and two nephews, my stepfather is the one who works to support us, previously my grandmother also worked as a domestic one block from our house, Unfortunately, a motorcycle taxi ran her over while she was walking on the sidewalk on her way home and broke both her legs, because of this she no longer works. That is why one day I hope to finish high school and then study Marketing and Advertising in order to help my family economically, the main thing is food and try to build the house and distribute the spaces better since we currently sleep more than one in the same room and in some cases more than two in the same bed, I would like to help my nephews to have a very good education and the comforts they deserve, clothes, shoes, toys and others.

“I always hope to have support in my academic, personal and work training and thus achieve my goals and dreams and in some way give it back to other people in the form of gratitude.”

Roberto, you are an inspiration to all of us and we cannot wait for you to continue on your path to meet your dreams. We are so proud.

A New Beginning in Nicaragua

In December 2020 we were presented with the opportunity to change the location of our lacrosse programs. After some debate we made the decision to move practices and study hall hours in Chiquilistagua from the Public School to the nearby Catholic School, Niño Jesus de Praga. Here is what you can expect coming out of this new partnership.

1. Upgraded Facilities: Partnering with the private school provides us access to nicer grass fields, a covered cement field, bigger classrooms for study hall hours, a computer lab, and Wi-Fi access on campus. This is a huge benefit for our student-athletes as it will provide enhanced resources to ensure academic success!

2. No student-athlete loses lacrosse, study hall or scholarship opportunities. While we may be physically leaving the public school we are not leaving any student-athletes without access to our programs. Anyone who was enrolled with LtN at the public school will still be able to attend practice, study hall and be eligible for a scholarship. The biggest difference is the commute. Our new school is located just ½ mile from the public school.

3. Exposure to new players: A new school means new players being introduced to lacrosse. In the first two weeks of school our coaches have hosted several introductory exhibitions open to all grades (K-11) with sign up forms waiting and ready at the end of each. So far the feedback has been incredible. We plan to follow that up with an introduction to lacrosse to the students during their PE classes.

While we are sad to be closing this chapter of our history with the public school, we are stoked to open a new one with Praga. We hope it will be even more beneficial to our student-athletes and allow us to introduce the sport to more young people. Eventually we hope to re-open programs at the public school and increase the amount of competition our players get!

A letter to Norman from Nicaragua Alum, Dorian

Dorian is 17 years old and participated in Nicaragua’s Lacrosse the Nations programs for 3 consecutive years through high school, namely one of LtN’s highest performing student-athletes within LtN’s Scholar Program - a program wherein 94% of scholarship recipients improved their overall GPA’s from the year prior.

Upon Dorian’s graduation from high school and from LtN’s lacrosse and scholar programs, Dorian was accepted to university in the city of Managua. In his first year in college, Dorian felt the need to reflect on his gratitude and learnings with Country Director, Norman.

Here is his note:

“I am currently in the first year of university, at the National University of Engineering, studying Computer Engineering. Many things have changed since I enrolled in lacrosse, from my personal self to my style and quality of life, things in which Lacrosse was a great help to me, all the teachings I have received with you have helped me grow as a person. Not to mention the great financial help that I got thanks to the scholarship program, my family was positively affected thanks to this great support. I can't forget to talk about the love I received, Lacrosse always treats all students with an exceptional love, a love that feels special to each one of us. And just like you all have given me your care, I have great appreciation and a huge space in my heart or you, the coaches, and my teammates - such is the case that I cannot imagine a life in which I was not in your organization.

“If I had the opportunity to choose again if I want to enter LtN, I would always say yes, every time they asked me. I love you all, each and every one of the members of this great project.

”Lacrosse never discriminated against me, never judged me, never singled me out. Lacrosse taught me that I can be myself, but much better. Lacrosse taught me that we all have a great person inside, but it only takes a little push, a little help to bring out our talent and skills.

“Lacrosse always saw something in me, even when I couldn't see it myself. You helped me see that spark that we all have, you helped me bring it out better than anyone. Lacrosse taught me respect, Lacrosse taught me discretion, Lacrosse taught me camaraderie, Lacrosse taught me to leave everything out there, Lacrosse taught me to apologize and communicate, Lacrosse taught me that I can always give more of myself.

“But the most important thing that Lacrosse taught me was that I was never alone, despite everything that happened, I always knew that I had a helping hand in any of the LtN members, you never turned your back on me, and that's what I most appreciation from you.

“You, my coaches, and my teammates were always willing to support me in whatever I needed, and that has no price. The scholarship program was undoubtedly one of the greatest aid that I have received from you, the mere fact that you paid for all the school supplies was a support that had a great positive impact on me and even on my family. For 3 consecutive years you paid for those expenses, for 3 years you supported my education, and I have made the most of it and I promise that I will not disappoint you in that regard.

“I cannot do more than thank you for everything that you have done for me and even for my family, I would not be where I am I would not be who I am if it had not been for you, I offer you infinite thanks, thousands of thanks for everything, you are one one of the best things that have happened in my entire life, thank you very much.”

— Dorian, 17, LtN Club Hope Alum