Circle of Support Girls Recap

This week I was able to be a part in sharing lacrosse to over 50 girls at the Circle of Support camp. I had the task of running the camp and thanks to several volunteers I was able to do that successfully. The camp was a little challenging because plans can always change. Certain factors like the number of volunteers or number of girls we had each day always changed so having several back up plans was important. It was key that I was prepared to handle any situation that could happen and be prepared to prevent any situation. I learned that it is not easy running a camp because there are several factors that must be taken into consideration before and throughout the camp. It may have taken some work to plan the week but it was worth it once I saw all of the girls who enjoyed playing lacrosse and found an interest in the game.

Throughout the week, I saw more girls become interested in the game and wanted to do more. There is only a certain amount of lacrosse you can learn in one week but I was glad to see many of the girls catch on quick. At the beginning of the week, camp was mainly focused on the basics of lacrosse and the last day the girls were able to play a mini-scrimmage. It was great seeing how much the girls were able to learn in only four days. I hope this week impacted several girls and showed them a new sport that can have a great change in their lives.

- Lizbeth Alvarez | BRIDGE Summer Intern

2nd Annual McKinney Laxfest

BRIDGE Lacrosse could not make the impact we do, without the amazing help and support of outside organizations. We are incredibly blessed to have such great friends like the McKinney Lacrosse Association. For the second year in a row, McKinney Lacrosse hosted a lacrosse festival with the proceeds going to BRIDGE.

Last year, we raised $7,100 from both the laxfest and a generous donation made from TeamLax of Frisco. This year, we brought in just over $8,000 from the laxfest, shirt sales and, another great donation from TeamLax. With more than 40 teams in attendance, the weekend was a great event to showcase fantastic lacrosse teams and a community that is supportive of each other.

McKinney Lacrosse was a great host, they provided all the support and took care of the logistics of running a weekend long event. In addition to the three games that each team played, there was a special events area for individual players to show off their skills. Games included, fastest shot and agility drills, with the potential for a prize at the end.

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Girls Empowerment

"At the Girls Empowerment Clinic this past Sunday, I was so pleased at the number of girls who came and participated. All of the girls were fully engaged, excited to learn new skills and review basics before the season began. The different drills allowed each girl to show off her strengths and work on her weaknesses. The girls already had the basics down, so we were able to introduce new ideas such as crease rolls and multiple dodges. They picked up these skills exceptionally fast and demonstrated what they learned in the scrimmage at the end of the clinic. Their favorite drill, however, seemed to be the dogfights, where the competitive spirit definitely came out. After giving my presentation on Title IX and healthy lifestyles, they asked myself and the other coaches a few questions about our experiences.  I am so glad I got the opportunity to host this clinic. It is nice to see younger girls taking an interest in the sport and really wanting to advance themselves as players, showing a true passion for the game. After playing for so many years, it was great to spread my knowledge of the game and help others who are just starting lacrosse."

- Coach Emily | Plano Premier

"When we picked Elizabeth up from the workshop I was expecting her to be tired after a full afternoon. Instead she was excited about what she had learned and about the upcoming lacrosse season. She enjoying hearing from the young women who lead the workshop and told us first the information/statistics about how girls in lacrosse or other organized sports tend to have higher academic achievement and better fitness and health as an adult. She also had a clear idea about the healthiness of different snacks.  She was very excited about her shorts as well! (thank you).  She described the coaches as personable and friendly.  She was appreciated learning and practicing offensive techniques such as dodges.  Although physically tired she was enthusiastic about her sport.  This workshop was a great way to start the spring season."

- Mother of a BRIDGE player | Irma Rangel Lady Panthers

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BRIDGE is Gearing up for Spring Season

With the fall ball season having served nearly 100 youth boys and girls from around the South Dallas area, BLD’s coaches, players and parents anxiously await the start of the Spring season.

This past fall was a busy time for those involved with BRIDGE Lacrosse Dallas. With the addition of the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy’s Eagles 7/8 boys program, BLD continued to served the 7/8 and JV Panthers at Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School as well as the 3/4 and 5/6 Saints and the 5/6 Lady Saints at St. Philip’s School and Community Center. 

Coach Lewis working with the Saints before the first game of the season. Ground balls win games!

During the fall ball season, teams participated in weekly Sunday practices that ran September thru late November. Volunteering their time and assisting BLD’s coaches were the Junior Board members from various high schools from around North Dallas such as Highland Park, ESD, St. Mark’s, Jesuit and Greenhill. Both the Panthers JV girls and the Saints 5/6 boys were able to participate in their first tournament of the year at the Halloween Shootout in McKinney, TX back in October. The Saints 3/4 boys participated in the McKinney Shootout the following weekend.

Aside from fall ball season, BRIDGE also worked with KIPP Truth Academy in South Dallas to host two clinics for over 120 youth boys and girls with the help of high school lacrosse players from Parish Episcopal School in Dallas. With the hard work and dedication of the BRIDGE coaches and the assistance of high school volunteer lacrosse players in the fall, the Spring 2012 season will be the first for over 50 percent of BLD’s current players. BLD’s teams are set to kick off the Spring season on Sunday, January 22nd and will continue to have weekly practices Tuesdays and Thursdays with monitored study hall sessions, that includes a healthy snack, available to the players prior to practice.