Forty-three years ago, this magazine debuted as the first feature publication devoted exclusively to lacrosse. The periodical was produced by the Lacrosse Foundation, which 20 years later was one of eight organizations that merged to form what was then US Lacrosse and is now USA Lacrosse.
These walls in Sparks, Maryland — and these pages in your hands — possess an institutional memory of the sport unlike anything you’ll find in the lacrosse world. There’s a new logo on the facade and a new masthead on the cover. But rebranding in some ways has resulted in us reinforcing who we are as a national governing body that unites the lacrosse community and as a magazine that since 1978 has inspired generations of lacrosse families to love this great game and leave it better for the next.
New Masthead
The USA Lacrosse horizontal wordmark is outlined by a thin stroke, opening up to accommodate the word “Magazine” and also to symbolize a welcoming and inclusive approach to growing the sport. Underneath are three stars representing three core attributes: trusted, inclusive and inspiring.
The Open
We’ve reconfigured the front of book to be more focused on you, our members — not only demonstrating how your investment helps us to grow the game but also celebrating your lacrosse journeys, even if you’ve just started.
Game Ready
According to a 2020 survey of our members, nearly 75 percent of you said you read the magazine “to become a better coach, parent, player and official.” We’re here to help you do that. This new section will feature tips and tricks, gear reviews, recruiting advice, health and fitness contents and the latest in lacrosse tech.
Free Play
The tag line says it all: “Just for the fun of it.” The heart and soul of our sport are the kids who play it for that purest purpose. We’ve revamped the back of the book to provide contents and activities tailored to youth and high school players — with everything from rookie reporters to comic book heroes.
USALaxMagazine.com
Because we know you rely on us for the latest news, trends and information about the sport, we’re also redesigning our website and examining how to organize our digital ecosystem (including @USALacrosseMag on social media) in a way that provides maximum value to our members.
We grow together. Thank you for your support.
— Matt DaSilva, Editor in Chief
This article appears in the May/June edition of USA Lacrosse Magazine. Join our momentum.
The Open
May/June 2021
On the Cover
We Are USA Lacrosse
US Lacrosse is now USA Lacrosse. What that means, why we rebranded and what our members can expect.
Photos by Mike Morgan
From the CEO
Life is a Team Sport
It’s been a great run, but it’s time, writes USA Lacrosse CEO Steve Stenersen, who will step down from his post this year after nearly four decades with the organization.
By Steve Stenersen
My Lacrosse Life
A Star in Stripes
A three-time NCAA championship winning goalie at Syracuse, Matt Palumb has carved out a similarly impressive career as an official over the last 30 years.
By Nelson Rice
Game Ready
May/June 2021
Nothing But an SNG Thing
How Notre Dame’s duo adapted to the new NCAA faceoff rules
Switching from knee-down moto to SNG? Kyle Gallagher and Charlie Leonard give their advice.
By Matt DaSilva
Gator Aids
How Cara Trombetta stays out of foul trouble
Florida defender Cara Trombetta has learned you don’t need to live and die by the sword. Here are five ways to avoid getting sent four yards behind.
By Matt DaSilva
The Wait is Over
Gait brothers launch new men’s lacrosse head, the GC3
The resurgence of the Gait Lacrosse brand in 2019 brough great success on the women’s side of equipment production. Since then, the pressure has been on Gait Lacrosse to build upon its men’s line. Coming Memorial Day weekend: the GC3.
By Gait Lacrosse
The Perfect Practice Plan
Jessica Lowrance delivers all the details
Jessica Lowrance is an NCAA women’s lacrosse official, an accomplished youth and high school club coach and the vice president of postal policy at UPS. She’s a planner. At the virtual LaxCon in January, she shared a seven-part, 90-minute practice plan as a template for your season.
By Nelson Rice
Tips from the C-Suite
5 keys to officiating box lacrosse, with NLL crew chief Ian Garrison
In eight years, Ian Garrison has climbed the ranks of his profession to become one of the best officials in the National Lacrosse League in its highest position: crew chief. He broke down the basics for reffing the indoor game.
By Nelson Rice
Jon Torpey’s Message to Parents
Parental guidance from the High Point men’s lacrosse coach
Be happy that your children are healthy and active, make sure they are around people who care about their growth more than winning and make sure they have fun.
By Jon Torpey
Features
May/June 2021
All Aboard the Scane Train
Northwestern’s Izzy Scane
Scoring at a record pace, Izzy Scane has emerged as a front-runner in the Tewaaraton race — rewarding a family who could never watch TV in peace.
By Ella Brockway
A Young Goalie’s Promise
Locally Grown: New England
How Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse positioned Dalond Bidonne for success on and off the field
By Matt Hamilton
Martinsburg Lacrosse 2.0
Locally Grown: Northeast
The nation's fastest-growing sport returns to West Virginia's fastest-growing town.
By Mark Macyk
The Spirit of the Game
Locally Grown: North Atlantic
The JGLA's Jersey Jamboree represents everything that's good about rec lacrosse and the late Laura McCarthy.
By Justin Feil
The Fun in Fundamentals
Locally Grown: Mid-Atlantic
How Flex 6 Lacrosse helped grow the game in Virginia during the pandemic.
By Nelson Rice
Exceeding Expectations
Locally Grown: Southeast
How a suburban Atlanta community embraced lacrosse as a pandemic outlet.
By Paul Ohanian
Something Special Brewing in Milwaukee
Locally Grown: Midwest
Marquette men's lacrosse team partners with Eagles wheelchair team, upstart MKE LAX to get players out in the community.
By Matt Hamilton
'It's Never Too Early to Start Giving Back'
Locally Grown: Southwest
Texas Junior Board Program provides servant leadership training for the state's lacrosse athletes.
By Samantha Croston
'The Best Game on Earth'
Locally Grown: Mountain
Kingfisher Lacrosse hooks kids in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids corridor.
By Mark Macyk
Wildcat Formation
Locally Grown: Pacific Northwest
How Lake Oswego product Lauren Gilbert hopes to help pave the way for the future stars out of Oregon.
By Ella Brockway
Aloha, Lacrosse
Locally Grown: Pacific Southwest
AYLA hopes to recapture pre-pandemic momentum for the sport in Hawaii.
By Samatha Croston
Spoiler Alert
NCAA 50th anniversary
The top 10 upsets in the NCAA tournament's 50-year history.
By Patrick Stevens
True to the Core
PLL preview
Building the Cannons Lacrosse Club.
By Nelson Rice
Unassuming Superstar
U.S. women's national team tryouts
A two-time Tewaaraton winner and Team USA veteran, Katie Haus relishes the unglamorous work between the lines.
By Kenny DeJohn
FREE PLAY
May/June 2021
Take Me Back
Let's Do Lunch
PLL pro Mikie Schlosser gets grilled by an eighth-grader.
By Jamie MacDonald
Puzzles and Games
NCAA Championships
NCAA championship-themed word play, word search and eyewear maze.
By Matt Hamilton and Alyssa March
Hero Ball
That's Speed Boi
The origin story of Speed Boi, a comic-book hero inspired by Trevor Baptiste.
By Matt Hamilton and Alyssa March
Ground Balls/Lax Out Loud
Numbers and Quotes
Jared Nelson's historic pace, the Schneidereith quadruplets and Notre Dame bringing sexy back.
By USA Lacrosse Magazine Staff
Trending
USALaxMagazine.com and Social Media
AED saves a Don, goalie goals, jersey number inspirations and melt-your-heart adoption stories.
By USA Lacrosse Magazine Staff
Give & Go
Sydney Watson
Winnie the Pooh and ice cream soup for UConn's forever child at heart.
By Matt DaSilva