Our Story

In the early winter of 2014, two Lake Forest fathers got together to talk about girls’ lacrosse in their community.  It became apparent to both parents, who each had both boys and girls in the local programs, that there was a huge need for a better lacrosse program for girls than what was currently being offered.  Girls’ lacrosse was booming in the U.S., yet our local numbers were flat or declining with many girls dropping out after minimal exposure to the sport.  After a number of discussions, John Lazzaretto and Kevin Robinson decided that the time was right and that the need was there for creating a new not for profit girls’ lacrosse program in Lake Forest/Lake Bluff.

Like the line from “Field of Dreams”, “Build it and they will come”,…. John and Kevin felt that if they carefully designed a lacrosse program from the ground up, with lots positivity from paid coaches, and with the girls’ best interest in mind, that the girls would come to the Bandits.  And they did.  They created a program with travel club-like training in a local community based program. Years later, Bandits Lacrosse is now the most popular girls lacrosse program in the area.  Spring 2023, the Bandits fielded 10 teams with over 225 players.  The Bandits have built an amazing reputation in a short period of time by adhering to their mission and their goals.  It didn’t take long for parents, coaches, and players from Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and surrounding areas to want to know more about the Bandits!

Our goal is to continue delivering maximum exposure, high-quality lacrosse instruction, that helps build confidence, through positive and encouraging mentor-ship to our athletes, in their own local community. A program which encourages multiple sport and multiple activities participation by its athletes.

Coach John talks Bandits https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-lazzaretto-founder-of-bandits-lacrosse-club/id1549972698?i=1000526885793