Dear Parents,

I was lucky enough to join the girls last night and practice, and I want to applaud their efforts and hard work! The girls warmed up – with 2 of their own teammates leading the charge – and then we did a good amount of stick work. I got to participate in shuttles with the girls and definitely noticed an increase in focus when I was playing :). We did 10 minutes of conditioning, from which I was sore enough to forego my Orange Theory workout for yoga this morning!

I want you to know that as an educator, I have a unique understanding of the girls. I understand what their days look like and the challenges that they face as middle school females. I understand the pressures of a busy schedule and the desire to fit in, be liked, be seen. I also truly believe in the power of hard work, grit, and fierce determination. When I am with the girls, my hope is to inspire them to develop this strong work ethic, which is something that will help them on and off of the lacrosse field.

With that being said, we focused primarily on defense last night. The girls worked to re-defend and catch their attacker, working to maintain strong body positioning. We also worked in 7 v. 7 scenarios in which the defense was asked to deliver high pressure, communicate effectively, and start to anticipate when to slide and help. These are all skills that will develop over time, but the girls can always be in control of how hard they are working and the effort they put forth. As I said earlier, I was very pleased with the level of focus at practice last night and could see an improvement in just those 75 minutes alone!

If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am not always with your girls anymore, but I am happy to help when and where I can. Keep me in the loop if they need anything (on or off the field). This is a developmental program in which we strive to develop the “whole child”. Lacrosse is a beautiful conduit for so many of the skills our girls need to navigate the world that is middle school (and beyond).

Warmest Regards,

Caroline

–nature never did betray the heart that loved her.

The Bandits have finalized plans for their 1st & 2nd grade Rookies Lacrosse program.  It will be 9 one hour lacrosse sessions that will introduce your child to lacrosse and other fun athletic activities.

Bandits have decided to add an additional team at each of their three age levels to help create the opportunity for more playing time for all players.  Because of record turn-out for the spring, and the importance of multiple touches and game experience for players, the Bandits added an additional team at all three age groups.  .

The Bandits are excited to announce that their original head coach has returned to the area and helped out coaching the Bandits this fall 2018.  Coach Caroline will lead the Bandits Winter Lacrosse Skills & Drills clinic this winter.  Caroline is a Northwestern University graduate.  She played on the National Championship lacrosse team while she was attending school there.  Caroline, a Loyola Academy grad was a high school lacrosse All-American and multiple Illinois State Lacrosse Champion.  The Bandits are very fortunate to have Coach Caroline back with us—–she is recognized as one of the best coaches in the state.

Bandit alumni, Daphne Karahalios, 2020, recently committed to attend and play lacrosse at West Point for the Army women’s team.  Daphne attends Culver Military Academy and plays club lacrosse for the Denver Summit Elite 2020.  Way to Daphne—-we are proud of you.

The Bandits are excited to open their spring season and begin their fifth year. Link to Bandits Spring 2018 Welcome Letter.

New this winter and spring, Bandits Head Coach, Melissa has begun a new pilot lacrosse program for girls in K-2nd grades.  Her clinics for this age group are on Sundays, 2pm-3pm at Lake Forest College, in January & February.  Contact us for more information.

Bandits are offering their popular winter lacrosse clinics, indoors at Lake Forest College.  The winter sessions are 8 Sundays beginning on January 14th. These clinics are designed for 3rd thru 8th grades and are fun instructional sessions for all levels.  This year Coach Melissa will also be leading a group of K-2nd grades in her beginning lacrosse for the youngsters. Contact coach Melissa directly @ Melissa.Paluch20@gmail.com

Bandits were excited to offer fall lacrosse to thirteen 3rd graders this fall 2017.  This spunky group was fun to work with and improved greatly.  Bandits are excited to include this 3rd grade group in the winter and spring programming moving forward.

Bandits create a shortened 6 week Fall lacrosse program beginning Sept. 6th for those players ready to start their Fall lacrosse after Labor Day!