Homegrown Lacrosse

Derek grew up in Minneapolis and attended the University of St. Thomas. He played defense for the 2-time defending MCLA DII National Champion Tommie lacrosse team. Derek was named a 2006 US Lacrosse High School All-American when he was at the Academy of Holy Angels. He briefly played NCAA Division I at Butler University and Providence College. At St. Thomas, he was a member of the MCLA Division II National Championships in both 2009 and 2010, earning MCLA Division II 1st Team All-American recognition during both of those seasons. Recently, Derek was the recipient of the“North American Scholar Athlete Award” from Durham University (United Kingdom) which has given him the opportunity to pursue graduate studies and help grow the sport of lacrosse overseas.

Lacrosse has brought Derek many positive life experiences and has brought many important people into his life. Participation in lacrosse has afforded Derek the chance to travel all over the United States, as well as overseas, as a player and a coach.  He's enjoyed sharing the strong ties of brotherhood that makes lacrosse so unique.

When asked what he enjoys about coaching lacrosse Derek told this story: "After a grueling 5-day overnight camp where the temperature seemed to be above 100 degrees the whole week, the air conditioning absent, cafeteria food took its toll on my self-image, and muscles ached in places I didn't know existed--a simple comment from a player explaining how glad he was to have attended and that he couldn't wait until next year made it all worth it."

Derek believes Homegrown offers empowerment to lacrosse players.

Tidbits: Derek has said that he'd love to play wall ball on the Great Wall of China....if he's allowed. Also, whatever gadget Colin Achenbach is currently using is Derek's favorite gadget as well.