WINTER 2024

In fall of 2023, the Cloquet school board made the decision to introduce lacrosse for both boys and girls as a new varsity sport this spring. The boys will play under a unified Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (CEC) Lumberjacks banner, akin to the existing arrangements for boys hockey and soccer teams. Meanwhile, the highschool girls are set to join forces with the existing Hermantown/Proctor Stealth team, a move decided by the current player numbers not yet justifying a separate CEC program. This development sets the stage for an unforgettable season, opening doors for young athletes across the region.

Along with these newly formed highschool co-ops, the former 218 girls lacrosse program is expanding this spring to offer opportunities for youth girls from Cloquet, Esko, Carlton, Proctor and Hermantown to play under the name the Valkyries. They will also offer summer teams at the 14u and 18u levels.

CEC Boys Lacrosse: Building More Than Just a Team

The journey to varsity status is a milestone for any sports team, but for the CEC boys lacrosse team, it represents a significant achievement in overcoming years of challenges. After facing difficulties with scheduling games, securing field time, and acquiring the necessary resources, the CEC boys' lacrosse team is set to embark on its first year as a varsity program this spring. This cooperative effort underscores the community's commitment to providing young athletes with opportunities to play the sport they love.

"In this first year at CEC, our goal is to build a strong chemistry and culture within the program that's structured around making respectful, young men; while also building a competitive, winning program as a byproduct." says Head Coach Luke Mehelich (Homegrown Summer Camp LDP Alumni) when asked on his goals for their first varsity season. “Looking into the future, my vision for CEC is to see the program become school-funded after the first few years established as an MSHSL team, as every new team has to go through. We have projected a large amount of players at the youth level that will feed the varsity team for years to come, which is really exciting to see. Our youth program at CEC is very supportive of the varsity team and played a large role in helping the team become associated with MSHSL.”

The local community is buzzing with excitement for the team's varsity debut this spring. "I think the community has been waiting for the team to officially become an MSHSL team for a long time now. The community in CEC has been very supportive of the team. There's definitely no shortage of athletes and talent in the area with already having a phenomenal hockey, basketball, and football program. From the feedback that I have received from parents, players, and the rest of the community, everyone seems very receptive and excited to have a school lacrosse program. Parents and players cannot wait to start in April!" Mehelich shares, capturing the community's eagerness for the sport's growth.

Valkyries Lacrosse: Fostering a Community of Female Athletes

Similar to the CEC high school boys' program, the Valkyries Lacrosse initiative is carving out its own path, focusing on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for girls across northern Minnesota. Success for the Valkyries transcends conventional metrics, as outlined by the programs’ coordinators Bryan and Lisa LaCore: "Success in our first season as the Valkyries would be to field teams at each level, which includes 6u -14u. Another indicator is to register players from all of our communities, which includes Proctor, Hermantown, Cloquet, Esko, Carlton, and surrounding areas. Success would also mean that each player felt like they were part of a bigger community of lacrosse, learned more about the sport, had some fun, and saw the future opportunities they have in lacrosse." 

The Valkyries Lacrosse program aims to create a cohesive ecosystem for lacrosse development, leveraging community and family partnerships. "By working together, and investing in our youth, we can create and develop a strong feeder program. We also want to be part of developing opportunities for off-season and summer lacrosse for all the players in the Northland that want to play more lacrosse and be part of competitive tournaments," they detail, envisioning a future where lacrosse is a pillar of the local sports community.

The co-op program's impact is already being felt, with increased participation and excitement from families and athletes. "People are excited! With the recent five-school co-op at the high school level, in addition to our youth program, it is clear our communities are working together to provide this opportunity for our girls. In turn, we have already had an increase in participation as girls can see a future playing lacrosse," they share, highlighting the positive momentum building around the program.

Unified by a Vision of Growth and Inclusion

Both programs share a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, where fun and personal growth take center stage. "Our coaching philosophy is one of inclusion and fun. We want each player to be able to have fun, be creative and exercise their physical and mental muscles. A place where mistakes are part of learning to do new things. Confidence is then gained by learning that we can indeed do hard things," Lisa and Bryan elaborate, reflecting a shared ethos that values development over mere victory.

As northern Minnesota gears up for a vibrant lacrosse season, the foundations laid by the CEC boys' and Valkyries girls' programs underscore a shared commitment to enriching the lives of young athletes through sport. With community support, dedicated leadership, and a focus on inclusive growth, lacrosse is poised to become a defining feature of the region's athletic landscape, offering lessons and experiences that extend far beyond the field.

The Captains Cup, presented by Homegrown Lacrosse, stands as a beacon of inspiration and guidance for young lacrosse athletes across the state, especially as they gear up for the highly anticipated Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) lacrosse season. This unique showcase event is not just a competition; it's a comprehensive leadership and community-building experience designed to honor, educate, and celebrate the young athletes who have been recognized by their coaches for their leadership potential and skills on the field.

The Captain's Cup goes beyond the traditional tournament format by inviting players from every high school program in the state to be nominated by their coaches to represent their schools in regional teams. These teams then compete in a round-robin competition, which is just one part of the day's events. Equally important is the off-field leadership training, where players engage in activities and discussions designed to enhance their understanding of what it means to be a leader in the context of lacrosse and beyond. 

The impact of the Captain's Cup on participating athletes is profound. Not only do they get the chance to showcase their skills against the best of their peers, but they also leave with a deeper appreciation for the role of community in lacrosse. The lessons learned and the skills developed during this event are intended to be shared with their teammates back home, fostering a culture of leadership, respect, and unity within their teams.

Annually, Homegrown Lacrosse enriches the Captains Cup by inviting professional lacrosse players to engage with participants and to share insights from their experiences in leadership both on and off the field. This past Sunday, at the Girls' Captains Cup, we were honored to have Lizzie Colson impart her invaluable wisdom to our attendees. Looking ahead, we're excited to welcome Jules Heningburg to the Boys' Captains Cup this coming Sunday. The presence of these accomplished athletes provides an extraordinary opportunity for our young athletes to learn and grow, gaining inspiration from their journeys and achievements. The following includes some background on this year's speakers, whom we are glad to have as part of the Homegrown community:

Jules Heningburg

Jules Heningburg's journey from a passionate young lacrosse player in Maplewood, New Jersey, to becoming one of the Premier Lacrosse League's (PLL) most dynamic attackers, is a testament to his dedication and resilience. Jules began his lacrosse career at the age of 7, eventually leading his high school team at Seton Hall Preparatory School on a remarkable run to the State Championship. Despite being an unranked recruit, his collegiate career at Rutgers University was distinguished by significant accomplishments, including becoming a two-time captain, First Team All-Big Ten selection, All-American, and the second all-time point scorer in Rutgers' history. His prowess on the field led to him being Rutgers’ highest-ranked professional draft pick, selected 7th overall in the 2018 Major League Lacrosse Draft and later as the #38 pick to the San Diego Seals of the National Lacrosse League.

After college, Heningburg's influence expanded beyond the field with the creation of Juke Lab, part of First Class Lacrosse, which specializes in footwork and dodging training. His impact in the PLL was immediate, starting as an attackman for the Whipsnakes before being traded to the Redwoods, where he led the team in scoring and points in the 2019 season. He was recognized as a PLL All-Star and became a top five point scorer in the league.

However, Jules' career faced a significant setback in 2020 when he tested positive for COVID-19, leading to health complications that sidelined him for the season. During this time, Heningburg became a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion in lacrosse, helping to establish the Black Lacrosse Alliance and serving as its acting President. His efforts extended to founding Mission Primed, a mentorship and networking program aimed at supporting young men on and off the field.

Jules Heningburg's story is not just about his achievements in lacrosse but also his contributions off the field, advocating for diversity, inclusion, and mentorship. As he looks forward to returning to play, his journey inspires many, proving that the best is indeed yet to come. 

Lizzie Colson

Lizzie Colson's collegiate career at the University of Maryland was marked by many significant achievements over five years. Despite missing the 2020 season due to a knee injury, she emerged as a formidable defender, leading the nation with 49 caused turnovers in 2021. Her accolades include the IWLCA National Defender of the Year, Big Ten Conference Defender of the Year, three IWLCA All-America and All-Big Ten selections, and three Inside Lacrosse All-America commendations. Additionally, Colson was recognized as a finalist for the 2021 Tewaaraton Award and served as a team captain in her last two years, showcasing her leadership and impact on the field.

Following her college tenure, Colson's resilience was further demonstrated when she returned to Team USA in 2021 after recovering from a knee injury sustained during a 2019 training camp. Transitioning to a midfield role, she became an integral part of the team's defense, participating in the 2022 World Lacrosse Women's World Championship. The U.S. team excelled in defense, partly due to Colson's contributions, including scoring two goals in the opener against Hong Kong, China.

In her professional career, Colson continued to shine. Selected in the 2021 Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse College Draft, she made an immediate impact in her debut season in 2022. She was named to the All-Defensive Team, starting all 12 games for Athletes Unlimited. Colson ranked eighth in the league for leaderboard points and third for win points, further proving her excellence on the field with notable performances, including causing turnovers and securing ground balls.

Lizzie Colson's journey from collegiate lacrosse at Maryland to the international stage and into the professional leagues illustrates her unwavering determination, exceptional skill, and leadership in the sport of lacrosse.

Last week, the Homegrown senior staff was invited to St. Louis Park Middle School to host "TryLax" events for almost all 1,025 students in their physical education classes. For many, it was their first experience trying lacrosse. For some, it was their first time even seeing lacrosse. One teacher even commented that they had never even heard of lacrosse.

TryLax events allow prospective players the opportunity to experience the fastest game on two feet in a fun, low-pressure environment. The program is designed specifically for first-time players who are interested in learning more about the game and serves as a significant first step toward signing up for a team. At each session, Homegrown senior staffers teach fundamental skills like passing, catching, shooting, and scooping in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.

Like all team sports, lacrosse was hit hard at the start of the pandemic in 2020. Total participation in the U.S., which was more than 2.1 million players in 2019, dipped to 1.88 million in 2020, then was up slightly to 1.89 million at the end of 2021, according to data from the Physical Activity Council/Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

As the country continues to rebound from COVID restrictions, team sports such as lacrosse continue to regain and grow their solid player base. TryLax events are a great way to engage potential players and increase participation in the sport of lacrosse in our community.

Interested in hosting a Trylax for your community? Contact info@homegrownlacrosse.org with inquiries