Our Program is Divided into 4 Levels:
1st-2nd Grades: This is an instructional level coordinated by Heidi Thomas. We practice 2 nights a week - Mondays & Thursdays at Wissahickon HS from 6-7:30pm. We keep it fun while stressing the fundamentals. Lots of relay races as well as lots of fun and games to keep the girls focused and motivated while running our drills. In Late Spring, we try to schedule one or two playdays where we get together with other local programs to have "mini" 7 vs 7 games in a festival atmosphere. Stephanie Hornig, one of the pioneers at this level, returns for her 4th year heading the program.
3rd-4th Grades: Also Instructional. Stephanie Hornig is the coordinator. Focus is on the basics : cradle, scoop, catch, and throw. Practices are Tuesday and Thursday evenings at WHS from 6-7:30. As the season progresses, we add a game element because every girl's favorite part is to scrimmage! We schedule 5-7 Play Days or Play Nights with other local clubs that last 75-90 minutes. These are 7 v 7 with no goalies and we require 3 passes before shooting. We hold the majority of these on our normal practice nights. There are a few Saturdays here and there (mainly in March and April), but we give the girls plenty of lacrosse without overloading them. Tom Gannon, Greg Wild, Michelle DeGroat, Chris Coyne, and Stefanie Wilde will work together with this group.
5th-6th Grades: In 5th-6th grade, we move to the big field and 12 v 12 lacrosse. Practices are Tuesdays and Thursday nights at the Wissahickon Middle School (WMS) this year from 6-7:30pm. We split our teams equally as best as possible. We play a league schedule against local Philadelphia Area Girls Lacrosse Association (PAGLA) teams. These games are typically on Saturday mornings or early afternoons. PAGLA's philosophy is instilling a love for the game and gaining confidence in skills. Score is not typcally kept. At this level, Modified Checking (below the shoulder) is introduced. This adds an additional level of excitement for the girls, especially the ones who like to mix it up! This is also the first time our girls get to face goalies. Get your daughter in the nets if she wants to play at the next level :) Greg Wild, Stefanie Wilde, Michele Degroat, and Tom Gannon will work together with this level. Anyone wanting to assist is welcome - see Tom Gannon.
7th-8th Grades: In the 7th-8th, Practices will be at WHS from 6-7:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Our teams are split by ability at this age. We will field one A level team in PAGLA's East division and two B level teams. Like 5th-6th, we play games every weekend from April through the first week of June. We also schedule some weeknight games. Note that playing Wisslax is generally a higher quality of play than you will find in the Middle School leagues. The Club teams tend to have more experienced players. We recognize the demands of those playing both club and MS, but the benefits are greatest when both lacrosse opportunities are taken advantage of. Beth Smith will coach the A team. Rob Irvine will coach one B team while Melissa Weber assisted by Jen Lamprecht will coach our other B team.
Note that Lacrosse is a game of Repitition. Please try to get your daughters to both weekly practices for maximum skill improvement. This is essential!
