 |
Neil Anderson | Head Coach, Chillax
Coed Chillax | Mad River Valley |
|
Neal is the Head Coach and Athletic Director at Norwich University. A 2000 graduate of Merrimack College, Anderson played college lacrosse at the University of New Hampshire and at Merrimack. Neal was named a USILA-NCAA All-American and was also selected as a USILA-NCAA Academic All-American. He received the 2012 recipient of the Ace Adams Award, which is voted on by the officials of New England and highlights the sportsmanship of the program, coaching staff, administration and fans.
"Lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet. It's a ton of fun to play at any age and I love to share my passion and enthusiasm for the sport."
|
|
 |
Curtis Taylor | Head Coach, Chillax
Coed Chillax | Waterbury
|
|
| |
 |
Mark Prior | Head Coach, 3/4 Boys
|
|
I’m passionate about coaching lacrosse and sharing my experience with young players. I played attack at UVM and graduated in 2004. This is my third year coaching the 3/4 Highlander team, and I especially enjoy working with midfielders and attackers. | |
 |
Tristan Weide | Head Coach, 3/4 Boys |
|
As a dedicated member of the Highlander Lacrosse community, I am fueled by a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to nurturing young athletes' growth. Volunteering for the third year at the 3/4 grade level allows me to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of lacrosse enthusiasts. I relish the opportunity to share my knowledge, instill values of sportsmanship, and foster a love for the game in young players. Through volunteering, I aim to create a supportive and empowering environment where every child can thrive both on and off the field.
|
|
 |
Scott Fleckenstein | Assistant Coach, 3/4 BoysI am coaching to help kids achieve full potential that sports provide for the rest of their lives. |
|
| |
 |
Ryan Kessler | Head Coach, 5/6 Boys
|
|
I was raised and went to school within the Harwood community. I played for the first Harwood lacrosse team, and have loved the sport since. Lacrosse is a sport where we can promote teamwork, provide physical education and support our players growth. I have two young men that will be playing on our team. I am excited to coach and develop our players and support the youth lacrosse organization.
| |
|
Mark Fleckenstein | Head Coach, 5/6 Boys
|
|
I live in Fayston with my wife Jenneth and two boys (Noah and Finn) who both play and enjoy the game of lacrosse. I enjoy the sport and am happy to volunteer my time so that our community can continue to grow a strong lacrosse program for the benefit of all our kids. | |
|
Tyler Austin | Assistant Coach, 5/6 BoysI love helping the kids learn new skills and develop lifelong friendships. |
|
| |
 |
Chris Lamonia | Head Coach, 7/8 Boys |
|
|
Chris discovered lacrosse at age 7 in Baltimore, Maryland, surrounded by the sport's top coaches and mentors. His dedication, leadership, and work ethic made him a team captain throughout his school years and at Radford University's NCAA D1 lacrosse team. Ranking among the nation's top players, Chris achieved #5 in the country for most faceoffs won in NCAA Division 1 lacrosse and #8 in ground balls in 2000.
Following his successful playing career, Chris pursued coaching under renowned coaches like Bobby Shriver and Dave Klarmann, former NCAA D1 National Championship-winning coach. Since moving to Vermont in 2004, Chris has remained active in the lacrosse community, coaching various levels and forming affordable summer clubs. He currently coaches Harwood Union Varsity Lacrosse, instilling core values of hard work, commitment, and continuous improvement both on and off the field.
“I was fortunate to play lacrosse for and learn from the best lacrosse coaches in the game. Through the game of lacrosse, I learned to lead by example and since I was never the best player on the field, I learned the real meaning of hard work, effort, being an active participant in my future and most importantly I learned what commit meant. I learned to commit to my team, my family and my coaches to improve every day.”
| |
|
Shawn Sullivan | Assistant Coach, 7/8 BoysI want to pass along my joy of the game of lacrosse to youth lacrosse players.
|
|
|
| |
|
Joshua Staples | Assistant Coach, 7/8 Boys
|
|
|
I was fortunate enough to start playing lacrosse at a young age for several great coaches who inspired not only the love of the game, but also my growth as a person. Now I have the opportunity to pass those same things on to the future players of this wonderful game. | |
|
Hannah Flynn | Head Coach, 3/4 GirlsI have been helping coach girls 3/4 lacrosse for 4 years. I picked up lacrosse in high school and it quickly became my favorite sport to play. I coach and love soccer too, but want girls to know that playing multiple sports makes us better, stronger athletes, and help grow the love of all of the games! |
|
| |
 |
Jess Colbourne Deane | Head Coach,3/4 Girls
|
|
| Jess fell in love with lacrosse in 9th grade when she and her friends decided that they wanted to try playing the "new sport" at the time. She played through high school and college, and has coached at the JV and varsity high school level. She's excited to get back to FUNdamentals with the 3/4 girls, and try to keep up with the ever-changing rules!
| |
|
Jess Robinson | Head Coach, 3/4 GirlsI love lax!
|
|
| |
|
Khrista Trerotola | Head Coach, 5/6 GirlsI grew up just outside of Buffalo, NY and have been playing lacrosse since I was ~10, where I learned with a wooden stick from the patriarch of the last Native American manufacturer of lacrosse sticks (Patterson Lacrosse). I played through high school and D3 at Ithaca College, where I was captain my final two years. I continued playing intramural lacrosse in Boston for a few years after college. My husband and I moved to the Valley in August 2019 and this is my 4th season with Mad River Lacrosse. I am really excited to share the sport with the next generation and help build girls' confidence along the way. |
|
| |
|
Gretchen Browe | Assistant Coach, 5/6 GirlsGretchen returns this year as an Assistant Coach for the 5/6 girls' team. She grew up playing sports on Cape Cod and was forced into being a lacrosse goalie by her older sister. Gretchen went on to play for St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA in high school and was in the net for two seasons at St. Lawrence University. Gretchen has been working with the girls since the Chill Lax program several years ago and is excited to continue working with the girls and watching their skills as players and teammates grow. Gretchen’s daughter, Thayer, is on this year’s team. |
|
| |
 |
Beth Meyer | Assistant Coach, 5/6 GirlsWhen I grew up in Randolph, there wasn't a girls team at the younger age levels. A friend convinced me to play boy's lacrosse, and stick with it until we could get to varsity. I grew up in admiration for the girls ahead of me, and they inspired me to work hard and refine my skills. My senior year team made the Championship game against St Johnsbury, coming out as Division II State Champions - a first for RUHS. Being part of a group of girls who share a passion for the game has been one of my sporting highlights. I went on to play at Smith College for my first and second year before going abroad. I love being able to coach the girls team and share my passion for the game.
You will often see me with my Assistant to the Assistant Coach, Max. |
|
| |
|
Matt Lillard | Assistant Coach, 5/6 GirlsI've been coaching for lacrosse and other youth sports for over 10 years. I enjoy spreading a love of Lacrosse and helping out where I can. |
|
| |
|
Matt Lillard | Assistant Coach, 5/6 GirlsI've been coaching for lacrosse and other youth sports for over 10 years. I enjoy spreading a love of Lacrosse and helping out where I can. |
|
| |
|
Paul Geary | Head Coach, 7/8 Girls |
|
| |
 |
Ben Service | Assistant Coach, 7/8 GirlsI grew up playing lacrosse and had the chance to start coaching when my daughter started playing 2 years ago. I really enjoy coaching, helping the players get better and having fun at the same time. |
|
| |
|
Jim Bellanca | Assistant Coach, 7/8 GirlsOur daughter started playing lacrosse in early elementary school, and I quickly came to love the energy, pace and excitement of the game. As her enjoyment for the game has continued to grow, it has been great to be have the chance to assist the coaches and support the team as they have advanced in their level of play. |
|
| |
|
Lisa LeBlanc | Assistant Coach, 7/8 GirlsI really enjoy connecting with the girls and seeing their grit hard work pay off in the games. I have been helping out for a few years and always look forward to seeing new faces and smiles on the girls faces. It's a great team sport! |
|
| |