In conjunction with this year’s National Celebrate Lacrosse Week, USA Lacrosse is proudly recognizing volunteers from across the country who are helping to grow the game on the grass roots level. Each day, we will profile someone who makes a positive difference in their community. Join us as we celebrate local lacrosse heroes from coast-to-coast.
Name: Kerri McGinty Roskot
Local Lacrosse Organization: Huntington Village Lacrosse
Location: Huntington, N.Y.
HOW ROSKOT IMPACTS THE LOCAL GROWTH OF THE GAME
Roskot has been involved with Huntington Village Lacrosse (HVLAX) for many years, initially serving for five years as the girls' director and now as president of the organization. Despite the demands of these leadership positions, she also makes time to coach multiple teams and works directly with players. Her impact, especially in the growth of the girls' program, is evidenced by her enthusiastic engagement with girls of all backgrounds and ability levels. As a coach, she creates a team culture in which new players immediately feel like they belong.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND CONTRIBUTIONS
As President of Huntington Village Lacrosse, Roskot personally spreads the lacrosse message throughout the community, and gives countless hours throughout the year to improving the experience of the organization's youth athletes. She is committed to making lacrosse accessible to every child in a community with a diverse socioeconomic population and a Title I school district. She coordinates registration scholarships for families experiencing financial hardship and facilitates the collection and distribution of donated lacrosse equipment so that the cost of participating does not prevent a child from playing.
WHAT HER PEERS HAVE TO SAY
“What distinguishes Kerri is that she does not measure the success of youth lacrosse solely by wins, losses, or the development of elite players. She measures success by whether children are learning, having fun, feeling included, returning the following season, and developing a love for the game. She consistently goes far beyond what is expected of a volunteer coach or league administrator. She is building players, but she is also building a program and a community. Through her leadership, Kerri is helping ensure that the game continues to grow in Huntington for generations to come.”
