From the CEO: Is This Thing On?

I never met a microphone I didn’t like.

At least, that’s what my wife says to me.

In the last few months, I’ve traveled from the convention floors of Las Vegas to the Halls of Congress in Washington, D.C. — and a lot of places in between.

Sometimes a microphone is in front me. Other times it’s political leadership, impactful donors or local USA Lacrosse members.

But in each conversation, the message remains the same: USA Lacrosse is here to lead, advocate for and elevate access to the game of lacrosse across the United States. Nashville, Charlotte, Dallas, Austin, Indianapolis, Hilton Head, Boston, New York City and Baltimore are just a few of the additional stops we’ve made in this pursuit.

So why the travel and the media tour? Is it vanity or meaningful work? It’s definitely the latter, with thought and strategy behind it.

Lacrosse is a top-10 team sport in the U.S. with massive upside growth potential. The more the sport sustains and grows in its participation, the stronger we are financially. The stronger we are financially, the more we can invest in youth access. The more youth strength we have, the more high schools will support and add lacrosse. The more high schools that play lacrosse, the more colleges will support and add lacrosse at all levels. And so on, up to more professional and U.S. National Team support.

We are a culture of visibility in the U.S. Showing up matters. Being present, advocating for our game and access helps future policymaking in support of youth sports, after-school funding, NCAA legislation and support of Olympic sports. This advocacy also allows USA Lacrosse to engage with leadership in corporate America for sponsorship and philanthropy, as well as attracting and retaining talent for our full-time staff and board.

As the sport’s United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee-certified National Governing Body, USA Lacrosse is uniquely qualified and tasked with this role. Our work provides national credibility from which everyone benefits. Even those who don’t support us through membership have an enriched lacrosse experience thanks to the national standards, safety and investment we provide for the sport.

So yes, I like the mic. Because I’ve never been more committed to our mission and I’ve never had stronger conviction in our ability to effect positive outcomes through the game of lacrosse.

And I’ve never been more thankful for our members’ support of this shared purpose. We are all better for it. Cheers!