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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 grassroots level.
Each day, USA Lacrosse profile someone who makes a positive difference in their community. Join us as we celebrate local lacrosse heroes from coast-to-coast.
Name: Alex Johnson
Local Lacrosse Organization: Blaine Youth Lacrosse
Location: Blaine, Minn.
Johnson truly gives back to the game by serving as a volunteer coach with the same non-profit program in which he participated as a youth player. Although he doesn’t have a child in the program, he faithfully commits his time to working with the next generation of young athletes, providing advice and teaching game skills.
In addition to coaching, Johnson has assumed duties as director of player development for Blaine Youth Lacrosse.
Johnson’s commitment goes beyond just coaching in the spring season, as he also helps to run introductory clinics for new players, including fall and winter skill development sessions. In addition, Johnson works to break down the barriers to participation by collecting and donating gear and equipment to assist families.
He has also served as head coach at his alma mater, Blaine High School, for the past four years.
Johnson was an accomplished player who began his high school career at Blaine High School before moving to Culver Military Academy, where he earned All-Midwest first team honors as a defender. He then enjoyed a four-year college career at Loyola University Maryland, earning USILA Scholar All-American recognition.
Paul Ohanian has worked at USA Lacrosse since 2006 and is currently the senior manager of program content. Prior to joining USA Lacrosse, he served as SID at a Division III school with a strong lacrosse tradition and learned to appreciate the commitment and passion that athletes at all levels bring to the game.