Dayton Gilbreath is one of those individuals that just doesn’t say no. Especially when it comes to lacrosse.
If there’s any type of initiative to grow the game in the Greater Los Angeles area, there’s a good chance that Gilbreath is involved. From launching the Pacific Palisades youth program to coaching high school girls and the UCLA men’s club team, Gilbreath has touched almost every level of lacrosse since relocating to the City of Angels in 2016. His vision for the sport extends far beyond just one neighborhood.
“Palisades Lacrosse has been a big part of my story, but a lot of my work over the last several years has focused on growing the game throughout Los Angeles,” Gilbreath said. “We've helped build programs in communities like Palisades, Torrance, and Gardena, and launched Laxpoint, a nonprofit focused on reducing barriers to participation and introducing more kids to the sport of lacrosse.”
Initially from Washington state, where he captained the team at Bainbridge Island High School, Gilbreath also enjoyed a four-year collegiate career at the Air Force Academy, graduating in 2012 ranked second on the school’s all-time list for caused turnovers.
Stationed in Okinawa, Japan after graduation, Gilbreath put his passion for lacrosse into action, establishing a youth league that eventually grew to include over 200 U.S. and Japanese players. When the Air Force moved Gilbreath back to California in 2016, he initially served as a youth coach with the Santa Monica Dragons before launching the Palisades club two years later.
“We started the Palisades program with just one team of eight kids, and it grew from there, mostly through word of mouth,” Gilbreath said. “I love what I do. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
As a USA Lacrosse member program, the Palisades Breakers offer year-round playing and learning opportunities for boys and girls from kindergarten to 8th grade. Teams participate in the Los Angeles Youth Lacrosse League during the competitive season, while the club also offers clinics and skill development practices during the summer and fall. An equipment program ensures that every child has what they need to get on the field.
Unfortunately, the one barrier that Palisades couldn’t overcome was the devastating fire that hit the region prior to the start of the 2025 spring season. Many of the club’s families either lost their home or were displaced for a period of time. Gilbreath jumped into the void.
“After the Palisades Fires, Dayton reached out to professional athletes, community sponsors, and members of the community to gather enough donations to help support the affected families,” said Tyler Tomlinson, one of the Palisades coaches. “He hosted a massive drive for clothes, supplies, food, toys, and sports gear. It was a whole day event that gave the affected families a chance to relax for a moment and let the parents watch their kids meet and play catch with professional players.”
To further assist displaced families, Gilbreath relocated Palisades practices closer to where his families were, hosting them in El Segundo and Manhattan Beach to make life easier for those who were forced to leave their homes.
The concept of branching out was something Gilbreath had also considered prior to the fires. By strategically locating teams and practices around Los Angeles, he hoped to increase the sport’s visibility and access to untapped neighborhoods. 
“My focus has always been on making lacrosse accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience,” Gilbreath said. “I’m absolutely committed to developing new players and introducing them to this incredible sport.”
In order to continue growing the game, Gilbreath recently partnered with USA Lacrosse to introduce lacrosse into the physical education curriculum at local elementary and middle schools. He commits time to doing clinics for teachers to prepare them in instructing their students.
“Dayton is a big mover and shaker with our P.E. initiative, as well as our initiatives in diversity and adaptive lacrosse,” said Ronnie Morales, director of diversity, inclusion and opportunity at USA Lacrosse. “He’s really been a steward of the P.E. program, leveraging his local contacts to get into the schools. He’s a connector, with his eyes and ears always on the ground for lacrosse.”
With lacrosse slated to be part of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Gilbreath is literally sowing lacrosse seeds throughout the region in preparation for that historic event. He realizes that the international platform provides the game with a great growth opportunity.
“Hopefully, the Olympics will serve as a catalyst to get more kids to play our game,” he said. “There’s plenty of room for growth in the programs that are in and around Los Angeles.”
Those who know Gilbreath have no doubts that he will be involved in whatever growth is on the horizon.
“Dayton doesn’t just say he’s going to do something. He does it,” Morales said. “Nobody walks the walk better than Dayton.”
Community Heroes
This USA Lacrosse online series seeks to recognize individuals who are helping to grow lacrosse on the grass roots level. Do you know a USA Lacrosse member who is making a positive difference in their community? Submit an online nomination and share their story.
