After moving to a virtual format in 2021 due the global pandemic, the USA Lacrosse Convention returned in-person to the Baltimore Convention Center from Jan. 14-16 to help kick off the 2022 lacrosse season. While it was smaller scale due to the pandemic, the traditional hallmarks of LaxCon were clearly evident.
The core of the event is the best coaches and officials in the business sharing their knowledge with attendees from around the country, and the world, to help the game flourish.
The knowledge comes from veterans like Ryan Boyle, the Hall of Fame player who played on three U.S. teams and is one of the best in the business in breaking down the game — from his days as a player, as a coach and a teacher and as an analyst.
The fundamentals of the Extra-Man Offense, as told by @Ryan_Boyle14 ?
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 15, 2022
The National Lacrosse Hall of Famer took them to school this morning. pic.twitter.com/O23EKPxsO8
The knowledge also comes from newer voices, such as recent UMass grad Caitlyn Petro. Petro’s first ever LaxCon session, giving tips on the draw, was a hit.
Give them the YES QUEEN ?♀️
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 14, 2022
Former @UMassLacrosse star Caitlyn Petro breaks down draw tactics in an easy-to-understand way. ?#LaxCon2022 pic.twitter.com/UAU2SKYgZl
New USA Lacrosse CEO Marc Riccio outlined his vision for the organization, participating in a lively Q&A session. “What are we doing well, what are we not doing well,” Riccio said. “I welcome those conversations. It’s the only way we’ll get better.” One of those questions was what is USA Lacrosse doing to help grow the game in diverse communities.
1️⃣ First Stick Program
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 15, 2022
2️⃣ Sankofa Clinic Series
3️⃣ National Celebrate Lacrosse Week
USA Lacrosse CEO @MarcRiccio21 outlines our strategy for reinvesting in growing the game in diverse communities. #LaxCon2022 pic.twitter.com/sfMoVNH4lL
A big part of LaxCon is also inspiring the future of the game by allowing youth to connect with the stars of today.
Let us tell you about Harper. ?
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 16, 2022
Harper is @kylieohlmiller’s biggest fan. She got in line 3️⃣ times just to see Kylie during her autograph session, wearing a beanie and sunglasses the third time so no one would notice. ?
Harper is what makes #LaxCon so special. pic.twitter.com/jv3QVWscz0
Perhaps the most important of this year’s LaxCon was the opportunity for the community to come back together.
#LaxCon2022 was the recharge that I needed. Great times with even greater people. Saw my friends, met some truly incredible people and had an amazing time! Until next time y’all
— Coach Benoit (@CoachBenoit7) January 16, 2022
Had an AMAZING #LaxCon2022! Learned a ton, ate crab for almost every meal, and now about to take off out of a snowy Baltimore. Can’t wait to come back next year!
— Kate Twichell (@KateTwichell) January 16, 2022
What a weekend at #LaxCon2022!! Thank you @USA_Lacrosse for creating this space for our community to connect in person! I learned so much, and it was wonderful to see old friends *and* meet new friends in person! pic.twitter.com/c8YCSTnsHr
— Tari | Official Lax Girl™️ (@officiallaxgirl) January 17, 2022
And for that, we say thank you. We can’t wait to reunite next year from Jan, 20-22, 2023 back in Baltimore for another LaxCon.
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— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 16, 2022
For everyone that came out to learn about this great game.
For the presenters willing to share their knowledge.
You helped bring back the excitement that comes with #LaxCon2022. pic.twitter.com/MZtHGjdy8W
