Six years ago, Vanessa Dias launched Able Lacrosse with the simple goal of sharing the game with her daughter, Elle, and with other children like her who had developmental differences. The idea was inspired by Dias’ two sons, Rowan and Christian, who loved lacrosse and wanted to share their passion for the game with their younger sister.
“Honestly, we were just hopeful that we would be able to have a once per week opportunity for Elle and her friends to get together and play lacrosse,” Dias said.
What quickly became apparent, however, was that their local community of Westchester County, N.Y., had a strong need for inclusive sports opportunities. Able Lacrosse soon became Able Athletics, adding a broader range of inclusive sports, including field hockey, flag football, volleyball and wheelchair sports.
Today, Able Athletics serves hundreds of children with learning differences, intellectual disabilities and other needs that require accommodations, across multiple communities, supported by a network of coaches, therapists, special education teachers and dedicated volunteers of all ages.
While Vanessa Dias heads the organization’s leadership team, both of her sons remain active as key contributors, serving alongside many others who have provided valuable support since Able’s humble beginning.
In recognition of the organization’s success in empowering children with disabilities through inclusive programming, USA Lacrosse recently recognized four of Able’s leaders with special awards.
Rowan and Christian, now 17 and 15 years old, respectively, are both recipients of USA Lacrosse’s Emerging Leader Award, while longtime volunteers James Synowiez and Jeremy Guski are recipients of the Outstanding Contributor to the Game Award. They serve as Able’s co-directors of lacrosse.
“Over the past five years, James and Jeremy have gone far beyond the traditional definition of leadership. They have helped build a new model of lacrosse — one rooted in compassion, accessibility, and community,” Dias said. “Together, they’ve transformed sidelines into classrooms, where varsity athletes learn that lacrosse isn’t just a game, it’s a vehicle for connection, dignity, and joy for every child.”
As boys’ varsity head coach at Scarsdale High School, Synowiez often brings his players to help with Able’s clinics and events.
“James has been a driving force behind the growth of inclusive lacrosse,” Dias said. “He stepped in right away and brought along the players he trusted most. But more than bringing players and experience, from the moment James joined our efforts, he also brought along his heart.”
Guski, the assistant varsity coach at Yorktown High School, has been equally instrumental in Able’s growth.
“Jeremy helps create an environment where every athlete, regardless of ability, feels respected, challenged, and part of something bigger than themselves,” Dias said. “His ability to pivot seamlessly between athletes with intellectual disabilities and those with physical disabilities is remarkable. He brings the same energy, focus, and expectation to every athlete he works with, ensuring they are not only included, but truly coached.”
As for the Dias boys, their vision for inclusion was one of the sparks that initially ignited Able Lacrosse.
“Christian and Rowan are two of the most compassionate young leaders I have ever met and embody everything this award stands for — dedication, service, and a commitment to growing the sport of lacrosse in a way that is inclusive, meaningful, and accessible to all,” said Melissa Ponzio, chief program officer for Able Athletics.
She notes that the brothers display a genuine kindness to all the participants.
“What makes Christian and Rowan truly extraordinary is their authenticity. They don’t just show up. They truly care,” Ponzio said. “They strive to create a world that is more inclusive and accepting. As the mother of a son with special needs, I am forever grateful for the space they have created for my child and the community they’ve built for my family. Christian and Rowan are not just the leaders of today, they are the changemakers of tomorrow.”
Lacrosse is a Game for All
USA Lacrosse is committed to fostering a national lacrosse community that encourages understanding, appreciation and acceptance of all. We believe that broad representation and participation, through accessibility and availability to everyone, adds significant value to the lacrosse experience of each of us. Learn More
