Boys 2028 mess - considerations and solutions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the NOVA talent is in Loudoun son I suspect True Loudoun will emerge as a strong team at younger teams into HS ages.

That is not even close to true. If loudon is so great why are the best 6A teams in Fairfax and Arlington. You sound ridiculous

You are clueless. The best teams in VA are PVI and Riverside and they are Loudoun teams. pVI has maybe one Fairfax based player

That's because the best players Fairfax go to Prep, Landon, Gonzaga, and St Johns.

Also, Robinson is the best 6a public.

Maybe one or two FFx players each year v the entire team at PVI and Riverside is better than Robinson with 1/3 the students. Freedom is the only Loudoun 6a

wrong thread

What a dumb comment. Try 1-2 players from the top lax school districts in FFx county end up going to those private schools mentioned.

Look at current NoVA college players most of the top ones are from Loudoun

False none of them are

I can think of 12 off the top of my head but PVI (several), Riverside (3), Champe, Freedom, Dominion, Stone Bridge are all in Loudoun last time I checked. Multiple players that will be playing in the tournament

[Anonymous]

wrong thread

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

Do you mind sharing which team, and aside from having friends on the team, what (if anything) is making it a good experience?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

Do you mind sharing which team, and aside from having friends on the team, what (if anything) is making it a good experience?

Every kid is going to have a different experience. The kids playing are probably enjoying it, and the ones riding the bench are not. Then the parents have their opinions ... I am guessing it is DCE or NL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

Do you mind sharing which team, and aside from having friends on the team, what (if anything) is making it a good experience?

Every kid is going to have a different experience. The kids playing are probably enjoying it, and the ones riding the bench are not. Then the parents have their opinions ... I am guessing it is DCE or NL.

I get what you’re saying, but we’re not making these huge investments in time and money for pure enjoyment. Of course you want your kids to be happy but to waste the huge amount of time that goes into travel lacrosse There needs to be more of an upside than just fun.

I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that). But if the club cannot provide adequate assurance that the player will get better and have a good chance at being recruited, it’s time to change teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

Do you mind sharing which team, and aside from having friends on the team, what (if anything) is making it a good experience?

Every kid is going to have a different experience. The kids playing are probably enjoying it, and the ones riding the bench are not. Then the parents have their opinions ... I am guessing it is DCE or NL.

I get what you’re saying, but we’re not making these huge investments in time and money for pure enjoyment. Of course you want your kids to be happy but to waste the huge amount of time that goes into travel lacrosse There needs to be more of an upside than just fun.

I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that). But if the club cannot provide adequate assurance that the player will get better and have a good chance at being recruited, it’s time to change teams.

Agree

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.



Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

Do you mind sharing which team, and aside from having friends on the team, what (if anything) is making it a good experience?

Every kid is going to have a different experience. The kids playing are probably enjoying it, and the ones riding the bench are not. Then the parents have their opinions ... I am guessing it is DCE or NL.

I get what you’re saying, but we’re not making these huge investments in time and money for pure enjoyment. Of course you want your kids to be happy but to waste the huge amount of time that goes into travel lacrosse There needs to be more of an upside than just fun.

I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that). But if the club cannot provide adequate assurance that the player will get better and have a good chance at being recruited, it’s time to change teams.

Find the best team that participates in competitive tournaments that college coaches attend where your son plays at least 50% of the time. That’s it. If you don’t have that now, go find it. If it results in not being on NL, Madlax or DCE, so be it. If your son doesn’t really want to play in college, don’t waste your money on clubs and showcases. Get him private/semi- private development so that he can have an impact on his high school team with his classmates.

Signed,

Someone who has already been where you are right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

Do you mind sharing which team, and aside from having friends on the team, what (if anything) is making it a good experience?

Every kid is going to have a different experience. The kids playing are probably enjoying it, and the ones riding the bench are not. Then the parents have their opinions ... I am guessing it is DCE or NL.

I get what you’re saying, but we’re not making these huge investments in time and money for pure enjoyment. Of course you want your kids to be happy but to waste the huge amount of time that goes into travel lacrosse There needs to be more of an upside than just fun.

I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that). But if the club cannot provide adequate assurance that the player will get better and have a good chance at being recruited, it’s time to change teams.

Agree

Agree too.

Here are the problems that our family has experienced on two of these teams, and I am hearing/observing on the third.

(1) bloated rosters of 27 or so players
(2) blatant favoritism, either for obvious reasons (school attended, etc.) or not so obvious ($$).
(3) the combination of points 1 and 2 is deadly - if you have a 27 man roster, and 5 never come off the field, that leaves 22 kids rotating through 5 spots, which is no way to play or learn any sport
(4) coaches not showing up for games and/or practices
(5) little or no teaching of fundamentals, and remarkably, an of attitude "that's not our job," so families have to go out and spend thousands more on private coaches.

On top of all that, MadLax has its wacko coach, NL doesn't even go to the HS recruiting tournaments such as NLF, and DCE has bad communication, and is perpetually rumored to be winding down.

If someone is on any of the three teams and disagrees with this assessment, please identify your team and share some details!

[Anonymous]

There’s no good solution here- barring true or VLC putting up a big name coach. I think we’re stuck with what we got. Speaks & king should start a 28 team

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

Do you mind sharing which team, and aside from having friends on the team, what (if anything) is making it a good experience?

Every kid is going to have a different experience. The kids playing are probably enjoying it, and the ones riding the bench are not. Then the parents have their opinions ... I am guessing it is DCE or NL.

I get what you’re saying, but we’re not making these huge investments in time and money for pure enjoyment. Of course you want your kids to be happy but to waste the huge amount of time that goes into travel lacrosse There needs to be more of an upside than just fun.

I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that). But if the club cannot provide adequate assurance that the player will get better and have a good chance at being recruited, it’s time to change teams.

You are really guaranteed nothing - particularly success (though you caveat it). What does adequate assurance mean? I'd argue that a portion of a player's development will have nothing to do with practice but just general athletic ability (you can improve on the margins but at the end of the day there are some kids that are just going to excel). Another portion of a player's development is what that kid does outside of practice. Doesn't necessarily mean private lessons but doing extra reps (see the Paul Rabil IG video posted somewhere on this page the other day). Lastly, a portion of it is plain noggin knowledge. There are just some kids that are going to have the sports IQ to understand the game and some kids that just won't - no matter how often the coach provides insight on what to do in situation X. Some kids no matter how many times they are told will do whatever they think is right in their own head. Those are all things that can't be addressed in your "guaranteed lacrosse success." It is also things you don't notice unless you are at practice.

Practices and playing in games are certainly part of the calculus in a player getting better. But, at the end of the day...development is really about the player itself. Is the player going out and hitting the wall every day and doing other things to improve. Practice is only going to cover a part of that development. It is outside of practice where a majority of development occurs. And said development is in relationship to other players. Your kid might be getting better but the kid in front of him might also be getting better.

If you think just paying some money to a travel lax team is going to equate to "guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that)," then I'm sorry that's just not how sports work. Now, I realize there contributing factors like favoritism - welcome to the real world - and the like could impact your child's development but that is more reason to get to programs where your kid sees the field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

Do you mind sharing which team, and aside from having friends on the team, what (if anything) is making it a good experience?

Every kid is going to have a different experience. The kids playing are probably enjoying it, and the ones riding the bench are not. Then the parents have their opinions ... I am guessing it is DCE or NL.

I get what you’re saying, but we’re not making these huge investments in time and money for pure enjoyment. Of course you want your kids to be happy but to waste the huge amount of time that goes into travel lacrosse There needs to be more of an upside than just fun.

I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that). But if the club cannot provide adequate assurance that the player will get better and have a good chance at being recruited, it’s time to change teams.

You are really guaranteed nothing - particularly success (though you caveat it). What does adequate assurance mean? I'd argue that a portion of a player's development will have nothing to do with practice but just general athletic ability (you can improve on the margins but at the end of the day there are some kids that are just going to excel). Another portion of a player's development is what that kid does outside of practice. Doesn't necessarily mean private lessons but doing extra reps (see the Paul Rabil IG video posted somewhere on this page the other day). Lastly, a portion of it is plain noggin knowledge. There are just some kids that are going to have the sports IQ to understand the game and some kids that just won't - no matter how often the coach provides insight on what to do in situation X. Some kids no matter how many times they are told will do whatever they think is right in their own head. Those are all things that can't be addressed in your "guaranteed lacrosse success." It is also things you don't notice unless you are at practice.

Practices and playing in games are certainly part of the calculus in a player getting better. But, at the end of the day...development is really about the player itself. Is the player going out and hitting the wall every day and doing other things to improve. Practice is only going to cover a part of that development. It is outside of practice where a majority of development occurs. And said development is in relationship to other players. Your kid might be getting better but the kid in front of him might also be getting better.

If you think just paying some money to a travel lax team is going to equate to "guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that)," then I'm sorry that's just not how sports work. Now, I realize there contributing factors like favoritism - welcome to the real world - and the like could impact your child's development but that is more reason to get to programs where your kid sees the field.

So I guess reading comprehension is not your thing. Just to be clear, I said it’s NOT reasonable to expect guaranteed lacrosse success.

My point (that somehow managed to evade you) is that club lacrosse is too much of an investment in time and money not to have at least some assurance that’s a club will help you achieve those goals.

When a team is vastly oversubscribed riddled with favoritism and the coach appears to be subpar you have to ask yourself is this a good investment in the future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

Do you mind sharing which team, and aside from having friends on the team, what (if anything) is making it a good experience?

Every kid is going to have a different experience. The kids playing are probably enjoying it, and the ones riding the bench are not. Then the parents have their opinions ... I am guessing it is DCE or NL.

I get what you’re saying, but we’re not making these huge investments in time and money for pure enjoyment. Of course you want your kids to be happy but to waste the huge amount of time that goes into travel lacrosse There needs to be more of an upside than just fun.

I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that). But if the club cannot provide adequate assurance that the player will get better and have a good chance at being recruited, it’s time to change teams.

Agree

Agree too.

Here are the problems that our family has experienced on two of these teams, and I am hearing/observing on the third.

(1) bloated rosters of 27 or so players
(2) blatant favoritism, either for obvious reasons (school attended, etc.) or not so obvious ($$).
(3) the combination of points 1 and 2 is deadly - if you have a 27 man roster, and 5 never come off the field, that leaves 22 kids rotating through 5 spots, which is no way to play or learn any sport
(4) coaches not showing up for games and/or practices
(5) little or no teaching of fundamentals, and remarkably, an of attitude "that's not our job," so families have to go out and spend thousands more on private coaches.

On top of all that, MadLax has its wacko coach, NL doesn't even go to the HS recruiting tournaments such as NLF, and DCE has bad communication, and is perpetually rumored to be winding down.

If someone is on any of the three teams and disagrees with this assessment, please identify your team and share some details!

Well said, and I don’t see anyone chiming in to say that their sons team is free of these problems.

[Anonymous]

I actually hope coaches of the said teams get wind of this and do something…. But we all know what will really happen.