Heroes and M&D
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Anonymous
| Does anyone drive from MoCo to these clubs? Is it a nightmare? It seems like for tournaments and games everyone plays at the same spots anyway so it is just a matter of making it to the practices? Thinking about switching clubs for next year and was curious. |
Anonymous
| It isn’t bad and they have the best teams |
Anonymous
Depends where you're driving from and where the practices are. M & D has several practice locations, so a weekend practice in the fall is much easier than a weeknight practice dealing with rush hour. As a parent who drives one to MD if your athlete can manage homework in the car then that's helpful. Also consider that socializing with teammates (if that's a consideration) becomes a little more challenging. But depending where you live, you may already find girls driving from the area but if not find a friend or two nearby who want to move clubs as well and then fingers crossed you end up with a carpool. 
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Anonymous
| A lot of Hero's teams practice in Western HoCo. It's an easy drive, but I'm not coming from Bethesda either. Based on our experience I'd drive further. |
Anonymous
| They're excellent clubs, but I would consider your end game, especially as colleges will likely continue to cut budgets. |
Anonymous
| I would not be worried about women’s teams getting cut...boys is a different story thanks to Title IX. |
Anonymous
| Question for OP....curious where you play now and how old? I only say this because BLC seems to have a good quality program for 2026 and younger. I see the desire for M&D and Heros but if driving that far is a turn off you may want to try BLC. |
Anonymous
I agree. What is your end game? Unless you daughter is an excellent player and would be in the top half at least at these two clubs, why would you do this to her and your family? The team bonding and socialization, esp. for girls is real, and being so far away is going to be an issue. If your daughter is a phenom, then it is a no brainer. Do it. I am no worried about colleges cutting girls lax, but I do think that you aren't improving your changes much (and definitely not for a top school) by being in the middle of the pack at these clubs. |
Anonymous
| People do the drive - it really depends on what year(s) you are considering. Like anywhere , each year and team has its own dynamic. I would add that comparing the social aspect it really depends, again, on team more than location. You can have a closer team that just doesn’t gel or isn’t friendly to all; so the social part may not necessarily be better, even if seems more “convenient” - it can turn into a negative. The comparison (from a level of play perspective) to BLC (mentioned above) isn’t legit, especially for 2026. Depending on year, college is just too hard to predict; so I agree with the theme of many responses - find where your daughter will learn and have fun. To do this, you really have to figure out what the team her year is like at each club. |
Anonymous
| A friends daughter switched from the Stars/Capitals track to Skywalkers for High School. According to the girl and her parents, they love it. 1 practice per week in Fall. 2 practices per week after HS season/prepping for summer tourneys. Def more intense and a high level of accountability on both fitness and skill work year round. But according to this family (sports family for sure with other children very active, but reasonable people), the commitment has been well worth it. One current case study. |
Anonymous
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Talk to your DD about what she wants out of lacrosse. If she has the skills and interest in playing at an elite level considering the top Maryland programs should be on her list. If you are willing to accept the travel associated with playing for a particular team then make this opportunity available for your DD. The social aspect will work itself out.
This may be the case with the MD teams as well, but one area even the top VA clubs seem to lack in is individual player development. It's one thing to tell players what they are doing incorrectly, and another for coaches to invest the time to address players individually, show them what they are doing wrong, and work with them to improve their game. The coaches can ask players to practice on their own, which they will, but without an experienced lacrosse coach continually watching, critiquing, instructing, and providing positive reinforcement on a regular basis bad habits can persist and progress never made. The players and coaches both lose out under this scenario. Look for programs that will invest the proper amount of time to develop your individual DD's game. This approach will build the stronger teams. And while not the most important thing, winning will certainly help the players and parents gel better. |
Anonymous
| Regarding individual player development that is an interesting observation. What girls' clubs are known for that in the DC and MD lax community? Some sports seem more focused on this than others but it's so important in all sports. |
Anonymous
Seems like individual player development is taking a back seat to the business side of club lacrosse. It's more about how quickly the clubs herd the players at practice, run them through the same repetitive BS drills, and move on to the next group. Without much thought given to addressing individual player talent, needs, and potential. An assembly line approach comes to mind. Next in line. Rare, if ever, seems to be the case where club coaches are meeting with individual players to critique their games, provide constructive feedback, and make the commitment to improving the individual player's game. Parents get the challenge of doing this for a team of 20 players (clubs, please don't add more than 20 players to a roster, it's not needed and is a bad look), but with the amount of time and money families invest in these clubs it's not too much to ask for some level of commitment by the clubs in this area. |
Anonymous
Training is important, but moreso kids need experience playing in game situations. As a result, it is very important for parents to have an honest reckoning about their kids skills. Whatever team they are on, if they are not getting regular playing time, then they are on the wrong team. It's no good to be the worst player on the best team. |
Anonymous
Are you suggesting if a player needs individual instruction, which seems like a reasonable expectation of clubs, they are the "worst" player; and thus, parents should have lower expectations about playing time? So, basically don't ask for help? Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't instruction the core of what clubs provide? Not following your logic here. Of the best teams I am aware of players receive equal playing time, so sorry to hear if you are having a different experience. Agree with PP, players of any skill level need and should expect continual feedback and instruction to improve their games. It's called coaching, which is what we all pay a lot of money for. FYI, it's worse to think you are the best player playing on the best team. |