Dear Prospective Minnesota Lakers Select Players and Parents:

Transcription

1 Dear Prospective Minnesota Lakers Select Players and Parents: Thank you for your interest in the MN Lakers Select Girl's Lacrosse program - Minnesota's premier competitive girl's lacrosse travel/club program! We are entering our 8th year and have a talented and dedicated Board, staff, and excellent coaches serving our student-athletes and their families. The Lakers Select program is an affiliate of Winning for Life, 501c3 (WFL) - a non-profit sports-development organization that focuses on developing positive leadership and life skills through sports. The MN Lakers Select Girl s Lacrosse program focuses on advancing the skills and opportunities of Minnesota s girl s lacrosse players to further develop as highly competitive and advanced players who are also leaders on the field and off. We very much look forward to another amazing year in 2014 with our Lakers Select family! All of our head coaches will be assisted by a variety of experienced affiliated coaches who coach top MSHSL teams and/or who coach at the college level. We devote much of our team in season to skill development and game strategy and serve our players and their families in the off season with the college search process, recruiting, and leadership training. We have cultivated many relationships with college coaches across the country and are thrilled that any of our players who wish to continue to play at the collegiate level (NCAA DI, DII, DIII; NAIA; WCLA-club) have done so! (A list of where our Lakers alum are playing can be found on our website: In 2014, the Lakers Select program will consist of three high school-level teams with rosters consisting of talented and committed players: Lakers Select 2015; 2016; and The Lakers Select middle school teams will consist of two teams: Lakers Select 2018 and 2019; and the Lakers Select youth teams will consist of players from the graduating class years of 2020, 2021 and All players will travel together to highly competitive recruiting tournaments, practice together, move through leadership development training together, will compete in WFL summer and fall leagues and our WFL Lax Max event, and volunteer to serve with one another. We are committed to providing multiple opportunities for advanced skill development, competitive play, leadership development and opportunities to create deep friendships across communities and school rivalries. We very much look forward to meeting you! In the meantime, please see the FAQs section of this application to answer any specific questions you may have initially, AND, also, do not hesitate to contact the Lakers Select Program Director in Minnesota, Coach Anne Moelk at coachanne@winningforlife.org, if you have any questions about the tryout process/evaluation, tournaments, costs, etc, or contact Dr. Janet Holdsworth at coachjan@winningforlife.org if you have any questions about the organization's mission, WFL affiliation, etc. Best wishes, Janet Holdsworth, Ph.D., Founder and CEO, Winning for Life, 501c3; Co-Head Coach, Lakers Select HS Anne Moelk, J.D., Program Director, MN Lakers Select Girl s Lacrosse; Co-Head Coach, Lakers Select HS Maureen Sanderson; Director of Communications, Lakers Select; Head Coach, Lakers Select MS/Youth 1

2 MINNESOTA LAKERS SELECT PREMIER GIRL'S LACROSSE TRAVELING TEAM APPLICATION PACKET Application Checklist This application packet and payment offers you a a tryout opportunity only. All items that appear on the checklist applicable to you as a prospective player must be mailed together or the application won t be accepted. You can also bring this information to the tryout opportunity. Parent/Guardian must sign where required submitting the application packet does NOT guarantee membership on the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team if you are a prospective players. Prospective Players: Team Application Medical and Liability Waiver Player & Parents Expectations Agreement Photographer s Release Form Copy of US Lacrosse Membership Card, a current US Lacrosse Magazine Label with the Membership # and Expiration Date visible, or a printout from the US Lacrosse web site verifying active US Lacrosse membership. Copy of Health Insurance Card Letter of recommendation from a non-lacrosse sports coach or non-sport activity advisor (referencing the applicant s sportsmanship, leadership, attitude, etc.) $15 Check made payable to Winning for Life *When all of the above items are received you will be notified to schedule a tryout opportunity with a coach who will evaluate your play at a local league, game, practice or clinic. MAIL FORMS TO: Minnesota Lakers Select 2014 c/o Dr. Janet Holdsworth 10 George Street Budd Lake, NJ WEBSITE: / Questions? CoachJan@winningforlife.org or CoachAnne@winningforlife.org *You MUST be an active US Lacrosse Member to try out and play for the Minnesota Lakers Select 2

3 LAKERS SELECT TEAM APPLICATION US Lacrosse Member # Exp Date: (US Lacrosse Membership REQUIRED to Participate: Enclose copy of US Lacrosse Membership Card, a current US Lacrosse Magazine Label with the Membership # and Expiration Date visible, or a printout from the US Lacrosse web site verifying active US Lacrosse membership.) First Name: Last Name: Date of Birth: Height: Graduation Year: School: Club: Uniform Information (Adult Sizes Only): Shirt: Shorts / Kilt: Home Phone#: Cell Phone#: Player Street Address: City, State, Zip: Parents /Guardians Names: Parent (s): Emergency Contact: (name & phone #) Name of Coach (lax or other sport) to be a reference: Coach s Contact Info: What other school sports do you play, if any? What months do you play them? What other club (non-school) sports do you play? What months? ACADEMIC INFORMATION (provide as much as you can) Class Rank: Class #: Class Standing: GPA: Weighted: Unweighted: PSAT Score: Verbal: Math: Date: SAT Scores: Verbal: Math: Date: ACT Score: Date: LACROSSE INFORMATION (provide as much as you can) Years Played: Highest Level Played: Varsity JV FR MS youth Positions Played: Dominant Hand: Times (00:00): Mile Run (if available): 100 Yard (if available): 40 Yard (if available): School Stats (if available): 6 th Grade Games Goals: Assists: Save % (goalies) Others: 7 th Grade Games Goals: Assists: Save % (goalies) Others: 8 th Grade - Games: Goals: Assists: Save % (goalies) Others: 9 th Grade - Games: Goals: Assists: Save % (goalies) Others: 10 th Grade - Games: Goals: Assists: Save % (goalies) Others: 11 th Grade - Games: Goals: Assists: Save % (goalies) Others: IF Defender, please note any stats you have on GBs, interceptions, caused turnovers, etc. by grade: Lax Awards / Honors: OTHER INTERESTS & ACTIVITIES (attach additional sheets or resume if more space needed) (e.g., Jobs, Community, Student Gov., Sports, Church, Hobbies): PARENTS: Are you willing to help out with the Lakers if needed? YES NO (this has no effect on your daughter making the team we promise!!!) If yes, what would you be interested in? Fundraising Chaperoning Videotaping Other: 3

4 LAKERS SELECT WAIVER/ RELEASE/ AGREEMENT I give my daughter permission to participate with the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team. I understand that she will be covered by my own family insurance and may be eligible for supplemental insurance with her US Lacrosse membership. I also understand that by participating in this sport that injury and/or death may occur and do not hold the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team, or Winning for Life, or its staff responsible. By signing this I understand that I give the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team and its staff the right to release information regarding my daughter during the recruiting process. I recognize that at no time has she been guaranteed a scholarship. I understand that the tryout fee is non-refundable, and that the team fee is non-refundable if my daughter is selected to the team and accepts a position. I agree that if my daughter is selected to the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team that she will not try out or play for any other traveling lacrosse team in 2013 (her school NSLA/MSHSL team and MSHSL all-star teams that are created to travel to the USL National Tournament are exceptions). Further, I agree that if my daughter is selected to the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team that she will not attend any lacrosse event with another team if the Minnesota Lakers Select will also be attending the event. I give Winning for Life, 501c3 and the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team permission to post, publish & distribute the information collected on page 3 of this application for the purposes of college exposure. This in no way guarantees or implies future college placement, scholarships and/or college coach visits and/or discussions. Parent/Guardian Signature Print Parent/Guardian Name Date Player Signature Print Player Name Date 4

5 LAKERS SELECT Medical and Liability Waiver Name of Player: Date of Birth: My daughter has my permission to participate in the following sport: LACROSSE Parent / Guardian Name: Address: Home #: Work #: Cell #: In case of emergency, contact: Relationship: Address: Home #: Work #: Cell #: Personal Medical Coverage (please enclose copy of Health Insurance Card): Insurance Co: ID Number: Physician: Phone #: Allergies or special conditions: Player & Parent Consent and Agreement / Liability Waiver 1. Acceptance of Participation: I give my consent and approval for the above named child to play lacrosse in association with Winning for Life, 501c3 and the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team. I certify that she is an active member of US Lacrosse (as a player) and will remain so. 2. Readiness to Compete: I believe my child is physically and psychologically prepared to compete in lacrosse events. 3. Medical Attention: I hereby give my consent to Winning for Life, 501c3 and the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team to provide through medical staff of its choice, transportation and emergency medical services as warranted in the course of my child s participation in lacrosse events. 4. Waiver and Release: I am fully aware and appreciate the risks, including the risk of catastrophic injury, paralysis and even death, as well as other damages and losses, associated with participation in a lacrosse event. I further agree on behalf of myself, my child, my heirs and personal representatives, that Winning for Life, 501c3, the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team, Lacrosse Connections, LLC, host facilities, along with coaches, volunteers, employees, agents, officers and directors of these organizations, shall not be liable for any injury, loss of life or other loss or damage occurring as a result of my child s participation with the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team. 5. Approved Equipment: I hereby certify that all equipment (including goggles, goalie helmets, lacrosse sticks, pads and all other gear) used by my child while participating with the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team meets the standards required by US Lacrosse. Parent/Guardian Signature Print Parent/Guardian Name Date Player Signature Print Player Name Date 5

6 MINNESOTA LAKERS SELECT Player Expectations Agreement Player s Pledge: I recognize that all players who are selected to play with the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team are expected to commit to participating in training/practicing sessions, positively support their teammates, coaches and communities. I understand that the players on the team represent not just themselves, but also their families, team sponsors, and coaches. I will behave in a positive manner while at all team games, practices and functions, and during all travel with the team. I also recognize that I am committed to the Lakers Select traveling team and will not play for or try out for another traveling team/program with the exceptions being my MSHSL/NSLA team and a MN team traveling to compete and represent Minnesota in the US Lacrosse-sponsored National Tournament. I recognize that all players selected to play with the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team are being developed as competitive student-athletes and leaders and therefore, are expected to participate in the highly competitive lacrosse tournaments and skill-development training as well as service projects and classroom leadership trainings throughout the Lakers season. Code of Conduct: As a player, I understand that I must follow these rules to stay in good standing. 1. Respect the game, play fairly and follow its rules and regulations. 2. Show respect for my coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and self. 3. Contact my coaches if I will be missing a scheduled event (practice, game, volunteer event, leadership training, etc.). 4. Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during, and after games and practices. 5. Be modest when successful and gracious in defeat. 6. Refrain from using alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco and not steal. If a player is found to have violated any of the Player Agreement above, the Winning for Life, 501c3 and Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team staff has the right to send the player home at the player s / parents / guardians expense. Additionally, if a player is found to have violated any of the above, even when a player is not participating as a Laker or in a Lakers event, the Winning for Life, 501c3 and Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team staff has the right to remove the player from the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team. If this occurs, no refunds will be provided to the player, parents, or guardians. By signing, I acknowledge that I understand these rules and will comply with them. Player Signature Print Player Name Date 6

7 MINNESOTA LAKERS SELECT Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Expectations Agreement Parent s Pledge: I recognize that parents are the most important role models for their children and that amateur athletics help to develop a sense of teamwork, self worth, and sportsmanship. I encourage my child to play by the rules and respect the rights of others. I understand that it is important to enforce the rules of play and set conduct standards as necessary components of athletics. I will at all times encourage my child to play by the rules and to respect the game officials decisions. Code of Conduct: As a parent, I agree to abide by the following. 1. To encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, fans, and officials at games, practices and all other team events. 2. Place the well being of my child before a personal desire to win. 3. Advocate a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, alcohol, and abusive language and refrain from their use during Lakers Select and WFL related events. 4. Encourage my child to play by the rules and respect other players, coaches, fans and officials. 5. Help to develop leadership in my child by encouraging her to talk with coaches directly regarding her experience with the team and issues of playing time or social difficulties. If a player is found to have violated any of the Player Agreement in this application, the Winning for Life, 501c3 and Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team staff has the right to send the player home at the player s / parents / guardians expense. Additionally, if a player is found to have violated any of the above, even when a player is not participating as a Laker or in a Lakers event, the Winning for Life, 501c3 and Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team staff has the right to remove the player from the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team. If this occurs, no refunds will be provided to the player, parents, or guardians. By signing, I acknowledge that I understand these rules and will comply with them. Parent/Guardian Signature Print Parent/Guardian Name Date 7

8 LAKERS SELECT Photographer s Release Form I,, (parent/guardian) give Winning for Life, 501c3 and the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team and its agents permission to use photograph(s) taken of my daughter, for specific use on its web site and in promotional materials. I understand the photograph(s) may be used in all forms of media including, but not limited to, digital media, portfolios, articles and promotional material for Winning for Life, 501c3 and the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team. I understand the photographs include ed files and/or actual photographs submitted to Winning for Life, 501c3 and the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team through the U.S. Postal Service or the Internet. I give permission for my daughter s name to be used in conjunction with the photographs. I have the exclusive right to give permission for the use and publication of these photos. In giving my consent, I hereby release and hold harmless Winning for Life, 501c3 and the Minnesota Lakers Select Traveling Team and its agents from any and all responsibility or liability. Parent / Guardian Signature Parent / Guardian Name Date 8

9 TEAM FEE Season (late spring/summer/late fall): LAKERS SELECT Team & Travel Fees WFL (and the affiliated Lakers Select girls lacrosse program) is a non-profit organization and operates in compliance with MSHSL league rules and policies Team Fees for the Lakers Select 2015, 2016, 2017 HS teams will be $800 per player Team Fees for the Lakers Select 2018 and 2019 MS teams will be $675 per player Team Fees for the Lakers Select 2020/2021/2022 Youth team(s) will be $525 per player. * Team Fees cover practice facility space, summer & fall ball league entry fees, uniforms, team equipment, coach stipends, leadership training materials, other team & Winning for Life-associated costs, etc. TRAVEL COSTS The teams will take several trips to play tournaments out-of-state. Each tournament will cost in an estimated range from $500- $1000 for each player attending (PLEASE NOTE the lower end of this range is more in line with costs associated with driving to a regional tournament for youth and on the high end the costs estimated to fly to the east coast for a recruiting tournaments for MS and HS players). Each player that attends will be required to pay for their travel costs for that tournament BEFORE reservations are made for the trip. Payment for a trip is NOT refundable as the cost of a trip is divided among the total players in attendance, airline tickets are purchased in advance, etc. (The only exceptions are major injury, illness and/or death in a family.) NOTE: The team will travel & lodge together and group travel / accommodations will be coordinated by the Lakers Select travel coordinators working closely with our travel agency affiliate. These travel/tournament fees are ESTIMATES only. Using frequent flyer miles to cover player flight costs may be an option but must be communicated to the travel coordinator of that trip BEFORE group airline tickets are purchased. In 2014, NO player can travel on a trip unless payment is made in advance. 9

10 LAKERS SELECT FAQs Q - What is this Minnesota Lakers Select premier club traveling team I keep hearing about? A It is the first-of-its-kind Minnesota Advanced Traveling Girl s Lacrosse Team for high school girls. This premier girl's team was founded 8 years ago and is the longest running, advanced travel program in the state! The teams in the program will represent Minnesota at various out-of-state select tournaments, play advanced local teams, and travel internationally to compete. The teams will practice & compete during the summer & fall months after the spring NSLA & MSHSL seasons have finished to be in compliance with MSHSL rules. The team is intended to provide high-level training and game opportunities for players in order to advance their skills and help them be noticed by college coaches! This advance skill development will be complemented by explicit leadership development and training to ensure our student-athletes are prepared to be leaders on their local community and school teams, as well as better prepare them for college and beyond. Q I see the MN Lakers Select are a Winning for Life, 501c3 affiliated team? What is Winning for Life, 501c3?? A Winning for Life (WFL) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to developing positive leadership and life skills through sports. The organization strives to foster the knowledge and skills needed to create a legacy of positive leadership for individuals and programs where integrity, sportsmanship and competition are all valued consistently over time. WFL has a new Academy of Sports Leadership to help train student-athletes and coaches in leadership-related areas. The guiding philosophy, serving as the stabilizing foundation for WFL, is that leadership can be learned through sports experiences that can, in turn, positively influence other aspects of life. WFL coaches and staff believe in a three-prong approach to developing well-rounded student athletes: 1) providing highly competitive lacrosse experiences; 2) offering leadership training and development; and 3) serving the community. Our current Board members include Greg Fontaine (attorney), Jody Redman (MSHSL), Mary Ann Meltzer (DIII NCAA coach), Sue Stimmel (former NCAA DI coach), Jenny Collins (former Univ of Maryland standout), Glenn Gallagher (accountant), and Janet Holdsworth. Dr. Leo Lewis, former Minnesota Viking and current athletics administrator at the University of Minnesota, Dave Holdsworth, and Debra Wood (pioneer of MN girl's lacrosse and retired, founding Head Coach, Blake) all serve as advisors to the Board. Q - Who are the Head Coaches of the program? A -The Lakers Select head coaches bring decades (each) of international, collegiate (NCAA and WDIA), HS and youth play, coaching success and coaching experience to their players! MN Lakers Select HS program s Co-Head Coaches are Janet Holdsworth (pioneer of MN girl's lacrosse, retired Head Coach, University of Minnesota Women's Lacrosse Team, former Head Coach, Hopkins High School Girl's Lacrosse Team) and Anne Moelk (former Head Coach, Ohio University and Wayzata High School, and former Assistant Coach of Denison, Princeton, and Ohio State). Association Head Coach of the HS program is Kathryn Knippenberg (Head Coach, Augsburg College - DIII; first NCAA lacrosse coach in MN). The MN Lakers Select MS/Youth program s Head Coach is Maureen Sanderson (pioneer of girl s lacrosse in Rochester and Head Coach, Stillwater Youth lacrosse) and the Associate Head Coach of the ms/youth program is Karen Heggernes (Head Coach, Holy Angels; and Co- Head Coach, MAYLA). In addition to improving your lacrosse skills and playing against top competition from across the country, Lakers players will receive mentoring, help navigating the college search and recruitment process, leadership training, and will positively impact the community through service. Q Who are the other coaches in the Lakers program? A In addition to the Lakers Select Co-Head Coaches Jan & Anne and Maureen, and the Associate Head Coaches, KK and Karen, there are several other Lakers Select coaches who will visit the Lakers or travel with the team as affiliated coaches, including Emily Gray (former Asst./Defense Coach, University of Minnesota & former coach at Wayzata and Minnetonka High Schools), June Wheeler (former Goalie Coach, University of Minnesota), Beth Neary (Head Coach, Edina HS), Ali Jennings (Head Coach, Osseo), Morgan Kingstedt (Head Coach, Maple Grove; former defense coach, University of Minnesota), Micaela Bourgeois (Goalies Coach, former assistant coach, Eastview) Ali Sisk (Asst Coach, Benilde-St. Margaret), Mo Gaitan (Head Coach, Lakeville North), Kathleen Maurer (Head Coach, University of MN) and other talented, knowledgeable and experienced coaches. 10

11 Q Do I have to be a member of US Lacrosse to tryout and be on the team? Why? A Yes. All players must be active US Lacrosse members to try out and play on the team. This will serve as your insurance and most tournaments / leagues require you to be members. Go to to join. Q - Who is eligible to play on the Lakers Select High School teams in 2014? A Minnesota players who are graduating in 2015, 2016, 2017 are eligible to tryout and participate. Please note the rosters are full for 2015s and only several spots are open at the 2016 and 2017 levels. Q I see I need to provide a letter of recommendation as part of the tryout packet. Can you give me some direction on this? A This letter should come from a coach of a sport you participate in (other than lacrosse!) or an advisor, director, leader, etc. of a non-sport related club or activity that you participate in. The letter should address your character, sportsmanship, leadership, etc. This letter of recommendation can be sent after you send in your application or be brought to tryouts. We recommend you send in the rest of your application and send/bring the letter of recommendation later. Returning Lakers do NOT need a letter of recommendation as we already have one on file! Q Will all players who make the team get equal playing time in games? A Players will earn playing time through commitment (i.e. attendance), hard work, skill, conditioning, and positive attitude. Equal playing time is NOT guaranteed but the coaching staff is really good at making sure everyone gets tons of playing time (and this may mean at various positions). Q Does the team do anything official together aside from games & practices? A Yes! The team will participate in some leadership training sessions, fundraising, and volunteer work! Plus we have team gettogethers. We will do fun indirect service project at pizza parties, etc. Q What teams will we play at the tournaments? Will we be competitive with all-stars from other areas of the country? A Lakers Select teams played games against top teams from across the country including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Colorado, California, Illinois, Virginia, Connecticut, New York and Florida. College coaches love this program and how competitive our athletes are in addition to the leadership training and service components! We have beat teams from Connecticut, New York, California and Pennsylvania over the past five years. Q How often will the team practice? When will the practices be? A The team will practice approximately 2-3 times per week in the summer and more often immediately prior to tournaments. An exact schedule will be set once the team is selected and facility space is secured. Lakers Select teams also compete by graduation year in summer and fall leagues against college players to help strengthen their skills and build team chemistry. These local games are a great opportunity for parents and families to be able to come out and watch and support their Lakers player! Q - Do my parents have to travel to these tournaments with me? A No but we d really like to have them come if they are willing! Keeping track of 20+ high school girls is a big task! Plus we could really use their help with videotaping the games, driving vans, etc. It s fun to have families travel with us! If a parent is an official chaperone on a trip they will be given a hotel room, expected to drive a van as needed, and will have their plane ticket reserved with the team s reservations (however, the cost of the air travel will be at the parent's expense). Q - What are the coaches looking for in tryout opportunities, skill-wise? A The Coaching staff make the following recommendations for players who are planning on trying out for the team: * Be conditioned distance and speed! * Be able to play dominant and non-dominant (cradling, catching and throwing) * Be a hard worker; * Be open to learning and trying new skills, techniques and positions; * Be a team player, and * Have a great attitude! Q Do I need to be an All-State player to try out or play on one of the top MSHSL teams? A Definitely not! We are looking to field a skilled and highly competitive team of players but you do not need to have any special awards or recognitions to make the team. We recognize that there are GREAT players around the state who are not necessarily situated on teams that compete in post-season play. We love to find those girls, coach them, and help them be seen 11

12 by college coaches. We believe that the best thing for MN lacrosse overall is to have girls from all teams, if possible, be able to learn even more about the sport from traveling and competing outside of MN. Even if you do not make the team this year, the tryout opportunity and resulting feedback should be a positive experience for you you ll get to meet and play alongside the best players around the state. We are proud that we have accepted players from approximately 30 different high school programs around the state there is great talent and hard working athletes on all teams! Q - If I make the team, will I definitely get a scholarship to college for lacrosse? A We can t make any promises about college scholarships sorry! But Coach Jan & Coach Anne will help you with your college search process every step of the way if you want them involved. The coaches have developed very strong relationships with and a large network of college coaches across the country at all levels in the NCAA and in the WDIA. We help players find the best fit for them and their families and provide assistance in all aspects of the process! Q If I try out and make the team, will I still need to try out the next year? A If you are a returning player or a newly rostered player in 2013, unless there are overriding circumstances, once you make the team you will continue to have a spot until you graduate from high school, if both you and the team coaches think it is a good fit. 12