A Path to Character

They say one good thing always leads to another. And this was certainly true after covering Cathleen (Cathy) DeLaGarza’s exciting journey as a fighter pilot in a recent issue. Discovering she is the President of the Lower Alabama Lacrosse program led to lengthy conversation about sweet memories, the benefits of an all-inclusive athletic program, and more. Here, she scores massive points with coach Tom Doyle as they outline the benefits of this mysterious sport and how our children can try it out for free.

By Hayley Hill  

I can clearly recall the day I drove by a big sign in Daphne that said “Free Lacrosse Clinic.” With a car full of children, my twins, Beau and Stella,  screamed with delight and pressed to join. Knowing the benefit of being involved in sports, I was happy to comply despite the closet full of unused tap shoes, buckets of dusty basketballs, and, well you get the picture.

Thinking this would be a fun way for my children to be outside and get some exercise, we enrolled. Never thinking they would stick with it, I was surprised when they wanted to play the sport full-time after participating in the Learn to Play program. Impressed with the leadership, dedicated coaches, and the parents that lined the fields, I did worry about the travel, equipment costs, and the time commitment required. A true confession? As a single hard-working mom, I really wondered if I could do this.

And as single moms, we often look for programs that are led by exemplary men as that is a force often missing in our sons lives. We also love exposing our daughters to strong female examples, too. Delivered in spades, we were all aboard the lacrosse train.

Interestingly, Lacrosse’s origins can be traced back to various indigenous tribes in North America, where the game was played for centuries before European contact and known as “The Creator’s Game”.  The tenants of this game espouse values, tradition, and love of competition. Having been raised in the north, I was certainly familiar with its heritage. Steeped in tradition that beckons striped scarves, classic Ray Ban frames, and collegiate sweaters, I basked in the promise of sitting on the sidelines amongst crunchy leaves and the smell of fall as my children wore themselves out.

For her role, Cathy oversees the Lower Alabama Bayhawk lacrosse programs which include youth K-8th (boys and girls), girls high school and boys high school. This includes recruiting, retention, and scheduling play with other organizations along the Gulf Coast. “Lacrosse is a spring season sport, generally practiced after the first of the year with games through late April and early May. The best part is that no experience is necessary! Also, we are currently collaborating with other lacrosse organizations throughout the state in an effort to sanction lacrosse as a sport for competition with the Alabama High School Sports Association,” Cathy shares.

A large responsibility, Cathy reveals,“My son Joseph began playing with the Bayhawks in the 3rd grade. Our immediate experience was so positive! We encountered a sense of family, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that we had not experienced in any of the other sports our three sons had participated in. Because of the origins of the sport that purport honoring the game, lacrosse has been a cornerstone in teaching our son the virtues of respect, tenacity, and care for his teammates. My involvement began as a Team Mom, and from there I was asked to join the board of directors in the role of Vice President where I served as youth coordinator. Getting to know my counterparts across the coast served as a catalyst in my current role as President. My involvement and love of the sport has developed side by side with my son’s over the years.”

In an attempt to introduce local families to the sport, the Learn to Play program allows players and their parents to experience the passion of the game for free. “Lacrosse creates a sense of joy for the participant and parents alike as it is not only a fun sport to play, but also to watch. It’s unique as it also compliments other sports in the development of the athlete. Additionally, it enhances and emphasizes a player’s understanding of teamwork that goes beyond the sport to help build lifelong confidence and character. We’ve also had multiple players receive all league honors that have gone on to play college lacrosse, ” Cathy adds.

In a community driven by our love of football, Cathy offers unique insight.  “We are a small, tight-knit community that is supportive of each players development and encourages family involvement. We are competitive yet provide inclusion for all. It is my hope that people realize other athletic outlets and sports exist besides football, basketball and baseball. Often you see children sitting on the bench that when given the opportunity, thrive in a more progressive and inclusive environment. While prevalent in the North East, lacrosse is foreign to most local families so there is some hesitation. However, we offer many opportunities to learn about the sport and just being willing to pick up a stick is the first hurdle!” Cathy explains.

As the High School Men’s Head Coach, Tom Doyle shares, “There are true athletes in Alabama and a number of them are not interested in our states traditional sports. And many do not understand the opportunities and excitement lacrosse provides. Additionally, lacrosse has changed over the years as the game is now extremely fast with high scores. The speed and athleticism needed to compete is tremendous and the LAL coaches encourage players to play the way the remainder of the country does. We build men first. Lacrosse is secondary. When you build the man; lacrosse comes naturally.”

Having reached many exciting milestones, Tom adds,  “The men’s high school team are the defending Back-to-Back Gulf South Lacrosse League Champions. Over the last three seasons, 3 Bayhawk team members have been named USA Lacrosse All Americans. A USA Lacrosse All American is recognized as one of the best high school players in the U.S. We’ve had multiple players receive all league honors and have gone on to play college lacrosse. This year marked the first Bayhawk starting goalie committed to play for the 9-time National Champions for the University of Virginia Cavaliers. Moreover, many LAL players have achieved perfect ACT scores, received multiple scholarships, and have gone on to play other sports at the college level.”

Often viewed as an expensive sport, Cathy shares, “We purposefully keep the fees manageable due to the need to travel outside of our immediate area to compete. Of note, this travel is welcomed by most as a positive family day out and can be accomplished without an overnight stay in most cases.” Ready, willing and able to vouch for this incredible orgainzation and sport, I think my now grown twins said it best — “Duh mom, it was the best time of our lives.”

– JOIN US!  –

LEARN TO PLAY 

Free Event

October 15, 2023 (Sunday)

Boys & Girls, K-8th Grade 

3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Ruff Wilson Community Park 1317 Johnson Road, Daphne, AL 36526

Register @ LALLAX.COM

Spring Registration for all ages Nov 15-Nov 30th @LALLAX.com

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Facebook: Lower Alabama Lacrosse 

Instagram: @lower_alabama_lacrosse