Ct valley youth lacrosse. Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse: Empowering Young Athletes in Summer Travel Teams

How does Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse operate its summer program. What are the costs and benefits for different age groups. How are practices and tournaments organized for youth lacrosse players.

Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse: A Comprehensive Overview

Connecticut Valley Lacrosse offers an exceptional summer program for youth and high school lacrosse players, providing a platform for skill development, competitive play, and potential recruitment opportunities. The organization hosts travel lacrosse teams, carefully selecting players through tryout events to ensure a high level of talent and dedication.

Team Structure and Player Selection

Each team maintains a maximum roster of 22 players, consisting of 20 field players and 2 goaltenders. In cases where the number of talented players exceeds this limit, additional athletes may be added as practice players or alternates. This structure ensures that every player receives adequate attention and playing time while maintaining a competitive edge.

Communication and Social Media Presence

To keep players, parents, and fans informed, Connecticut Valley Lacrosse maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. This allows for real-time updates on club progress, news, and important announcements. For more personalized inquiries, the organization encourages direct communication via email at [email protected].

Summer Program Details: Costs and Benefits for Different Age Groups

Connecticut Valley Lacrosse offers tailored programs for various age groups, each with its own set of benefits and costs. Let’s break down the offerings for each graduating class:

2025 & 2026 Graduates (2024 Summer Season)

• Cost: $1,450.00
• Benefits:
  • IMCLA.SportsRecruits.com Membership
  • 10 Practices
  • 4 Recruiting Tournaments
  • Cascade Helmet (for new players)
  • Team Shooting Shirt
  • Team Reversible
  • Team Shorts
  • Team Bag (for new players)

2027 Graduates (2024 Summer Season)

• Cost: $1,400.00
• Benefits:
  • 10 Practices
  • 4 Tournaments
  • Cascade Helmet (for new players)
  • Team Shooting Shirt
  • Team Reversible
  • Team Shorts
  • Team Bag (for new players)

2028, 2029, & 2030 Graduates (2024 Summer Season)

• Cost: $1,300.00
• Benefits:
  • 10 Practices
  • 3 Tournaments
  • Cascade Helmet (for new players)
  • Team Shooting Shirt
  • Team Reversible
  • Team Shorts
  • Team Bag (for new players)

2031, 2032 & 2033 Graduates (2024 Summer Season)

• Cost: $1,099.99
• Benefits:
  • 8-10 Practices
  • 3 Tournaments
  • Cascade Helmet (for new players)
  • Team Shooting Shirt
  • Team Reversible
  • Team Shorts
  • Team Bag (for new players)

These comprehensive packages ensure that players receive high-quality training, competitive experience, and necessary equipment to excel in their lacrosse journey.

Practice Schedule and Locations: Optimizing Player Development

Connecticut Valley Lacrosse has designed a rigorous practice schedule to maximize player development throughout the summer season. Here’s what players can expect:

• Practice Frequency: Approximately twice per week
• Season Duration: Mid-June through the end of July
• Primary Practice Locations:
  • Suffield High School
  • Sullivan Field in Suffield, Connecticut

This consistent practice schedule allows players to hone their skills, build team chemistry, and prepare for upcoming tournaments. The convenient locations in Suffield, Connecticut, provide easy access for most participants in the program.

Equipment and Uniform Policy for Returning Players

To ensure that all players are properly equipped and maintain a professional appearance, Connecticut Valley Lacrosse has implemented the following policies for returning players:

• New uniforms are provided each season
• New bags and helmets are available upon request for an additional fee

This approach allows returning players to maintain up-to-date gear while providing flexibility for those who may not need replacement equipment.

Tournament Participation: Showcasing Skills and Gaining Exposure

One of the key benefits of joining Connecticut Valley Lacrosse is the opportunity to participate in high-level tournaments. The number of tournaments varies by age group:

• 2025-2027 Graduates: 4 tournaments
• 2028-2033 Graduates: 3 tournaments

These tournaments serve multiple purposes:

1. Providing competitive experience against top-tier opponents
2. Offering a platform for players to showcase their skills
3. Creating opportunities for college recruitment (especially for older age groups)
4. Fostering team bonding and camaraderie

The carefully selected tournaments ensure that players are exposed to a variety of playing styles and levels of competition, contributing to their overall growth as athletes.

Recruiting Opportunities: Paving the Way for Collegiate Lacrosse

For players in the 2025 and 2026 graduating classes, Connecticut Valley Lacrosse offers an additional benefit: membership to IMCLA.SportsRecruits.com. This platform provides invaluable resources for players aspiring to compete at the collegiate level.

Benefits of IMCLA.SportsRecruits.com Membership

• Creating a comprehensive player profile
• Accessing a database of college programs and coaches
• Receiving guidance on the recruitment process
• Tracking communication with college coaches
• Analyzing academic and athletic fit for various institutions

This membership, combined with participation in recruiting tournaments, significantly enhances a player’s visibility to college programs and increases their chances of continuing their lacrosse career at the next level.

Leadership and Coaching: Expertise Driving Player Development

The success of Connecticut Valley Lacrosse can be attributed in large part to its experienced leadership and coaching staff. At the helm of the program is Matthew Ramsay, who serves as the Program Director and Recruiting Advisor.

Matthew Ramsay: A Profile of Excellence

• Program Founder
• Associate Program Director
• Recruiting Advisor
• Former Southington HS Varsity Assistant Coach (2010 – 2014)

With over 20 years of experience in lacrosse as both a player and coach, Ramsay brings a wealth of knowledge to the program. His coaching career includes notable achievements:

• Led Southington High School to a state tournament appearance in his first season as Varsity Assistant
• Commanded a high-scoring offense that propelled the team to its deepest appearance in the Connecticut State Tournament
• Mentored players who went on to compete at prestigious NCAA programs, including:
  • University of Maryland
  • Wesleyan University
  • Western New England University
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Sacred Heart University
  • Endicott College

Ramsay’s playing experience at Eastern Connecticut State University from 2004 to 2008 further enhances his ability to relate to and develop young athletes. His multifaceted background ensures that players receive top-notch instruction and guidance throughout their time with Connecticut Valley Lacrosse.

Impact and Success Stories: Measuring the Program’s Effectiveness

The true measure of any youth sports program lies in its impact on participants and their subsequent success. Connecticut Valley Lacrosse has demonstrated its effectiveness through numerous success stories and positive outcomes for its players.

College Placements and Recruitment Success

One of the most tangible indicators of the program’s success is the number of players who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level. Under Coach Ramsay’s guidance, athletes have secured spots on teams at various levels of NCAA competition, including:

• Division I programs like the University of Maryland
• Prestigious Division III institutions such as Wesleyan University
• Competitive Division II programs like Southern New Hampshire University

These placements not only showcase the individual talents of the players but also reflect the high level of preparation and exposure provided by Connecticut Valley Lacrosse.

Skill Development and Personal Growth

Beyond college recruitment, the program focuses on holistic player development. Participants often report significant improvements in various aspects of their game, including:

• Technical skills (shooting, passing, dodging)
• Tactical understanding of the game
• Physical fitness and conditioning
• Mental toughness and resilience
• Leadership and teamwork abilities

These improvements contribute to players’ success not only in lacrosse but also in other areas of their lives, fostering personal growth and character development.

Community Impact and Lacrosse Growth

Connecticut Valley Lacrosse has played a significant role in growing the sport within the region. By providing high-quality training and competitive opportunities, the program has:

• Increased interest in lacrosse among youth athletes
• Elevated the overall level of play in local high school programs
• Created a pipeline of talent for collegiate programs
• Fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among lacrosse families

This ripple effect has contributed to the continued growth and development of lacrosse in Connecticut and beyond.

Future Outlook: Expanding Opportunities and Enhancing the Program

As Connecticut Valley Lacrosse continues to evolve, the organization remains committed to providing the best possible experience for young athletes. Looking ahead, several areas of focus emerge for potential program enhancement:

Technological Integration

Embracing cutting-edge technology could further elevate the training experience. Potential innovations include:

• Video analysis tools for individual skill assessment
• Virtual reality training modules for tactical development
• Advanced metrics and performance tracking systems

These technological additions would complement the hands-on coaching approach, providing players with data-driven insights to accelerate their improvement.

Expanded Age Group Offerings

While the current program serves a wide range of age groups, there may be opportunities to expand further, such as:

• Introducing introductory programs for even younger players (e.g., 8-10 years old)
• Developing a post-graduate program for players seeking additional development before college

These expansions would create a more comprehensive pathway for players at all stages of their lacrosse journey.

Enhanced College Recruitment Services

Building upon the success of the IMCLA.SportsRecruits.com membership for older players, the program could consider:

• Hosting exclusive college showcase events
• Offering one-on-one college counseling services
• Developing partnerships with collegiate programs for streamlined recruitment

These enhancements would further solidify Connecticut Valley Lacrosse’s position as a premier pathway to collegiate lacrosse opportunities.

Year-Round Programming

While the summer program remains the cornerstone of Connecticut Valley Lacrosse, exploring year-round offerings could provide additional value to participants:

• Fall and winter clinics focusing on specific skills
• Off-season strength and conditioning programs
• Indoor leagues during colder months

These additions would allow players to maintain their skills and fitness throughout the year, leading to more consistent development.

Community Outreach and Partnerships

Strengthening ties with the local community could create mutual benefits:

• Collaborating with schools to offer lacrosse programs in physical education classes
• Partnering with youth organizations to introduce lacrosse to underserved communities
• Hosting charity events or tournaments to give back to the community

These initiatives would not only grow the sport but also reinforce Connecticut Valley Lacrosse’s commitment to positive community impact.

As Connecticut Valley Lacrosse looks to the future, the organization remains dedicated to its core mission of developing skilled, passionate lacrosse players while fostering personal growth and creating opportunities for success both on and off the field. With a strong foundation built on years of experience and a track record of success, the program is well-positioned to continue its growth and impact in the world of youth lacrosse.

Connecticut Valley Lacrosse – powered by Oasys Sports

Each Summer Connecticut Valley Lacrosse hosts travel lacrosse teams for youth and high school aged players. Players are selected for each team following their performance at one of our tryout events. Information regarding tryouts for our Summer Program can be found by following this LINK. 

Teams hold a maximum roster of 22 players made up of 20 field players and 2 goaltenders. Players that exceed the maximum roster size of 22 will be added to the squad as a practice player/alternate. Separate fees are calculated for those players who wish to remain as part of the team as a practice player/alternate. Connecticut Valley Lacrosse reserves the right to limit roster sizes to a lesser total amount, but rosters will not exceed 22 players. 

For more complete information regarding the Summer Program, please see below. 

Should you have questions at any time please do not hesitate to contact us at ConnecticutValley@gmail. com. You can also follow the Club’s progress, news, and postings on Facebook or Twitter. 

 

2025 & 2026 Graduates
(2024 Summer Season)

• Cost: $1,450.00
  
   
• What You Get:
  • IMCLA.SportsRecruits.com Membership
  • 10 Practices
  • 4 Recruiting Tournaments
  • Cascade Helmet [NEW PLAYERS ONLY]
  • Team Shooting Shirt
  • Team Reversible
  • Team Shorts
  • Team Bag [NEW PLAYERS ONLY]

2027 Graduates
(2024 Summer Season)

• Cost: $1,400.00
  
   
• What You Get:
  • 10 Practices
  • 4 Tournaments
  • Cascade Helmet [NEW PLAYERS ONLY]
  • Team Shooting Shirt
  • Team Reversible
  • Team Shorts
  • Team Bag [NEW PLAYERS ONLY]

2028, 2029, & 2030 Graduates
(2024 Summer Season)

• Cost: $1,300. 00
  
   
• What You Get:
  • 10 Practices
  • 3 Tournaments
  • Cascade Helmet [NEW PLAYERS ONLY]
  • Team Shooting Shirt
  • Team Reversible
  • Team Shorts
  • Team Bag [NEW PLAYERS ONLY]
    
     

2031, 2032 & 2033 Graduates
(2024 Summer Season)

• Cost: $1,099.99
  
   
• What You Get:
  • 8-10 Practices
  • 3 Tournaments
  • Cascade Helmet [NEW PLAYERS ONLY]
  • Team Shooting Shirt
  • Team Reversible
  • Team Shorts
  • Team Bag [NEW PLAYERS ONLY]
    
     

• Practices:
  
  Practice is held roughly twice per week from the start of the season (Mid-June) through the end of the Season (End of July). All practices for each team will be held at Suffield High School or Sullivan Field in Suffield, Connecticut for our 2025-2033 Teams unless otherwise specified upon start of the Season. 
  
   
• Returning Players
  
  Players will receive a new uniform with each new season they compete with Connecticut Valley; new bags and helmets for returning players are only ordered upon request and for an additional fee. 

We strongly encourage questions; you may contact us at [email protected]. A member of our staff will respond to your inquiry as timely as possibly answering each to the best of their ability. For more complete information on each of our teams (i.e. practice schedule, description, & tournament schedule) please visit the link to each of our individual team pages beneath the “Teams” tab on the top of the page. 

Connecticut Valley Lacrosse – powered by Oasys Sports

Connecticut Valley Lacrosse – powered by Oasys Sports

Matthew Ramsay, Program Director & Recruiting Advisor

• Program Founder
• Associate Program Director
• Recruiting Advisor 
• Southington HS Varsity Assistant Coach (2010 – 2014)

Ramsay has been involved in the game of lacrosse for over 20 years as both a player and a coach. As a coach, Ramsay has been involved with various youth and high school programs across Connecticut and most noteably serves as the Varsity Assistant with Southington High School from 2010-2013. While at Southington, Ramsay commanded the offense and pushed the team to a state tournament appearance in his first season. In years to follow, the Southington Offense racked up countless victories and advanced to it’s deepest appearance in the Connecticut State Tournament. Players who have competed under Coach Ramsay at Southington have moved on to compete at a variety of strong NCAA Programs including, but not limited to; University of Maryland, Wesleyan University, Western New England University, Southern New Hampshire University, Sacred Heart University and Endicott College. 

As a player, Ramsay competed from 2004 – 2008 as a member of the Eastern Connecticut State University Men’s Lacrosse Program. While competing at midfield for the Warrior’s he played a strong part in the program’s success as they strived towards not only capturing a conference championship, but towards a NCAA Tournament Bid. Following his years on the field at Eastern Connecticut Ramsay competed for various post-collegiate men’s programs as well as against and alongside the Boston Cannons in several pre-season contests. 

Matt Hoffman, Program Director & Goalie Coach

• Associate Program Director
• Assistant Coach 
• Goaltender Coach
• Recruiting Advisor

Hoffman joined Connecticut Valley Lacrosse roughly 4 seasons ago after being an active Coach and Member of the Windsor Lacrosse Community in Windsor, Connecticut. As a player, Hoffman competed for Westfield High School in Westfield, MA before moving on to Assumption College where he earned several honors during his four year career (2002 – 2006).

Justin Bard, Head Coach (2024 Blue)

• Westfield HS (MA) Boy’s Varsity Assistant Coach (2015 – Present)

Former NCAA Division III All-American Attackman and current Westfield High School Boy’s Varsity Assistant Coach, Justin Bard, joins the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Staff as an Assistant Coach in 2017. As a player, Bard earned both National and CCC All-Conference Honors as a member of the Golden Bears Men’s Lacrosse Program. In 2015 Bard ranked nationally with 4.35 points per game as well as led the CCC in goals (63) and points (87). Prior to competing at Western New England, Bard enjoyed similar successes as an attackman at American International College earning the 2014 Northeast-10 Rookie of the Year and being named 1st Team All Conference. Bard is a 2006 Graduate of Westfield High School where he also was recognized at an All-American and he also served in the United States Army National Guard. 

Matt LaCroix, Assistant Coach (2024 Blue)

• Westfield High School Varsity Assistant Coach (2017 – Present)

LaCroix joined Connecticut Valley as an assistant coach during the summer of 2017. He is currently one of the Westfield High School Boys Varsity Assistant Coaches.  He also provides individual lessons for faceoff specialists. 

LaCroix graduated from Springfield College in 2017, where he competed for four years under Coach Bugbee. During his time there the Pride won 4 NEWMAC titles and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament twice (2014 and 2016). He was a 4 time Academic All Conference recipient and as a senior captain he was selected to First Team All League as a faceoff specialist. LaCroix graduated from Westfield High School as an All American in 2013.

Luke Jenne, Head Coach (2024 White)

• Suffield Academy Boys Lacrosse Varsity Head Coach (2022 – Present)
• Wilbraham & Monson Academy Assistant Coach (2019 – 2021)
• Pope Francis High School Varsity Head Coach (2016 – 2018)
• Cathedral High School Varsity Head Coach (2014 – 2016)
• U. S. Lacrosse Western Massachusetts Board Member (2017 – Current)

Coach Luke has been involved with both boys and girls lacrosse for over 20 years coaching and volunteering from youth to High school. As Head Coach at both Pope Francis and Cathedral the past four years each team has gone into the playoffs and won at least one tournament game in each season. Coach Luke was a defensemen and graduate at Longmeadow High School in 2001 and went to and graduated from Westfield State College in 2006. Coach Luke has had graduates from his teams go on to play or soon to be playing at each divisional level in college.

Robert Cecchetelli, Assistant Coach (2024 White)

• Suffield Academy Boys Lacrosse Varsity Assistant Coach (2022 – Present)
• West Springfield Youth Lacrosse Head Coach (2021 – Present)
• Suffield High School Boys Lacrosse Varsity Head Coach (2020 – 2021)
• Suffield High School Boys Lacrosse Varsity Assistant Coach (2019 – 2020)
• Pope Francis High School Boys Lacrosse Varsity Assistant Coach (2012 – 2018)

Cecchetelli has been involved in lacrosse for over 20 years both as a player and a coach. Prior to joining Suffield High School as the Boys Varsity Head Coach in 2020, Cecchetelli was an Assistant Coach at Pope Francis High School and in charge of the offense. While at Pope Francis, the team saw multiple 100pt scorers, one who still ranks 6th in scoring all time in Massachusetts. The Pope Francis team also had made multiple playoffs appearances and also won a league title while Cecchetelli was a part of their staff. 

Geoff Moore, Head Coach (2025 Blue)

• Suffield Academy Boys Lacrosse Varsity Assistant Coach (2022 – Present)
• Agawam Youth Lacrosse President (2014 – 2021)
• Agawam Youth Lacrosse Head Coach (2001 – 2003, 2013 – Current)
• Westfield Youth Lacrosse Assistant Coach (2004 & 2012)
• Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse League Vice-President (2016 – 2018)
• Western Mass Arsenal Club Lacrosse Team Founder and 2023 Head Coach (2015 – 2018)

Coach Moore played High School lacrosse in Westfield, MA where he earned All Western Mass first team and All Western Mass all league first team honors as well as serving as team captain his senior year.  Moore then went on to compete at the NCAA Div I level as a defenseman for Quinnipiac University from (1995-1998) where he was a starter his Junior and Senior years and still ranks 16th all time for ground balls in a single season.  After college, he spent more than a decade playing men’s league for the Westfield Cranx as well as a variety of masters teams throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.  Coach Moore has been very involved in the development of youth lacrosse since 2001 as a Coach, town program president, club team coach, and former Vice-President of the CVYL.

Patrick Hamel, Assistant Coach (2025 Blue)

• Southington High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Assistant Coach (2017 – Present)

Coach Hamel enters his 4th Year in 2022 as a member of the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Coaching Staff. Coach Hamel comes to Connecticut Valley Lacrosse by way of Western New England University where he played lacrosse and wrestled for the NCAA Division III Golden Bears graduating in 2016. Immediately upon graduating from college Hamel joined the Southington High School Coaching Staff where he has remained as an Assistant Coach on the Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team. Prior to his collegiate playing days and current coaching assignment Hamel was a 3 year Varsity midfielder for Southington High School and a Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Alumni (Class of 2012). Coach Hamel presently resides in Southington, Connecticut and also teaches at DePaolo Middle School. 

Rory Nunamacher, Head Coach (2025 White)

Coach Nunamacher begins his 4th Season with Connecticut Valley Lacrosse in 2021. As a player, Nunamacher was a midfielder for the NCAA Division I University of Hartford Men’s Lacrosse program from 2011 – 2014. As a member of the Hawks program he was named Captain in 2014, earned NEILA All New England honors, and he was selected to the NEILA East/West Senior All-Star game. Prior to his collegiate playing days Nunamacher was a 4-Year Varsity Starter for Guiderland High School in New York where he also earned All-American Honors.  

Ricky Cotton, Assistant Coach (2025 White)

Bio coming soon! 

Chris Siewertsen, Head Coach (2026 Blue)

• Head Coach Boy’s Varsity Lacrosse Newington High School (2021 – Present)
• Vernon Youth Lacrosse Association President (2016 – 2021)
• Head Coach Boy’s Varsity Lacrosse, Rockville High School (2011 – 2016)

Prior to his coaching days, Siewertsen competed for Xavier High School in Middletown, Connecticut as a defenseman and then continued onto Rutgers University. After college, he coached the varsity boys team at Rockville for five years. Many players from the Coach Siewertsen’s Rockville High School Boys Lacrosse Program moved on to play collegiately for schools including University of Colorado, Eastern Connecticut State University, St. Leo’s University, Roanoke College, and Western New England University. Chris then took the reigns of the Vernon Youth Lacrosse Association serving as President while also coaching the U14 and U12 teams. Currently, he sits at the helm of the Newington High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse program. 

Tom Gallagher, Assistant Coach (2026 Blue)

Bio Coming Soon!

Scott Kossbiel, Head Coach (2026 White)

• Northwest Catholic High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach (2020 – Present)
• Avon High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach (2018, 2011 – 2016)

Coach Kossbiel joined the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Coaching Staff in 2020 as an Assistant Coach with our 2023 Blue Squad bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and a lengthy background in the world of lacrosse. Kossbiel is presently at the helm of Northwest Catholic High School’s Boys Varsity Lacrosse Program and previously was a Head Coach of Avon High School’s Boys Varsity Lacrosse. While at Avon, Kossbiel was nominated for Coach of the Year in 2013 and his teams racked up over 100 win during his tenure. Coach Kossbiel also volunteered with the Avon Youth Lacrosse Program and presently serves as a Private Lesson Coach through CoachUp. Prior to his coaching days, Kossbiel was a Defenseman and LSM at NCAA Division III, University of Scranton. 

Rayce Bianchi, Assistant Coach (2026 White)

Bio Coming Soon!

Scott Rossi, Head Coach (2027 Blue)

• Head Coach Berlin High School Boy’s Varsity Lacrosse (2012 – Present)

Coach Rossi’s playing career began at Eastern Connecticut State University where he was a founding member of the men’s lacrosse program. After graduation, he played with several competitive men’s post-collegiate clubs. One of his most memorable playing experiences came when he was selected as a CT Master’s League All-Star and competed against the Irish National Team. Rossi’s coaching career goes back roughly 20 years. He began as a youth coach in Hamden, Connecticut before founding the Berlin Youth Lacrosse Program in the town where he currently resides and teaches. Aside from his experiences in youth lacrosse, Coach Rossi has been at the helm of the Berlin Boys Varsity Lacrosse program since it’s inaugural season in 2012. In just eight seasons, his teams have won 85 games, made six consecutive Class M state tournament appearances and have dominated opponents in the CCC South.

Brendan Frobel, Assistant Coach (2027 Blue)

• Central Connecticut State University Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach (2017 – Present)
• Conard High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Assistant Coach (2017 – Present)

Coach Frobel brings over 25 years of lacrosse playing and coaching experience to Connecticut Valley as he begins his first season with us in 2023. The West Hartford, CT native competed at Conard High School in the Early 2000’s before moving on to play collegiating with the University of Connecticut (MCLA). Frobel continued to compete after college playing with many post-collegiate teams and also in the 2022 Heritage Cup with the Irish National Team. Aside from playing, he continues to be a mentor and coach for his alma mater, Conard High School, and also the Head of the CCSU program since 2017. 

Steven Hamel, Assistant Coach (2027 Blue)

Bio coming soon!

Ron Chase, Head Coach (2027/2028)

• Southington Lacrosse Association Coach (2007 – Present) 
• Southington HS Varsity Head Coach (2007 – 2022) 
• Hobart College Assistant Coach (2003 – 2006)
• Hamilton College Assistant Coach (2002 – 2003)
• Haverford College Assistant Coach (1999 – 2002)

Led the Blue Knights to 10 Class L playoff appearances including 6 tournament wins and a run to the quarterfinals in 2013.   Chase is the winningest coach in Southington High School program history with over 120 wins. Prior to Southington High School Chase coached at several colleges. While a college coach, he coached primarily defense and goalies. Had 2 appearances in the NCAA tournament and two national top 10 rankings. As a player, Chase was a 4 year defenseman at West Chester University (’95-’99) a NCAA Div. II program that was eliminated in ’03.  Chase helped lead West Chester to ECAC Championships and top 5 national rankings.

Mason Balch, Head Coach (2029 Blue)

• Assistant Coach Western New England University Men’s Lacrosse (2023 – Present)

Coach Balch started with Connecticut Valley Lacrosse in 2022 as the Head Coach of our 2029 Blue squad. He returns for his second 2nd in 2023 and we could not be more excited to have him as part of our Coaching Staff. Balch is a former US Lacrosse High School All American from a stellar playing career at the Williston-Northampton School. He then took his talents to NCAA Division I Bryant University in 2017 earning a spot on the NEC (conference) All-Rookie Team in 2018. After competing with Bryant for 3 seasons he moved on to finish up his college career at NCAA Division 1 Merrimack College. As a member of the Merrimack College Men’s Lacrosse Team in 2022 he was named to the NEILA All-Academic team. This decorated playing career has permitted Coach Balch to learn and grow alongside the game of lacrosse. His knowledge and experience thus far mirrors his ability as a player.  

Alex Beauchemin, Assistant Coach (2029 Blue)

Bio coming soon!

Brian Martin, Head Coach (2030)

• Bacon Academy Boys Varsity Head Coach (2013 – Present)
• Ledyard HS Varsity Head Coach (2006 – 2013)

Martin has been coaching lacrosse in southeastern CT for the past 13 years. After graduating from Assumption College, where he had a successful 3-year career at midfield, he took the reigns at Ledyard High School in 2006. In 2010, Martin broke school records by leading the team to a 16-0 regular season and #1 seed in the Class S state tournament. Ledyard captured their first ever ECC regular season title and also won the tournament title that year. Martin led Ledyard to back-to-back Class S state semifinal appearances in 2009 and 2010. He was named Connecticut’s Class S Coach of the Year in 2010. In 2013, Martin took over at Bacon Academy, where the team has been improving its record every year. In addition to coaching high school lacrosse, Martin has coached in the summer, fall, and winter seasons with the CT Whalers out of Yale University and the CT Cardinals out of Wesleyan University. He has coached players who have gone on to play at Lafayette University, Western New England University, St. Michael’s College, Assumption College, Western CT ST University, Limestone College, Wesleyan University, and UCONN. Martin has also had the opportunity to learn and study under talented coaches including Andy Shay (Yale), Ryan Polley (Boston University), Lelan Rogers (Syracuse University), Brett Holm (Brown University) and John Raba (Wesleyan University), among others.

Hunter Wallace, Head Coach (Futures)

Bio coming soon!

Cole Wallace, Assistant Coach (Futures)

Bio coming soon!

Jeff Wallace, Assistant Coach

• Glastonbury Youth Lacrosse Coach & Board Member
• Glastonbury High School Lacrosse Board Member

Coach Wallace, a self-proclaimed defensive wizard, brings 30+ years of coaching experience to Connecticut Valley Lacrosse and we are thrilled to continue ot have him as a member of our staff. As a player, Coach Wallace competed for both the football and lacrosse programs at Western Connecticut State University from 1990 – 1993. He also competed for Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Club’s Men’s Open Team (2002 – 2017) and in the Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League (1989 – 2002). The Windsor, Connecticut native and Glastonbury, Connecticut current resident also founded Top Dawg Lacrosse which put together Youth & High School Select Teams for 9 years before merging with Connecticut Valley Lacrosse in 2018.   

Dannie Gryzsko, Assistant Coach

• Head Coach Boys Varsity Lacrosse West Springfield High School (2019 – Present)
• Assistant Coach, Men’s Lacrosse American International College (2021 – Present)
• Assistant Coach Boys Varsity Lacrosse West Springfield High School (2016 – 2018)

Coach Gryzsko is a West Springfield, Connecticut native who joins the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Coaching Staff in 2021. Gryzsko was a standout Defenseman at NCAA Division II American International College from 2012-2015 earning several accolades during his time with the Yellow Jackets. In 2012, Gryzsko’s Freshman Season, he was named to the Northeast-10 Conference All Rookie Team. In 2013, as a Sophomore, he was named the Northeast-10 Conference Defensive MVP. And in 2015, competing during his Senior Season, he was named to the New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association East/West Senior All-Star game after a standout year. Prior to his time on the field in college Gryszko was a force for the Terriers at West Springfield High School where he was a 4x All League Selection and 3x All Western Massachusetts Selection. 

Lee Mascolo, Coach

• President, Founder & Head Coach Capital Preporatory School (2015 – 2021)
• Eastern Connecticut State University Men’s Lacrosse Assistant Coach (2012 & 2014)
• England Lacrosse Association Development Official (2013)

Coach Mascolo is the man behind the entire Capital Prep Lacrosse program currently overseeing 5 total teams. Capital Prep’s program has grown substantially since 2015; at the present moment Mascolo has assisted Hartford’s first lacrosse program in building a Boy’s Junior Varsity team, a U10 Girls team, a U12 Girls team, a U12 Boys team, and a U14 Boys team. Prior to beginning his task to build a lacrosse program at Capital Prep, Mascolo was working with Eastern Connecticut State University where he also competed as a midfielder and attackman from 2007 – 2011. As a member of Eastern Connecticut’s lacrosse staff Mascolo was responsible for recruiting, man down defense, and scouting opponents. Furthermore, Mascolo’s lacrosse adventures have taken him oversees. In 2013, he worked for the English Lacrosse Association and was the Head Coach of the University of Liverpool leading the club to an undefeated 16-0 season. 

Marc Graham, Guest Coach

• Eastern Connecticut State University Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach (2018 – Current)
• Vassar College Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach (2012 – 2017)
• Trinity College Men’s Lacrosse Assistant Coach (2006 – 2010)
• South Windsor High School Boys Varsity Head Coach (1994 – 2004)

Graham came to Eastern in the summer of 2018 after serving as head men’s lacrosse coach at Division III Vassar College. The Vassar appointment followed a 16-year coaching career as an assistant coach at Trinity College and head coach at South Windsor High School.

In 2016, Graham led Vassar to its first .500 season (8-8) ever, and followed that up in 2017 with the first winning season (11-5) in the program’s first 30 years, and first Liberty League playoff berth. That season, Graham and his assistant coaches were voted Liberty League Coaching Staff-of-the-Year and five players were named to the all-league team.

Prior to accepting his first collegiate head coaching position at Vassar, Graham spent 16 years coaching lacrosse in Connecticut. Graham served five years (2006-10) as recruiting coordinator under James Finlay at Trinity, when the Bantams won 40 and lost 35 overall and qualified for the playoffs in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) – the most competitive conference in Division III – for an unprecedented three straight seasons. In 2009, Graham helped Trinity to a 10-6 overall record (4-5 NESCAC) and tied for the fourth-most goals in program history. With Graham, the Bantams were 5-0 against Eastern when the teams met in non-conference play.

As the 11-year head coach at South Windsor (1994-2004), Graham developed a comprehensive freshman, jayvee and varsity program that resulted in three trips to the Division II state finals in a five-year period and the 1999 state championship. As a member of Division I, South Windsor qualified for the state tournament in three of Graham’s final five seasons.

At Vassar, Graham was 39-65, including a 2018 season which included five losses to Top 20 teams – four of which compete in the Liberty League. Among the losses were those to No. 1 nationally-ranked and NCAA semifinalist RIT and to No. 9 national champion Wesleyan University.

The winningest coach in Vassar history, Graham took over in 2012 after seven different individuals had led the program through its first 24 seasons on the intercollegiate level.

Graham’s teams at Vassar featured 17 all-league players, one All-America, one USILA North-South Sr.