How does the Greenwich High School boys lacrosse program develop players. What are the key components of their successful approach. How do they balance competition and player development across different team levels.
The Greenwich Titans Lacrosse Program: An Overview
The Greenwich High School boys lacrosse program, known as the Greenwich Titans, has established itself as a powerhouse in Connecticut high school lacrosse. With a focus on player development, teamwork, and high-level competition, the Titans program aims to cultivate not just skilled athletes, but well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the field.
The program is structured into three levels: varsity, junior varsity (JV), and freshman teams. This tiered system allows for appropriate skill development and playing time for athletes at different stages of their lacrosse careers.
Core Program Goals
- Coach, teach, and motivate every player to reach their highest potential
- Develop sportsmanship, unity, and shared success among team members
- Provide competitive opportunities at all skill levels
- Build a strong foundation in program ideology from the freshman level up
Team Structure and Player Advancement
How does the Greenwich Titans program balance competition and development across different team levels? The program employs a thoughtful approach to team placement and player advancement:
- Open varsity tryouts consisting of two practices and one scrimmage
- No-cut policy ensures all players have a place in the program
- Flexible “floating” roster system allows JV players opportunities at higher levels
- Freshman team focus on building team chemistry and program fundamentals
This structure allows players to find their appropriate competitive level while still providing opportunities for growth and advancement. The “floating” roster, in particular, demonstrates the program’s commitment to both player development and maintaining competitive balance in games.
Time Commitment and Expectations
Participation in the Greenwich Titans lacrosse program requires a significant time commitment from players and their families. Understanding these expectations is crucial for success within the program:
Practice and Game Schedule
- Varsity and JV teams practice or compete six days a week
- One mandatory rest day per week (per CIAC rules)
- Film study or workouts may occur on rest days
- Games scheduled every week, including during school vacations
Attendance Policy
The program maintains a strict attendance policy to ensure team cohesion and fairness:
- Players must attend all team obligations
- Excused absences require prior communication with coaches
- Unexcused absences may result in suspension or removal from the team
While the attendance policy may seem stringent, it reflects the program’s commitment to developing disciplined, dedicated athletes who understand the importance of reliability and teamwork.
Pre-Season Preparation: Building a Strong Foundation
The Greenwich Titans program emphasizes year-round development to ensure players are prepared for the competitive spring season. What steps does the program take to build a strong foundation in the off-season?
Conditioning Program
- Mandatory conditioning begins immediately following the football season
- Workouts led by Coach Mediate
- Schedule posted on Cardslax.com website
- Lacrosse coach present at each session for attendance
Winter Clinics and Team Activities
- Optional clinics held at Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich (January-February)
- Team meetings and workouts twice weekly (one month prior to season start)
- Mandatory for non-winter sport athletes
- Free week-long clinic hosted by GYL before season begins
This comprehensive off-season program allows players to maintain their skills, improve their conditioning, and build team chemistry before the official season begins. It also demonstrates the program’s commitment to long-term player development and success.
Equipment and Resources
Proper equipment is essential for player safety and performance in lacrosse. How does the Greenwich Titans program support players in obtaining necessary gear?
- School provides helmets to players in need (for spring season use only)
- Players responsible for all other required equipment
- Helmets must be returned with uniforms after the last game
- No helmet borrowing allowed during the off-season
While the program assists with helmet provision, players and families should be prepared to invest in personal protective equipment and sticks. This approach ensures players have properly fitted gear while teaching responsibility for maintaining their own equipment.
Coaching Staff: Experience and Expertise
The success of any athletic program relies heavily on the quality of its coaching staff. The Greenwich Titans boast a dedicated team of coaches across all levels:
Varsity
- Head Coach: Bobby Lutz
- Assistant Coach: Jeremy White
Junior Varsity
- Head Coach: Frank Wells
- Assistant Coach: Joe Vrtiak
Freshman
- Head Coach: Brian Zeller
- Assistant Coach: Jarrett McGovern
This experienced coaching staff ensures consistent instruction and development across all levels of the program. Their expertise helps players refine their skills, understand advanced strategies, and develop a deep appreciation for the game of lacrosse.
Greenwich Academy: A Powerhouse in Girls Lacrosse
While the focus of this article has been on the Greenwich Titans boys lacrosse program, it’s worth noting the strength of girls lacrosse in the area as well. Greenwich Academy, a nearby private school, has established itself as a formidable force in girls lacrosse.
Program Highlights
- Challenging schedule featuring top teams from around the country
- Co-head coaches Halley Quillinan Griggs and Katie Johnson bring high-level experience
- Strong leadership from senior captains like Ava Butz and Maddie Holden
- Focus on competing against the best to elevate team performance
The success of both the Greenwich Titans and Greenwich Academy programs demonstrates the strong lacrosse culture in the Greenwich area, providing opportunities for both male and female athletes to compete at the highest levels.
Building a Lacrosse Legacy: Impact Beyond the Field
The Greenwich Titans lacrosse program’s influence extends far beyond wins and losses on the field. How does participation in this program shape young athletes and contribute to their overall development?
Life Skills Development
- Time management: Balancing rigorous practice schedules with academic responsibilities
- Teamwork: Learning to work effectively with diverse personalities towards common goals
- Discipline: Adhering to strict attendance policies and off-season conditioning requirements
- Leadership: Opportunities for players to take on captain roles and mentor younger teammates
- Resilience: Facing tough competition and learning from both victories and defeats
These skills, honed through years of participation in the program, serve players well beyond their lacrosse careers. Many former Greenwich Titans go on to success in college athletics, academics, and professional pursuits, crediting their time in the program as a formative experience.
Community Impact
The Greenwich Titans program also plays a significant role in the local community:
- Youth clinics and camps inspire the next generation of lacrosse players
- Home games bring the community together, fostering school spirit
- Success of the program raises the profile of Greenwich High School athletics
- Alumni often return to support the program, creating a strong network of past and present players
This community involvement helps create a sustainable pipeline of talent and support for the program, ensuring its continued success for years to come.
The Future of Greenwich Titans Lacrosse
As the landscape of high school athletics continues to evolve, how is the Greenwich Titans program positioning itself for future success?
Embracing Technology and Data
- Increased use of video analysis for player development and game planning
- Exploration of sports science techniques to optimize training and recovery
- Leveraging data analytics to identify areas for team and individual improvement
Expanding College Recruitment Support
With many players aspiring to compete at the collegiate level, the program is enhancing its support for the recruitment process:
- Building stronger relationships with college coaches and programs
- Providing guidance on NCAA eligibility requirements and the recruitment timeline
- Assisting players in creating highlight reels and managing their recruitment profiles
Continued Focus on Holistic Development
While maintaining its competitive edge, the program remains committed to developing well-rounded individuals:
- Emphasizing academic excellence alongside athletic achievement
- Incorporating character development and leadership training into team activities
- Encouraging community service and civic engagement among players
By adapting to new trends while staying true to its core values, the Greenwich Titans lacrosse program is well-positioned to continue its tradition of excellence in the years to come.
Joining the Greenwich Titans Lacrosse Family
For aspiring lacrosse players in the Greenwich area, becoming part of the Titans program can be a transformative experience. What steps can interested athletes take to get involved?
Getting Started
- Participate in youth lacrosse programs to build fundamental skills
- Attend summer camps and clinics offered by the Greenwich Titans program
- Stay informed about pre-season activities and tryout dates through the program website
- Maintain strong academic performance to ensure eligibility
Preparing for Success
To maximize their chances of success within the program, aspiring players should:
- Develop a strong work ethic and commitment to improvement
- Focus on overall athletic development, including strength, speed, and agility
- Study the game by watching high-level lacrosse and learning advanced strategies
- Embrace the team-first mentality that is central to the program’s philosophy
By following these steps and fully committing to the program’s values, young athletes can position themselves to thrive within the Greenwich Titans lacrosse family and beyond.
Lacrosse – Boys – Greenwich Public Schools
Program Overview:
It is the goal of the entire staff to coach, teach, and motivate every member of the program to achieve both team and personal goals set at the highest level of potential. It is also a program goal to develop as a group so that sportsmanship, unity, and success is shared among the entire team.
The program consists of three levels: varsity, JV and freshman teams. Varsity has open tryouts consisting of two practices and one scrimmage to decide placement. There are no cuts, so any player not making the varsity roster automatically gets placed on JV. There is also a “floating” roster where JV players may be called up to play games against “developing” teams to make the competition more equal, but still with the absolute purpose of winning.
All freshman who do not make varsity play with the freshman team, not JV. In the rare case that the JV roster may require additional players to play a game, some freshman may get called up, but the goal is to have all freshman playing together as much as possible to build team chemistry and establish a strong foundation in the program ideology.
For some of the higher-level freshman, they may have the opportunity to practice with the varsity team and attend games, but only when there is not a conflict with a freshman program.
Time Commitment:
The varsity and JV teams practice or compete in games six days a week. Due to CIAC rules, a day off from playing is required, but on that day off, there may be film or workouts. Towards the end of the season, there may be several rest days of just film or walkthroughs, but players are required to attend all team obligations. Players on both the varsity and JV teams have games every week and no time off is given for vacation. If time off is needed to due family, medical, religious, or school related conflicts, players must speak to a coach prior to missing any practice or game. If any time is missed for an unexcused reason, that player will either be suspended or removed from the team – no exceptions. Members of the freshman team are the only players permitted to travel during spring break, but missing practices and games may jeopardize status on the depth chart.
Practices start after school at 3:40 PM and usually end by 5:15/5:30 PM. Home games are usually at 4:30PM or 5:00PM on weekdays with Saturday games starting between noon and 2:30 PM.
Pre-Season Conditioning:
Mandatory conditioning with Coach Mediate begins immediately following the football season. A schedule is posted on the Cardslax.com website and a lacrosse coach will be present at each workout for attendance.
Starting in January, clinics are held at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich and registration is done by the booster and captains’ parents. Participation is optional, but highly encouraged for any non-winter sports athlete. One month prior to the season, team meetings and workouts are held twice a week. These meetings are mandatory for any non-winter sports athlete. One week prior to the season, GYL hosts a free week-long clinic. This is open to any player interested in playing lacrosse during the spring.
Required Equipment:
The school issues a helmet to any player in need, but all other required equipment must be supplied by the individual player.
Any school-issued helmet can only be used during the spring season and must be returned with uniforms after the last game. No helmets may be borrowed during the offseason.
Coaching Staff:
Bobby Lutz
Head Coach
[email protected]
Jeremy White
Varsity Assistant Coach 1
[email protected]
Frank Wells
Head Junior Varsity Coach
[email protected]
Joe Vrtiak
Junior Varsity Assistant Coach
[email protected]
Brian Zeller
Head Freshman Coach
[email protected]
Jarrett McGovern
Freshman Assistant Coach
[email protected]
Greenwich Academy lacrosse team ready to face its challenging opponents – Greenwich Sports Beat
Greenwich Academy
By David Fierro on • ( Leave a comment )
Photo by David Fierro: Ava Butz, left and Maddie Holden are senior captains of the Greenwich Academy lacrosse team.
Like season’s past, Greenwich Academy’s lacrosse team’s schedule features ultra-challenging foes, a welcome sight to a squad with high expectations.
“In order to play your best, you have to schedule the best,” Greenwich Academy first-season co-head coach Halley Quillinan Griggs said.
“Our team is really excited to play the best teams in the country and test ourselves,” GA senior co-captain/midfielder Ava Butz said. “I know that we’re also one of the best teams in the country and we hope to beat those teams.”
Quillinan Griggs and Katie Johnson, a Greenwich Academy graduate, who has helped guide the program for numerous seasons, are GA’s coaches. In June of 2021, Quillinan Griggs was hired as co-head coach of GA’s Varsity A squad by athletic director Martha Brousseau, a position Melissa Anderson filled since 2014. Anderson, who was with GA’s lacrosse program since 2006, transferred to Massachusetts with her family, where she is serving as a history teacher at The Rivers School.
“It’s fun, we’ve had a lot of fun,” Quillinan Griggs said. “Katie went to school here, so she knows the traditions here, she knows how this school works and coaching alongside her to learn the Greenwich Academy community has been great. The team has welcomed me with open arms.”
Photo by David Fierro: Greenwich Academy captains Ava Butz, left and Maddie Holden will help anchor Greenwich Academy’s lacrosse team, which has a highly successful tradition.
Greenwich Academy will scrimmage Greenwich High School on Thursday, then has games against Bethlehem Central High School, Ridgefield, St. Anthony’s, old neighborhood rival Sacred Heart Greenwich, Westminster School, Hackley School, Taft, Loomis Chaffee, Wilton and Hotchkiss.
“We play the hardest teams on our schedule in the first few weeks, which is tough, but I think we’re going to have a great season,” said Butz, who will play lacrosse at Cornell University next season.
In its scrimmage against Wilton – one of the premier teams in Connecticut – Greenwich Academy played well, as the Warriors edged them in a back-and-forth game, 7-6.
Senior Maddie Holden, who will continue her lacrosse career at Duke University next season, will help lead GA’s midfield play along with Butz. The duo are the team’s captains.
Photo by David Fierro: Maddie Holden warms up prior to GA’s scrimmage game against visiting Wilton.
“It’s a lot of fun leading a group of great girls, I’m looking forward to it,” Holden said. “Being a part of the team has always been positive, everyone on the team is amazing and it’s always fun to go out and play with everyone.”
Greenwich Academy’s midfield features Butz, Holden, senior Taylor Glanville, who will take a good portion of the team’s draws and junior Ellie Burdick, who will also see action at the attack position. GA should receive plenty of offensive production from its group of midfielders.
“We have a lot of depth in the midfield, which is great,” said Butz, who also served as one of the captains of the school’s ice hockey team. “On offense, what really sets us apart is all seven of us are threats.
We are not just looking to a few players here or there and I think that’s going to help us be successful.”
Ava Butz begins her fourth season on Greenwich Academy’s Varsity A team.
On defense, returning is junior Ellie Johnson, who has committed to play lacrosse at Stanford University.
“Ellie Johnson is a force,” Quillinan Griggs said. “Most teams don’t have an Ellie Johnson, so we’re able to really take away a team’s top offensive threat with her and around her we’re a relatively young unit in terms of youth.”
Junior Rebecca Arpano, gives GA an experienced goalie, who has excelled in previous seasons. Freshman Lila Volpe, sophomore Molly Moore and junior Sienna Tejpaul are also among some of the squad’s defenders.
“We’re really young in terms of experience alongside Ellie, but she’s doing a great job of leading that unit and Rebecca Arpano, she’s a veteran in goal, so we have veteran talent at every unit,” Quillinan Griggs noted.
Greenwich Academy huddles up during its preseason scrimmage game against visiting Wilton on April 2, 2022.
Burdick, who has committed to play at Dartmouth, should also see some action at attack, along with patrolling the midfield, sophomore Dylan Casazza, is expected to help spark the attack unit and junior Mimi Novak is also starting at attack. Freshman Katie Barr and senior Emily Greenhaw also play at the attack position.
“Something that sets us apart on attack is that we’re all threats, but on defense, our communication is also great – we’re really good at talking to each other and letting each other know whether that slide is there,” Holden said.
Sophomore Brooke Bertrand and freshman Ruby Montanez are defenders, while junior Winnie Welch, junior Kate Haffenreffer and sophomore Amelia Lewis are midfielders. Freshman Chloe Cook is among the team’s attack players.
Greenwich Academy does draw control drills prior to its preseason game against Wilton.
“On the draw, Taylor Glanville is working hard, Ava Butz is remarkable on 50/50 balls,” Quillinan Griggs said. “We’re going to get the ball a lot this season.
