How has Ponte Vedra High School built a dominant lacrosse program. What makes the Jaws Boys Travel Lacrosse program so successful. Why are Ponte Vedra and Bartram Trail leading the charge in girls lacrosse.
The Rise of Ponte Vedra Lacrosse: Building a Legacy of Excellence
Ponte Vedra High School has established itself as a lacrosse powerhouse in Florida, consistently producing top-tier talent and competitive teams. The program’s success stems from a combination of dedicated coaching, community support, and a robust youth development system. At the heart of this system is the Jaws Boys Travel Lacrosse program, which serves as a pipeline for young players to hone their skills and prepare for high school competition.
Jaws Boys Travel Lacrosse: Nurturing Future Stars
The Jaws program offers opportunities for boys in various age groups, from 8U to high school. What makes this program unique? Here are some key features:
- Year-round training with Fall (October-January) and Summer (May-June) seasons
- Focus on individual skill development within a community-based framework
- Experienced coaching staff dedicated to player growth
- Competitive tournament participation across Florida and beyond
How does the Jaws program structure its teams? The program divides players into age-specific groups:
- 8U (Coach Mike Marrapese)
- 10U (Coach TBD)
- 12U (2029 Coach Matt Keeler and 2030 Coach Adam Kilby)
- 14U (Coach Chris Polanski)
- High School
This structure allows for targeted skill development and age-appropriate competition, ensuring that players progress steadily through the ranks.
Championship Pedigree: A Tradition of Winning
The Jaws Boys Travel Lacrosse program has cultivated a winning culture, with numerous championship titles across various age groups and tournaments. This success serves as a testament to the program’s effectiveness in developing skilled players and competitive teams.
Recent Championship Highlights
In the Summer 2023 season, Jaws teams achieved remarkable success:
- High School B: Orlando Summer Faceoff Champions
- 12B (2030’s): Orlando Summer Faceoff Champions and Sunshine State Champions
- 12A (2029’s): Sunshine State Champions and Orlando Summer Faceoff Champions
- 8A: Sunshine State Champions and Orlando Summer Faceoff Champions
These victories demonstrate the program’s ability to compete at a high level across multiple age groups, showcasing the depth of talent being developed in Ponte Vedra.
Training Regimen: Developing Skills and Team Cohesion
The Jaws program emphasizes consistent training to build skills and foster team chemistry. For the 2023 Fall/Winter season, practice schedules are carefully designed to maximize player development:
- High School and 14U: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-6:00pm at Landrum MS
- 12U: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:30pm at Landrum MS
- 10U: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:30pm at Landrum MS
- 8U: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7:00pm at Landrum MS
This structured approach ensures that players receive consistent coaching and ample opportunity to improve their skills throughout the season.
Equipment and Team Identity: Fostering Pride and Unity
The Jaws program places importance on team identity and proper equipment. Players have access to official Jaws gear, including team bags and helmets, which help create a sense of unity and pride within the program.
How can players and families access official Jaws equipment?
- Jaws Bags: Available for purchase at https://laxgear.com/products/ponte-vedra (passcode: LaxJAWS)
- Jaws Helmets: Contact Matt Garrow at [email protected] for ordering information
- Additional gear: Available through the JAWS Online Store
This attention to detail in equipment and branding helps create a professional atmosphere and reinforces the program’s commitment to excellence.
Girls Lacrosse: Ponte Vedra and Bartram Trail Leading the Charge
While the Jaws Boys program has garnered significant attention, Ponte Vedra’s girls lacrosse team has also established itself as a formidable force in Florida high school lacrosse. Alongside neighboring Bartram Trail, these two programs are showcasing the depth and quality of girls lacrosse in the area.
State Championship Aspirations
Both Ponte Vedra and Bartram Trail have advanced to the state semifinals in their respective classifications for the 2023 season. What does this mean for the sport in the region?
- Ponte Vedra (14-4) will face Lake Highland Prep (19-3) in the Class 1A semifinals
- Bartram Trail (17-4) will take on Tampa Plant (18-3) in the Class 2A semifinals
- These achievements highlight the growing strength of girls lacrosse in Northeast Florida
Dan Toole, Ponte Vedra’s coach, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment: “I think it speaks volumes of the talent that we have in the north part of the state. And again, I’m excited for Bartram. I wish them well. And I hope, as I told [Bartram coach] Meg [Jackowiak] in a text message, I hope we bring the titles back up north.”
Community Impact: Lacrosse as a Catalyst for Youth Development
The success of Ponte Vedra’s lacrosse programs extends beyond the field, positively impacting the local community. How does a strong lacrosse program benefit the area?
- Provides structured athletic opportunities for youth
- Fosters teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills
- Attracts college recruiters, potentially leading to scholarship opportunities
- Brings positive attention and pride to the community
- Encourages family involvement and volunteerism
By investing in youth lacrosse, Ponte Vedra is not only developing skilled athletes but also contributing to the overall well-being and growth of its young residents.
Future Outlook: Sustaining Success and Expanding Reach
As Ponte Vedra lacrosse continues to thrive, what steps can be taken to ensure long-term success and growth?
- Continued investment in youth development programs
- Expansion of coaching education and resources
- Increased collaboration with other successful programs in the region
- Enhanced facilities and equipment to support player development
- Outreach to underserved communities to broaden the sport’s appeal
By focusing on these areas, Ponte Vedra can solidify its position as a lacrosse powerhouse while also contributing to the sport’s growth in Florida and beyond.
The Role of Parental and Community Support
Behind every successful youth sports program lies a network of dedicated parents and community members. How does Ponte Vedra harness this support to enhance its lacrosse programs?
- Volunteer coaching and team management
- Fundraising efforts for equipment, travel, and facilities
- Organizing and staffing local tournaments and events
- Providing transportation and logistical support for away games
- Creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere at games and practices
This strong foundation of support allows coaches and players to focus on skill development and competition, knowing they have a robust support system behind them.
Building a Lacrosse Culture
The success of Ponte Vedra’s lacrosse programs has helped create a true lacrosse culture in the community. What are some signs of this growing lacrosse culture?
- Increased youth participation in lacrosse clinics and camps
- Local businesses sponsoring teams and events
- Growing attendance at high school games
- Former players returning as coaches or mentors
- Year-round lacrosse activities and training opportunities
This cultural shift has helped cement lacrosse as a major sport in the Ponte Vedra area, rivaling traditional powerhouses like football and basketball.
Challenges and Opportunities in Florida Lacrosse
While Ponte Vedra has found great success in lacrosse, the sport still faces challenges in Florida. What are some of the hurdles and opportunities for growth?
Challenges:
- Competition with established sports for resources and attention
- Limited number of experienced coaches in some areas
- Need for more regulation-size fields and facilities
- Balancing the growth of both boys’ and girls’ programs equally
Opportunities:
- Increasing popularity of lacrosse at the collegiate level
- Potential for professional lacrosse expansion in Florida
- Growing interest in non-traditional sports among youth
- Possibility of lacrosse becoming an Olympic sport, driving further interest
By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, Ponte Vedra and other Florida lacrosse programs can continue to elevate the sport’s profile in the state.
Lacrosse as a Path to College and Beyond
For many young athletes in Ponte Vedra, lacrosse offers a potential pathway to college opportunities. How does the program support players in their college aspirations?
- Exposure to college recruiters through competitive tournaments
- Guidance on the recruiting process and NCAA regulations
- Development of skills that translate to the collegiate level
- Building a network of alumni playing at various colleges
- Emphasizing academic excellence alongside athletic achievement
By focusing on both athletic and academic development, Ponte Vedra’s lacrosse programs prepare players for success both on and off the field.
Success Stories
Ponte Vedra’s lacrosse programs have produced numerous success stories, with players going on to compete at prestigious colleges and universities. While specific names cannot be provided without verification, the program’s track record speaks for itself, with athletes earning scholarships to Division I, II, and III schools across the country.
Innovation in Coaching and Player Development
To maintain its competitive edge, Ponte Vedra’s lacrosse programs continuously seek innovative approaches to coaching and player development. What are some cutting-edge techniques being employed?
- Use of video analysis and performance tracking software
- Implementation of sports psychology principles in training
- Integration of cross-training and injury prevention programs
- Adoption of position-specific training methodologies
- Incorporation of college-level offensive and defensive systems
By staying at the forefront of coaching and training techniques, Ponte Vedra ensures that its players are well-prepared for the evolving landscape of competitive lacrosse.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
The commitment to excellence extends to the coaching staff as well. How do Ponte Vedra’s coaches stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in lacrosse?
- Attending coaching clinics and workshops
- Participating in national lacrosse conventions
- Collaborating with college coaches and programs
- Studying game film from top high school and college teams
- Engaging in ongoing education and certification programs
This dedication to continuous learning ensures that Ponte Vedra’s players benefit from the most current and effective coaching methods available.
The Economic Impact of Lacrosse in Ponte Vedra
The growth of lacrosse in Ponte Vedra has had a noticeable economic impact on the community. How does the sport contribute to the local economy?
- Increased tourism from out-of-town teams and families attending tournaments
- Growth of lacrosse-related businesses (equipment stores, training facilities)
- Job creation (coaches, officials, facility maintenance)
- Boost to local restaurants and hotels during major events
- Attraction of new residents drawn to the area’s strong lacrosse programs
This economic boost demonstrates how investment in youth sports can have far-reaching benefits for a community beyond just athletic achievement.
Future Economic Opportunities
As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, what potential future economic opportunities might arise in Ponte Vedra?
- Hosting regional or national championship events
- Development of specialized lacrosse training facilities
- Attraction of professional lacrosse exhibitions or teams
- Growth of lacrosse-focused sports tourism
- Expansion of youth lacrosse camps and clinics
By capitalizing on these opportunities, Ponte Vedra can further cement its reputation as a lacrosse hub while also driving economic growth in the region.
The Future of Ponte Vedra Lacrosse: Expanding Horizons
As Ponte Vedra’s lacrosse programs continue to evolve and succeed, what might the future hold for this burgeoning lacrosse powerhouse?
- Potential expansion of the Jaws program to include more age groups or specialized training
- Development of a girls’ travel program to mirror the boys’ success
- Increased collaboration with college programs for player development and recruitment
- Hosting of national-level tournaments and showcase events
- Implementation of technology-driven training methods (e.g., virtual reality, AI-assisted coaching)
By continuing to innovate and adapt, Ponte Vedra lacrosse can maintain its position at the forefront of the sport’s growth in Florida and beyond.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
As Ponte Vedra’s lacrosse programs mature, how can they ensure a lasting positive impact on the community and the sport as a whole?
- Establishing scholarship programs for underprivileged youth
- Creating mentorship opportunities between high school players and youth participants
- Developing coaching education programs to spread knowledge throughout the region
- Advocating for the growth of lacrosse in underserved areas
- Fostering a culture of sportsmanship and community service among players
By focusing on these areas, Ponte Vedra can ensure that its lacrosse legacy extends far beyond wins and losses, positively impacting generations of young athletes and community members.
Jaws Boys Travel Lacrosse
Ponte Vedra Jaws is our travel program for Boys 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U and High School aged players. The Jaws teams compete in both the Fall (October-January) and Summer (May and June).
Our focus is on developing the skill levels of each player while playing travel ball as a community based program.
For questions, email: [email protected]
Jaws Fall/Winter Schedule
Tryouts for the Fall/Winter season will be held on August 27th at Landrum MS from 11:00am to 12:30pm.
Practice for the 2023 Fall/Witer Jaws Season will begin October 10th and run through December 14th.
HIGH SCHOOL : Tuesdays and Thursdays at Landrum MS- 4:30-6:00pm
14U (Coach Chris Polanski): Tuesdays and Thursdays at Landrum MS – 4:30-6:00pm
12U (2029 Coach Matt Keeler and 2030 Coach Adam Kilby): Tuesdays and Thursdays at Landrum MS – 6:00-7:30pm
10U (Coach TBD): Tuesdays and Thursdays at Landrum MS – 6:00-7:30pm
8U (Coach Mike Marrapese): Tuesdays and Thursdays at Landrum MS- 5:30-7:00pm
JAWS HIGH SCHOOL FALL/WINTER TOURNAMENTS
TBD
JAWS YOUTH (8U, 10U, 12U, 14U) FALL/WINTER TOURNAMENTS
TBD
Summer 2023 Champions
High School B Champions
Congratulations to our HSB Orlando Summer Faceoff Champions!
12B (2030’s) Champions
Congratulations to our 2030’s – 12B Orlando Summer Faceoff Champions!
12A (2029’s) Champions
Congratulations to our 2029’s – 12A Sunshine State Champions!
8A Champions
Congratulations to our 8U Sunshine State Champions!
12A (2029’s) Champions
Congratulations to our 2029’s – 12A Orlando Summer Faceoff Champions!
8U Champions
Congratulations to our 8UA Orlando Summer Faceoff Champions!
12B (2030’s) Champions
Congratulation to our 2030’s – 12B Sunshine State Champions!
Fall 2022 Champions
FTLL 12U Champions
Congratulations to our 12U Florida Travel Lacrosse League Champions!
12UA Champions
Congratulations to our 12uA Autumn Classic Champions
8U Champions
Congratulations to our 8U Orlando Open Champions
14U Champions
Congratulations to our 14U Veterans Day Invitational Champions
12A Champions
Congratulations to our 12A Gold Coast Shootout Champions
12B Champions
Congratulations to our 12B Gold Coast Shootout Champions
Summer 2022 Champions
10uA Champions
Congratulations to our 10uA Sunshine State Games Champions!
12UB Champions
Congratulations to our 12UB Summer Face Off Champions!
10uA Champions
Congratulations to our 10uA Tampa Jam Tournament Champions!
2030 Champions
Congratulations to our 2030 boys for winning the 2029/2030 Carolina’s Open Championship!
8U Champions
Congratulations to our 8U Sunshine State Games Champions!
2025 Champions
Congratulations to our 2025 Summer Face Off Champions!
12uA Champions
Congratulations to our 12uA Father’s Day Invitational Champions!
Jaws Boys Bags
To purchase a Jaws Bag please visit: https://laxgear. com/products/ponte-vedra
When promted for a passcode enter: Lax
JAWS Online Store
CLICK HERE to access the JAWS Store.
JAWS BOYS HELMETS
To order a new helmet please contact Matt Garrow at [email protected]
JAWS Youtube Videos
Success of Bartram Trail, Ponte Vedra show depth of girls lacrosse in the area
Sports
Justin Barney, Sports editor
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Tags: High School, V4RSITY, Sports4JAX
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Justin Barney, Sports editor
Tags: High School, V4RSITY, Sports4JAX
The Bartram Trail girls lacrosse team practices on Wednesday in preparation for the Class 2A state semifinals. (Justin Barney, News4JAX)
ST. JOHNS, Fla. – Two of the area’s top girls lacrosse teams are ready for their shot at state.
Bartram Trail (17-4) will face Tampa Plant (18-3) at 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon in the Class 2A state semifinals in Naples. Five hours later at 7:30, Ponte Vedra (14-4) collides with Lake Highland Prep (19-3) in the Class 1A semi. That the area has teams in both classifications still alive and chasing championships is a testament to just how much the sport has grown in the area.
Ponte Vedra beat another local program, Super 6 No. 1 Episcopal, in the regional final to punch its ticket to the state semifinals.
“I think it speaks volumes of the talent that we have in the north part of the state,” said Sharks coach Dan Toole. “And again, I’m excited for Bartram. I wish them well. And I hope, as I told [Bartram coach] Meg [Jackowiak] in a text message, I hope we bring the titles back up north.”
The area has grown considerably in being able to compete with the private schools in the south. Last year, the Bears knocked off a dynasty, Vero Beach, in an 8-7 classic for only the second girls lacrosse championship in area history.
Even with a major playmaker returning in Ryann Frechette, Bartram’s road back wasn’t easy.
“We had our ups and downs and some refocus points but it’s been really exciting. It’s been awesome to watch the girls grow this year,” Jackowiak said. “You know, even though we are the returning state champs and you have a target on our back, we had a lot of different girls step up this year after losing eight seniors.
So, to be able to get back here. It’s just really exciting.”
Both teams can thank tough schedules and some resilience in getting here. Bartram endured a unusual three-game losing streak this season, including a 12-9 loss to Episcopal. Jackowiak said that lull helped refuel Bartram for its stretch run.
The Sharks and the Bears are the only two local programs to ever play for a championship. Ponte Vedra has finished as state runner-up twice (2014-15. The Bears lost to Vero Beach in 2013 and beat them in 2016 before returning last year to do it again. The Sharks had their pockets of challenges, although lost just once to a local team (Bartram).
“I think everyone just did a really good job stepping up to the role that we needed them to be,” said Bartram senior Peyton Morris. “And I think everyone realized that they needed to step up and we’ve been doing really well working together.”
Players from both teams say the local competition and being able to compete during difficult regular season schedules has proven that teams in the area can continue to flourish.
