How has Ponte Vedra High School built a successful lacrosse program. What opportunities does the Jaws Boys Travel Lacrosse program offer young players. Why are Ponte Vedra and Bartram Trail making waves in girls lacrosse at the state level.
The Rise of Ponte Vedra Lacrosse: Building a Legacy of Excellence
Ponte Vedra High School has established itself as a formidable force in the world of lacrosse, fostering a program that consistently produces champions and cultivates a strong sense of community. The school’s commitment to developing skilled players and promoting the sport has led to remarkable success at various levels of competition.
Jaws Boys Travel Lacrosse: Nurturing Young Talent and Passion for the Game
At the heart of Ponte Vedra’s lacrosse success is the Jaws Boys Travel Lacrosse program. This comprehensive initiative provides opportunities for players ranging from 8U to high school age, offering both fall and summer seasons. The program’s primary focus is on skill development while fostering a sense of community among participants.
Age Groups and Practice Schedule
- High School: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-6:00pm at Landrum MS
- 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 schedule ensures that players of all ages receive consistent training and opportunities to hone their skills throughout the season.
Tryouts and Season Details
For aspiring Jaws players, tryouts for the Fall/Winter season are held in late August. The 2023 Fall/Winter Jaws Season runs from October 10th through December 14th, providing ample time for players to develop their skills and compete in various tournaments.
Celebrating Success: A Parade of Champions
The Jaws Boys Travel Lacrosse program has a rich history of success, with numerous championship titles across different age groups and tournaments. These achievements serve as a testament to the program’s effectiveness in developing skilled players and fostering a winning culture.
Recent Championship Victories
- High School B Champions – Orlando Summer Faceoff
- 12B (2030’s) Champions – Orlando Summer Faceoff
- 12A (2029’s) Champions – Sunshine State
- 8A Champions – Sunshine State
- 12A (2029’s) Champions – Orlando Summer Faceoff
- 8UA Champions – Orlando Summer Faceoff
- 12B (2030’s) Champions – Sunshine State
These victories span various age groups and prestigious tournaments, showcasing the program’s ability to consistently produce high-performing teams across all levels of competition.
Beyond the Field: Building a Lacrosse Community
The Ponte Vedra lacrosse program extends beyond practice sessions and tournaments, fostering a sense of community and team spirit among players, coaches, and families.
Team Gear and Online Store
Players can represent their team with pride through official Jaws gear. The program offers custom Jaws bags and helmets, allowing players to showcase their team spirit both on and off the field. An online store provides easy access to various Jaws-branded items, further strengthening the sense of community and belonging among participants.
Digital Presence and Media
The Jaws program maintains a strong digital presence, including a YouTube channel featuring videos that highlight team achievements, showcase player skills, and provide insights into the program’s culture and philosophy. This media presence not only serves as a valuable resource for current players but also helps attract new talent to the program.
Girls Lacrosse: Ponte Vedra and Bartram Trail Leading the Charge
While the Jaws Boys Travel Lacrosse program has garnered significant attention, the success of Ponte Vedra’s girls lacrosse team is equally impressive. Alongside neighboring Bartram Trail High School, Ponte Vedra is making waves in the competitive world of girls lacrosse at the state level.
State Championship Aspirations
Both Ponte Vedra and Bartram Trail have secured spots in their respective state semifinals, showcasing the strength of lacrosse in the area. Ponte Vedra (14-4) is set to face Lake Highland Prep (19-3) in the Class 1A semifinal, while Bartram Trail (17-4) will take on Tampa Plant (18-3) in the Class 2A semifinal.
A Testament to Local Talent
The success of both programs highlights the depth of talent in the region. Ponte Vedra coach Dan Toole emphasized this point, stating, “I think it speaks volumes of the talent that we have in the north part of the state.” This success is not only a source of pride for the schools but also serves as inspiration for younger players in the area.
The Growth of Lacrosse in North Florida
The achievements of Ponte Vedra and Bartram Trail in girls lacrosse reflect a broader trend of growth and development in the sport throughout North Florida. This success is the result of years of dedication, investment in youth programs, and a growing passion for lacrosse in the community.
Factors Contributing to Success
- Strong youth development programs
- Dedicated coaching staff at all levels
- Increased exposure to high-level competition
- Growing interest in lacrosse among students
- Support from local communities and schools
As these programs continue to thrive, they pave the way for even greater success and growth of lacrosse in the region.
The Future of Ponte Vedra Lacrosse: Building on a Strong Foundation
With a robust youth program, consistent success at the high school level, and a growing reputation in the lacrosse community, Ponte Vedra is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of excellence in the sport.
Potential Areas for Growth
As the program looks to the future, several areas of focus could further enhance its success:
- Expanding partnerships with colleges and universities to create more opportunities for players
- Investing in advanced training facilities and equipment
- Hosting large-scale tournaments to attract top talent from across the country
- Developing coaching clinics to ensure consistent teaching methods across all age groups
- Implementing sports science and analytics to optimize player performance and development
By continuing to innovate and adapt, Ponte Vedra lacrosse can solidify its position as a national powerhouse in the sport.
The Impact of Lacrosse on Student-Athletes’ Lives
Beyond the championships and accolades, the Ponte Vedra lacrosse program plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of its student-athletes. Participation in the sport offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond the field.
Life Skills Developed Through Lacrosse
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management and discipline
- Leadership and communication
- Resilience and perseverance
- Goal-setting and achievement
These skills not only contribute to success in lacrosse but also prepare students for future challenges in academics, careers, and personal life.
Academic and Personal Growth
Participation in the lacrosse program often correlates with improved academic performance, as student-athletes learn to balance their athletic commitments with their studies. The discipline and time management skills developed through sports can translate into better study habits and academic achievement.
Moreover, the sense of belonging and camaraderie fostered within the team environment can have positive effects on students’ mental health and social development. The friendships formed and experiences shared on the lacrosse field often become cherished memories that last a lifetime.
Community Engagement and Support: The Backbone of Ponte Vedra Lacrosse
The success of Ponte Vedra’s lacrosse program is not solely the result of talented players and dedicated coaches. It is also a testament to the strong community support and engagement that surrounds the sport in the area.
Volunteer Efforts and Parental Involvement
Parents and community members play a crucial role in the program’s success, often volunteering their time and resources to support various aspects of the team’s operations. This involvement may include:
- Organizing fundraising events
- Providing transportation to away games and tournaments
- Assisting with team logistics and equipment management
- Hosting team-building events and celebrations
- Offering mentorship and career guidance to student-athletes
This level of community engagement not only helps the program thrive but also reinforces the sense of belonging and support that is so crucial to the development of young athletes.
Local Business Support and Sponsorships
Many local businesses recognize the value of supporting youth sports and contribute to the Ponte Vedra lacrosse program through sponsorships and partnerships. These relationships can provide financial support, equipment donations, and other resources that help the program maintain its high standards of excellence.
By fostering strong ties with the local business community, the lacrosse program not only secures valuable resources but also creates opportunities for student-athletes to connect with potential mentors and future employers.
Ponte Vedra Lacrosse: A Model for Success in Youth Sports
The Ponte Vedra lacrosse program, with its comprehensive approach to player development, community engagement, and consistent success, serves as a model for other youth sports programs across the country.
Key Elements of the Program’s Success
- Focus on skill development at all age levels
- Strong emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship
- Consistent coaching philosophy across age groups
- Active community involvement and support
- Opportunities for players to compete at high levels
- Celebration of achievements and team culture
By prioritizing these elements, Ponte Vedra has created a sustainable and successful lacrosse program that benefits not only the athletes but the entire community.
Lessons for Other Programs
Other youth sports organizations can learn valuable lessons from Ponte Vedra’s approach, such as:
- Investing in strong foundational skills at young ages
- Creating a clear pathway for player development
- Fostering a positive and supportive team culture
- Engaging the community and local businesses
- Celebrating successes at all levels of the program
By implementing these strategies, other programs can work towards building their own legacy of success and positive impact on young athletes.
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).Â
Our focus is on developing the skill levels of each player while playing travel ball as a community based program. Â
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.
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Practice for the 2023 Fall/Witer Jaws Season will begin October 10th and run through December 14th.
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HIGH SCHOOLÂ : Tuesdays and Thursdays at Landrum MS- 4:30-6:00pm
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14U (Coach Chris Polanski):Â Tuesdays and Thursdays at Landrum MS –Â 4:30-6:00pm
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12U (2029 Coach Matt Keeler and 2030 Coach Adam Kilby): Tuesdays and Thursdays at Landrum MS – 6:00-7:30pm
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10U (Coach TBD):Â Tuesdays and Thursdays at Landrum MS – 6:00-7:30pm
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8UÂ (Coach Mike Marrapese):Â 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:Â 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
Published:Â
Updated:Â
Tags:Â High School, V4RSITY, Sports4JAX
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Justin Barney, Sports editor
Tags:Â 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. â Two of the areaâs 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.
âI think it speaks volumes of the talent that we have in the north part of the state,â said Sharks coach Dan Toole. âAnd again, Iâm 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.â
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, Bartramâs road back wasnât easy.
âWe had our ups and downs and some refocus points but itâs been really exciting. Itâs been awesome to watch the girls grow this year,â Jackowiak said. âYou 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. Itâs just really exciting.â
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).
âI think everyone just did a really good job stepping up to the role that we needed them to be,â said Bartram senior Peyton Morris. âAnd I think everyone realized that they needed to step up and weâve been doing really well working together.â
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.
