Each week, Lowell Youth Lacrosse hosts a youth clinic for players going into Grades 1-4 that blends fundamental skills with leadership and mentorship. Led by Lowell High School student-athletes, the clinic continues to grow in both attendance and impact. This weekly column will highlight the high school players making a difference and spotlight one standout participant from the clinic.

Thank you to Evan Millett for working on this with me! 

Clinic Highlights

This week’s clinic drew almost 30 players thanks to an influx of newcomers trying out lacrosse. The focus was heavily on ground balls, throwing on the move and upping compete levels. The session once again included some one-on-one work for the group of players trying out lacrosse for the very first time. This week they were able to split into three groups thanks to the large turnout of the high school players. All sessions end by Coach Bo breaking down a huddle of youth players squeezed between the high schoolers with a singular “LOWELL!”

It was great to see even more new faces this week; as well as last week’s newcomers back for more. Coach Bo urged all the players to practice at home what they went over in practice. A bunch of the players grabbed a ball on their way off the field; a few even were given sticks to take home with the promise they’d practice and be back next week.

Featured High School Player: LUCAS McTEAGUE

Lucas McTeague, a senior at Lowell High School, serves as this week’s featured player. A midfielder for the varsity lacrosse team, McTeague has been on the team all of high school. Lucas is a product of the Lowell Youth Lacrosse Program.

When asked, coach Bo said, “Lucas McTeague has been a consistent player on the field for us since his Freshman year. The effort and intensity that he plays with, whether on the practice field or in a game, is one of the main reasons he was a Captain as a Junior. The energy he brings every week to work with the youth program is something that is infectious. He manages to get the best out of every kid he has a chance to work with each week.”

Player Profile

• Grade: Class of 2026
• Position: Midfielder
• Favorite lacrosse memory: “Getting to play goalie in middle school.”
• Personal goals for the season: “Leading the team to be better. Win more games.”
• Fun fact: “I can beat Jonzel Hernandez in a 1 v 1.”

Clinic Player of the Week: XANDER BERNIER

The Clinic Player of the Week is selected based on effort, attitude and growth. This week’s honoree is Xander Bernier, age 7, who continues to work hard each week and really absorbs the direction of the coaches.

“Xander has been playing lacrosse for less than a year and has come so far already. I’ve had the privilege of coaching him for various sports across multiple seasons. The one constant is Xander is never afraid to push past his comfort zone to get better. He’s a superb competitor and great kid,” according to one of his coaches.

What’s Next

The next clinic is scheduled for next Tuesday at 5:30 PM at Carvalho Field. The focus will be on continuing to develop the skills of the current players; and just as important, introducing any newcomers to the basics of the game. All skill levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring water, a stick and appropriate footwear.

Please reach out with any questions to LowellYouthLacrosse@yahoo.com.

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