Lacrosse volunteers stick it out through tight times

By Jeffrey Grover

MetroLacrosse uses the sport of lacrosse to help kids succeed in life, but as the economy falters so does the organization's effort to find good coaches.

"This year we have noticed that volunteers are unable to leave work early to help out with coaching because they are worried about losing their job," said Lauren Mele McCauslin,  director of marketing and events at MetroLacrosse. "They don't want to give their employer any reason to lay them off, so they are putting in extra hours at the office and therefore don't have time to volunteer."

Julia Wagner isn't coaching this year at MetroLacrosse because of the recession. "I still really want to be involved, but finding a time to volunteer during the week is very difficult," said Wagner. "The company I work for has made a certain amount of layoffs and right now, I can't afford to be one of them." A long-time lacrosse player, Wagner always loved coaching but is quite saddened she is unable to continue this year. "I enjoyed being a coach, Wagner said. "It appealed to me more than being a player. It turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done."

While the recession has put a crimp in Wagner's volunteer coaching endeavors, it hasn't stopped others from staying on the field. "The recession hasn't really affected my coaching endeavors," said Nicole Davis who is in her fourth year of coaching at MetroLacrosse. "If anything, I am more available now, because my travel budget has decreased a bit."

Kyle Stein, in his sixth year of coaching, also remains active despite the down economy. "My job is fairly secure and I am still able to make it to practice on time as I have in years past," said Stein. "I don't think the economy has had any effect on my coaching, yet."

Mark Turner is another coach returning to MetroLacrosse. "The economy has not prevented me from coaching," he said. "Although with layoffs happening all around it definitely took some thinking about whether I could take the time away from work to coach."

Coaches are always needed at MetroLacrosse, especially during these tough economic times, but there are guidelines. "We look for a balance of enthusiasm, energy, maturity and responsibility," said Tracey Britton, the director of rookie and youth programs at MetroLacrosse. "The ability to connect with youth and provide an engaging and safe environment for personal growth. The best coaches we have understand the value of teaching."

MetroLacrosse had 75 volunteer coaches with two to three coaches per team in 2008. "I have always felt appreciated and valued as a volunteer," said Davis. "I have always enjoyed the personal touch Metro has. Phone calls get returned, questions answered and, cheesy as it sounds, everyone knows my name."

 A person who volunteers at MetroLacrosse does not even have to know how to play lacrosse. "You are always paired up with somebody who knows the game," Wagner said. "You just need to be somebody who enjoys kids and somebody who is willing to support the goals of MetroLacrosse."

Lacrosse is open to both boys and girls. "I think kids choose lacrosse because of the nature of handling the ball with the stick," said Britton. "I also think kids are attracted to the fast-paced, high-scoring, physical aspects of the game." Jeffery Santos, a parent waiting for  his daughter after a recent lacrosse practice at Franklin Field in Dorchester, noted that the  program offers a different sport to the community besides basketball and soccer. "It offers a chance for my daughter to meet different kids her age," he said, adding, "it allows the kids to celebrate diversity."  

MetroLacrosse serves the neighborhoods of Hyde Park, Mattapan, East Boston, East Cambridge, Allston/Brighton, Roxbury, and Dorchester.