Exposure to Adversity Brings...
Our lacrosse programs in Bocas del Toro, Panama, bring together youth of all different demographics. In a single practice, we have players that were born across the street and players that were born across the ocean. We have boys and girls, older kids and younger kids, players that have been coming to practice for almost two years and players that just learned the ropes two days ago. We have Spanish-speakers, English-speakers, and several bilingual players. However, not all of our players are bilingual.
Since communication is crucial to working as a team, this last element can sometimes create a challenge for our team. Being only Spanish-speaking, little Carla from our afternoon practice experienced this language struggle first-hand. But, instead of letting it hinder her performance, she’s used mental fortitude to grow from it.
When two new English-only players arrived to practice, I quickly explained to them how to catch, throw, and play lacrosse in the language we both shared. Then, during the following drills, I expressed my encouragement and advice also in English. Soon, Carla tapped me on the shoulder. She had something to tell me.
Visibly frustrated, Carla told me that she didn’t like it when I spoke in English because she couldn’t understand what I was saying. That annoyed her. We moved to the side and I explained to her that I completely understood how she was feeling - when I arrived in Bocas 5 months ago, I couldn’t understand what anyone was saying because I didn’t know any Spanish. I reminded her how hard that was for me, and I justified her frustration.
I also reminded her that I had used a lot of patience, put in a lot of effort, and used different ways to communicate with the team when language wasn’t a possibility. She could focus on using these helpful tactics during practice as well. She agreed that she would.
The next practice, I told myself to focus on using more Spanish to ensure that all of our players felt like they were receiving the same recognition. Before explaining the first drill, I informed our Spanish-speaking players that I would first say the rules in English and then in Spanish. I explained it in English and was all ready to go in Spanish when Carla surprised me. Instead of waiting for me to start explaining, she simply waved her hand and loftily said to me in Spanish, “Maria, I know English, too. I understand the drill, don’t worry!”
Seeing the change in her attitude from one practice to the next made me so proud of her. She was able to adjust her perspective on an element of practice that challenged her, focus on her capabilities rather than her shortcomings, and emit confidence.
Growth, little by little, is all we ask of our players… Great job, Carla!
— Maria, Panama Program Director
Powerful Lessons from Unexpected Teachers
Carla (8), Bocas del Toro player.
While there are many lessons that coaches can teach their players, some of the best lessons we learn come from our teammates. Whether it be about having more effective communication or how to dodge better, these moments of mutual learning from our peers are special. At LtN programs in Bocas del Toro, Panama, these moments occur weekly! I would like to share one interaction between two of our players - Carla and Silas - that struck me as particularly heartwarming and supportive.
About a month ago, our players and I were scrimmaging for the last part of practice. The teams were split boys vs. girls. After about 10 minutes of gametime, the boys were up by 3 goals. As we were resetting for a new face-off, I noticed that eight-year-old Carla had dropped her stick and looked on the verge of angry tears.
When I asked her what was wrong, she managed to tell me through stifled tears, “Maria, we aren’t going to win. Boys are so much stronger and better than girls!” Instantly, my demeanor changed - I went from sympathetic to serious in a flash. We locked eyes and I informed her, “Carla, girls are just as good as boys. Please never think - even for a second - that you are not as strong or not as good as they are. That is simply not true.” Before she could respond to respond, Silas came over to where we were standing.
Silas (10), Bocas del Toro player.
He held up his arm and flexed his muscle and said to her, “Carlita, feel my arm. Am I strong? Do I have any muscles? Nope! Now, feel Maria’s arm.” I made a muscle with my arm and let her gently squeeze it. Her face relaxed a little.
Silas continued, “Look how strong Maria is. She is so much stronger than I am, and she is a girl. See, boys are not stronger than girls. Girls can be even more strong!” As Carla sniffled away her tears, took a breath and nodded her head, I was shocked into awed silence.
No one had told Silas to do that - he chose to help his teammate with a very important life lesson all on his own. And it worked, for Carla picked up her stick and resumed playing. This time, she wore a smile on her face.
This exchange between Silas and Carla exemplifies the incredible power of mutual learning, the value of teammates who care for one another, and the opportunities for life lessons that our programs provide youth in the communities in which we work. Though this one happened to underscore the importance of gender equality - an element that is often lacking in Bocas culture - it is just one example of the many ways our players learn and grow together. Since then, I am very pleased to report that Carla’s confidence has soared and not once has she doubted her capabilities because of her gender.
Thank you Silas for being an awesome teammate!
— Maria, Panama Program Director
LtN Elects Mikey Thompson and Gene McCabe to Executive Committee
We are thrilled to announce the election of Mikey Thompson as LtN’s newest Chair of Board of Directors and Gene McCabe as Vice Chair! Ushering in a new era of growth for LtN’s programming and staff, these two bring a wealth of lacrosse knowledge and a unique passion for pushing LtN’s mission forward.
Mikey Thompson, Board Chair
In his fourth year as Head Coach for Christopher Newport (CNU) Men’s Lacrosse, Thompson has helped the Captains establish a new standard of success while building the program into an up-and-coming power on the national stage. During his time in Newport News, he has helped CNU earn its first two NCAA Tournament berths, break into the national rankings, and establish nearly every conceivable program record.
UVA Lacrosse Alum and Co-Founder of Amped Lacrosse, Thompson joined LtN’s Board of Directors after spending 6 months in Nicaragua working with our student-athletes and coaches in 2013. Since then, he has been a staunch supporter of the organization, working with lacrosse players and teams across Virginia to recruit volunteers, raise money and send much needed equipment.
Thompson brings considerable expertise around the game as well as a passion for engaging members of the lacrosse world to give back.
Gene McCabe, Board Vice Chair
McCabe is in his 14th season as the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Washington & Lee (W&L) and transitioning out of his multi-year role as the President of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Coaches Association (USILA).
McCabe claims the most wins in W&L program history, boasting five NCAA Tournament bids and three ODAC Tournament titles. He has guided W&L to double-digit wins in 10 of his 13 seasons, including each of the last eight years, which have included four appearances in the ODAC Championship game.
Coach McCabe’s involvement with Lacrosse the Nations began in 2015 when he partnered with Thompson to host the inaugural Virginia LtN Cup. After a season-long fundraiser, McCabe, his assistant coach, and 10 players spent a week volunteering in LtN’s Nicaragua programs. After day 1 in-country, McCabe knew this was a cause that he wanted to be a part of indefinitely.
McCabe brings impressive experience in the governance and growth of the game on a national level, and we could not be more thrilled to have him at the forefront of LtN’s efforts.
Thompson and McCabe are joined on Lacrosse the Nation’s Executive Committee by Brett Hughes, Kim Cory, and David Hennessey.