After a busy fall, we are taking a couple of weeks off from formal practices and clinics. Look for preseason practice for Spring ‘24 to begin in Jan/Feb. We are exploring holding some skills clinics (goalie development, face-offs for the boys & draws for the girls, defense).
But, where we really need your help – exposing new players and their families to the game. You do a great job of bringing friends to practice (and many have joined!). We want to take practice to them and you can help – If you are a coach for another sport, know a coach or a PE teacher, or are part of some other kind of children’s activity, we want to bring a “learn to play” clinic to those groups to reach kids where they are, with their friends and teammates. Doing so takes the “fear” out of coming to our field, allows them to experience a no-contact introduction, and helps us to grow our network of connections with other organizations.
We have used this approach with several other teams to good success. So, if you have a coach who is open to a “fun” practice every now and again and who embraces the importance of multi-sport athletes, we want to work with them.
Kingfisher took a big step in our development this fall – sending three teams on our first travel trip!
Our 12U boys sent two 8 year olds, several 9 year olds, a kid who just started lacrosse last week (literally), and a bunch exploring new roles. And like 2 subs. They worked hard, they did not give up, and their future is bright!
Our High School Girls played under their own colors for the first time this weekend! Our 4 players have been through a lot helping to build this program and this is another huge block in the foundation of the Kingfisher girls program. Just 8 players total for the weekend, down to just 7 by the end - these girls (and our friends from Ankeny who lent a hand) are warriors!
And the 14U boys - Venere, videre, vicere. Simply - they came, they saw and they conquered! Lots to work on and much to do to improve but just an outstanding two days.
Visit the all NEW Kingfisher Store to get all your spirit wear and other gear!
Kingfisher had quite a championship season in June! The High School boys secured the Eastern Iowa Lacrosse Conference championship with a win over arch rival Quad Cities. The 11-12 boys won the ILAX State Championship to complete an undefeated season! And the 10U boys outplayed their seed and took 3rd!
Are you thinking that college lacrosse could be for you?
A key first step is understanding the timeline – find some details on that here for the boys and here for the girls.
A second step is to get some film of yourself playing. Your parent or another spectator can usually help out to get the raw footage and then you use a video editor to splice together some highlights. You also can hire a recruiting service to do that for you, but it is not essential.
Third, do your research. We will do our best to find play opportunities next summer where college coaches can take a look at us, but you are your own best advocate. As you identify a school you like (because you like the school, its academics, where it is, etc), then reach out to the coach to let them know you have an interest in their program.
Four, we will begin sharing information about prospect days and other camp opportunities in the region, attending those when possible is a good way to meet coaches in person, ask them questions about their programs or recruiting generally, and have them see you in competition with other athletes in a closed environment.
Kingfisher Lacrosse is the first organized lacrosse club in Eastern Iowa. Kingfisher Lacrosse is the operational name of the Cedar Rapids – Iowa City Lacrosse Club, a volunteer led, 501(c)(3) organization formed in 2020 to guide the development of youth lacrosse in the greater Cedar Rapids - Iowa City area. We partner with Parks & Recreation departments and other youth sports organizations to provide “learn to play” clinics while building separate competitive teams for boys and girls ages from elementary school through high school. Lacrosse is an emerging sport in Iowa, so no previous experience is necessary to join the program. Reach out to us by emailing kingfisherlacrosse@gmail.com!
Learn more about us here.
KCRG TV covered us in Spring ‘23. See it here.
Coach Meredith profiled for all her work to grow lacrosse in CR-IC. See here.
The Solon paper came to a practice to learn about lacrosse. See here.
USA Lacrosse profiled our club in the summer issue of the USA Lacrosse Magazine. See https://www.usalacrosse.com/news-media-blog/best-game-earth-kingfisher-lacrosse-hooks-kids-iowa.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette profiled the Kingfisher Club and our event in Solon on May 1. Check it out at https://www.thegazette.com/iowa-prep-sports/kingfisher-brings-lacrosse-to-eastern-iowa-youth/
KCRG Channel 9 aired a piece on our program in the evening news on May 18. Catch the recorded clip on their site at https://www.kcrg.com/2021/05/19/with-hopes-of-growing-the-sport-lacrosse-club-starts-in-eastern-iowa/
If you have an interest in coaching or officiating this year, we’re here to help. Send an e-mail to kingfisherlacrosse@gmail.com indicating your interest and we’ll connect you with the appropriate individuals to get you started.
(703)-919-2853
Kingfisher Lacrosse represents the first organized club structure to appear in Eastern Iowa. Kingfisher Lacrosse is the operational name of the Cedar Rapids – Iowa City Lacrosse Club, a volunteer led, 501(c)(3) organization formed in 2020 to guide the development of youth lacrosse in the greater Cedar Rapids - Iowa City area.