Fall Outreach is on Fire: Mission Moments with OLC Coaches:

Returning players are leading—in excellence—the fall outreach efforts to recruit team members for Spring 2026. This has been Oakland Lacrosse’s most successful and engaged year for outreach, thanks in large part to the enthusiasm of students and returning players.  Every OLC coach has been impressed by the leadership, initiative, and dedication of students at all our middle and high school sites:   

“At Oakland High School we had our first ever fall team meet and greet. We had eight new girls show up who are ready and excited to play lacrosse! The returning players did a great job of welcoming and engaging with the new girls.” - Amanda, Program Coordinator

“Before summer was over, Dani, a Castlemont High School player, called me to advocate for the team and strategize outreach initiatives to have more players. She wants to step up as a leader next season and offered to coach as well…She’s ready to do whatever she's gotta do to get the program up and rolling!” - Coach Monica

"Mya joined the team in spring ‘24. The following season, unfortunately, due to a tough personal situation, Mya left the team and we lost touch with her. Fast forward to fall 2025…we were at Oakland High for outreach and we ran into her! She has transferred schools and is truly transforming her life for the better. And the best part? She’s playing lacrosse with us this season!" - Erica, Program Coordinator

"Coach Alex is crushing it with our "Girls with Goals" outreach. She has had students at Bret Harte say they are IN for spring. They are so amped up and asking Alex why she isn’t facilitating the group more times during the week. The Roosevelt group is already bonding only two sessions in! Alex is really meeting a desire for inclusive student centered spaces on campus to talk, play, and, of course, eat snacks. - Monica, Program Manager

Another key element to the successful outreach has been the coach’s meet-and-greet sessions, which are turning interest into meaningful participation and relationship building. These gatherings, tailored to each school and grade level, create a welcoming introduction to lacrosse and our mentorship support. They helped prospective and returning players feel seen, connected, and confident before ever picking up a stick, breaking down the intimidation that can come with joining a new sport and community. The results speak for themselves: since hosting these sessions, around 8–10 new players have joined fall practices at Oakland High, with similar momentum at Skyline and Oakland Tech. Meet-and-greets have not only boosted recruitment but also strengthened team culture and engagement across the board.