Kickstarting Confidence & Healthy Habits
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
INAUGURAL MIDDLESCHOOL SEASON
SPRINGSEASON HIGHLIGHTS +MORE
“I WANT TO SHOUT OUT ALL OF THE ELMHURST GOGGLES TEAM AND OF COURSE MY BROTHER, DIEGO. SHOUTOUT TO YOU ALL FOR TRYING OR RETURNING TO A SPORT AND BEING DEDICATED. I KNOW IT CAN BE HARD AT TIMES BUT YOUR EFFORT AND DEDICATION MEAN A LOT TO ME AND YOUR OTHER COACHES.“
— COACH JENNY
INAUGURAL MIDDLE SCHOOL LEAGUE
Oakland middle schools embraced a new sport this spring. We are so proud to be building the inaugural school-based league through our partnership with the Oakland Athletic League and the Oakland Unified School District. This expansion marks a significant step forward in providing students with a community that extends beyond the classroom and feeds into our larger Oakland Lacrosse Family.
With teams at Bret Harte, Brewer, Elmhurst, and Roosevelt, we had 8 teams and over 100 helmets and goggles athletes representing their 6th-8th grade schools. 83% of our middle school players were 1st-time players meaning that not only was their first season with our program but their first time being a part of a lacrosse team. The introduction of lacrosse into Oakland public schools represents more than just a sporting endeavor; it serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment Oakland youth have towards becoming better versions of themselves.
As participants embrace the sport, they discover newfound strengths, forge deep connections, and emerge as confident leaders ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way. In empowering Oakland's youth through lacrosse, schools are not just building athletes; they're nurturing resilient, self-assured individuals who are ready to take on the world. With each pass, catch, and goal scored, students embark on a transformative journey that reaffirms their belief in themselves and their ability to achieve greatness. This expansion will bring more OUSD students into the OLC Family, providing access to our yearround resources.
OAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
A D A Y O F T R I U M P H A N D P R I D E
The season led up to this a day-long series of games to determine who which schools would place 1st. The championships marked a significant milestone in Oakland's athletic landscape, signaling the rapid growth and popularity of lacrosse within the community. With teams representing 9 OUSD schools, the competition was fierce and the stakes were high as players battled for glory on the lacrosse field.
The morning kicked off at the middle school level with the Roosevelt Goggles Team and the Elmhurst Helmets Team winning their 3rd place games. Edna Brewer was a powerhouse! The goggles and helmets teams both won their respective games and both 1st place trophies made their way back to the Glenview neighborhood.
Following the middle school series, the OLC High School Helmets Club Team played a team composed of players from East Bay Teams that was organized by Jerem Stothers and Ben Sparks. With evenly matched teams, the game went back and forth. The POB snuck the last shot in during the overtime period, but our OLC players held their heads up high after a 7-2 season.
Next up we had the second installment of the OAL Girls Varsity Championship Game, a rematch occurred between Skyline High School and Oakland Technical High School. Skyline's impenetrable defense led to a shutout victory and an undefeated season. Congratulations not only to these two teams for their appearance in the finals but also to Castlemont, McClymonds, and Oakland High for their impressive seasons.
Whether celebrating a hard-fought victory or consoling a defeat, athletes demonstrated the values of unconditional love, positive communication, hard work, and being a great teammate. Of course, our celebration had food, music, and many awards. Bringing together middle school and high school athletes from across the city created such a competitive atmosphere. Overall, it was a successful season and can’t wait until next spring!
TWO CLAPS FOR OLC’S CLASS OF 2024!
Witnessing players evolve from middle school to high school and now onto college is a journey filled with pride and admiration. Their transition into young adulthood and alongside our program has not only been about refining skills but also about discovering their strengths, both on and off the field. We are proud to say that 100% of OLC 12th-grade participants have graduated high school. In these photos are future nurses, businessmen, biologists, and psychologists. We are excited to see how these leaders will embrace the excitement of discovery, the exploration of new knowledge, and the opportunity to create a lasting impact on the future.
HOLISTIC WELLNESS WORKSHOP
A H E A L T H Y M I N D , B O D Y , A N D S P I R I T
Thirty-one players participated in a focused wellness event led by OLC staff at our home office. The session began with somatic breathing then they broke into small groups. Discussions covered essential topics such as nutrition, injury prevention, and the power of positive self-talk. Players actively shared insights on maintaining a balanced diet to optimize athletic performance and overall health. They also learned practical strategies for preventing injuries during practices and games, emphasizing proactive measures and proper techniques.
A highlight of the event was a creative activity where players personalized their goals, reinforcing the importance of positive self-affirmation in their daily lives. The inclusion of raffle prizes added an element of excitement and motivation.
In all, the Oakland Lacrosse event aimed to bolster both physical and mental resilience among participants while fostering a supportive community environment. It provided practical tools and knowledge for improving overall well-being, empowering players to integrate these strategies into their daily routines on and off the field.
PLAYERS FROM 2012 TO TODAY ARE INVITED FOR OUR ANNUAL EVENT FILLED WITH GAMES, FOOD, AND FUN.
RSVP TODAY BY FILLING OUT THE FORM ABOVE!
ONE TOWN, ONE FAMILY