USA Lacrosse Regional Academies Feature Expert Speakers

SPARKS, Md. — USA Lacrosse is bringing expert education to Denver and Dallas next month with its Regional Academies for coaches and officials. These educational events are both being hosted Dec. 7-8, 2024, with registration still available for both sites.

The USA Lacrosse Academy in Denver will be held at the Sonesta Hotel. 

The USA Lacrosse Academy in Dallas will be at the Westin Dallas Stonebriar Resort and is geared for coaches only. 

Both events are open to both USA Lacrosse members and non-members.

“Each year, USA Lacrosse hosts regional academies across the nation to empower coaches, program leaders, and, most importantly, the players we all serve. Our upcoming academies in Dallas and Denver are designed to bring top-tier lacrosse knowledge directly to each community to help develop well-trained, passionate coaches who understand how to teach and inspire. From prior National Team coaches and Hall of Fame coaches, to current national team players and other expert collegiate and club leaders, we’re excited to have such a full slate of expertise for these events,” said Caitlin Kelley, senior director of sports administration at USA Lacrosse.

The impressive line-up of presenters in Denver includes:

Women’s Game Coaches:
▪ Liza Kelly, Head Coach, University of Denver
▪ Mitch Fenton, Associate Head Coach, University of Colorado
▪ Lindsey Munday, Head Coach, University of Southern California
▪ Ashley Johnson, Assistant Coach, Colorado College
▪ Rachel Sanford, Head Coach, Evergreen High School
▪ Courtney Johnson, Head Coach, University of Utah
▪ Taylor VanThof, Associate Head Coach, University of Denver
▪ Caroline Wakefield, Assistant Coach, Arizona State University

Men’s Game Coaches:
▪ Bill Tierney, Head Coach/GM, Philadelphia Waterdogs
▪ Mike Horowitz, Head Coach, Colorado College 
▪ Casey Powell, Head Coach, Colorado Academy
▪ Mike Allan, Head Coach, UC Santa Barbara
▪ Eric Law, PLL Player, Denver Outlaws
▪ Ethan Lahoda, Head Coach, Mountain Range High School
▪ Scott Popelar, Assistant Coach, Air Force Academy

Officials serving as presenters in Denver include:
▪ Jeff Grose, USA Lacrosse National Rules Interpreter
▪ Anne Carr, National Elite official and trainer & USA Lacrosse rules committee member
▪ Rena Whitehouse, National and International official and trainer
▪ Liz Brush, National and International official and trainer

For coaches attending at either location, the Regional Academies will provide an intimate educational opportunity curated to offer coaches of every level with practical insight and x’s and o’s instruction from top collegiate and club coaches. The intent is to help prepare coaches for the upcoming 2025 season.

Presenters serving as speakers in Dallas include:

Women’s Game Coaches
▪ Molly Ford Hutchinson, Girls’ Head Coach, Hockaday School & GRIT Lacrosse
▪ Ricky Fried, Women’s Head Coach (retired), Georgetown University
▪ Taylor Beretich, Women’s Head Coach, Southwestern University
▪ Liz Holmes, Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach, SMU
▪ Amy Bokker, Women’s Head Coach (retired), Ohio State University
▪ Brandon Davis, Women’s Head Coach (retired), Georgetown (Ky.) College

Men’s Game Coaches
▪ Jay Sothoran, Boys’ Lacrosse Head Coach, Episcopal School of Dallas
▪ Kevin Cutinella, Boys’ Head Coach, ADVNC Dallas Club
▪ Tony Scazzero, Men’s Head Coach, Texas A&M University
▪ Andy Meyers, Men’s Assistant Coach, Penn State University

Both locations will include an attendees’ social and networking event on Saturday evening, included with registration. Lunch is also included. 

The Regional Academy in Denver is being supported by partners Warrior and Brine.

USA Lacrosse has also announced a third regional academy in Fairfield, Conn. on January 18-19, 2025. Additional details and registration for that event will be coming soon.

About USA Lacrosse
USA Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is a Recognized Sport Organization of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. As the governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse in the United States, USA Lacrosse leads the U.S. National Teams Program and establishes universal standards. With more than 400,000 members across the country, USA Lacrosse unites the community of players, coaches, officials, parents, and program leaders. Working together, we inspire participation, enrich the athlete experience, and support the growth of the sport.