New Jersey Is One Of The Most Popular States For Lacrosse
The sport of lacrosse has significantly grown in America in the past few years. That evolution includes the growth of the professional Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). That coincides with the fact that the sport will be in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. New Jersey was recently named a state where lacrosse is most popular.
In anticipation of the upcoming 2024 season, StrawPoll currently has a ranking that details the ten states where lacrosse is most popular. What’s unique about StrawPoll’s information is they engage with public opinion, suggesting the public weigh in on the subject at hand. So here, lacrosse enthusiasts offer their voices on the increased love of the game.
Furthermore, this sport is increasingly popular among youth athletes. In fact, the Professional Box Lacrosse Association says, “While many sports need you to be super tall or built like a linebacker, lacrosse is for anyone who can hold a stick.” They also highlight how lacrosse is inexpensive to play. In addition, the availability of options and the fact that games are filled with high-scoring action add to the appeal.
New Jersey Ranks As The 7th Most Popular Lacrosse State
Coming in right behind Connecticut and ahead of California, New Jersey has a lot of great lacrosse opportunities. The state is filled with club programs like Building Blocks Lacrosse Club. On the collegiate level, Rutgers University is constantly a solid division one program. Their men’s team ranked 16th in the nation last season, and their women’s team was #28. In addition, Princeton also has a top-ranked club.
As for the professional programs, the PLL announced back in November that the Atlas Club will be the New York area home team. Now, New Jersey lax lovers will have a team and logo to support. The same holds true for Philadelphia who was awarded the Waterdogs club.
To build excitement for the 2024 season, the PLL will hold their Championship Series tournament starting February 14.
4 High-Profile Football Coaches I'd Want My Kid To Play For
As a youth coach, there is no better feeling than being able to be able to coach a team that your kid is on. But you realize, if your little athletes goes on to play post-youth ball, they will eventually play for someone else. This led me to think about which high-profile football coaches (in both the NFL and NCAA) I would want my kid to play for today.
This is focused on the sport of football for three main reasons. The first is that is the sport I coach him in. Second, it’s the sport of the season. Lastly, it’s the sport my son loves the most right now.
In today’s modern era of professional and high-profile college sports, the head coaches are very prominent figures. Their press conferences are posted to social media. Furthermore, their demeanor is constantly evaluated,, as the press formulate an opinion as to whether or not they are doing a good job.
“Put Me In, Coach!”
So, what do I look for when thinking about who I’d want my son to play for? Well, in this hypothetical scenario, it is important to note that I am selecting a coach, and not a team. Then, it boils down to attitude. These coaches seem to have an attitude that goes way beyond winning. There’s an empathy to their approach. They carry themselves as unique individuals first, and then as a coach. This then leads their locker room to do the same. Lastly, each of them has bet on themselves, and some point had to have the unwavering belief that they would be great at what they do. They never quit on their dreams or their teams.
I have never met any of these coaches. In addition, none of them coach the team I cheer for. They simply inspire me with how they go about their craft and inspire their players.
Here are the four football coaches I’d want my kid to play for.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
