As we prepare for the Rainy Season, the 2021 STORM season is quickly coming to an end.  I wanted to take a moment to review a few end of season housekeeping items but MORE IMPORTANTLY share a glimpse into the Vision for the STORM; we can call it STORM FORECASTING ~ the forecast is for stronger STORMS in the future and we want you all to be a part in it.

STORM HOUSEKEEPING:

• Final games this weekend Sunday at Flieschman Park and Saturday (Middle School only) at Estero Rec Center.  For our last weekend, I encourage all to read the "I love Watching You Play" article posted here before every season & put the final weekend into perspective
• End of season bowl-a-thon - Saturday,   April 17th.  If you have not RSVP'd please reach out to Shelley Cudnik or your Team coach and let them know you will attend.
• Storm Videos - Lacrosse cannot be learned by playing a season and then putting the sticks down until next season.  We are going to share videos on our website (www.swflstormlacrosse.com) and possible pass out homewok on occassion.  Please keep an eye out and engage with our coaches.
• We are working on developing a Storm Camp/Clinic schedule for summer & fall, so stay tuned for more info.

STORM VISION/FORECASTING:  WE NEED YOUR HELP

The vision includes a strong future and we invite everyone to join us in the journey.  The past two seasons we have evolved and have been playing teams that are far advanced.  Why are they advanced?  they play year round and are comitted to improvement (see clinic and homework notes above). *. Lax Maniax is a travel program that plays throughout the year and they play together consistently.  

*. NLC is a year round program with dedicated coaches and practice schedules, Storm is looking to replicate their model for success

Last season the 2 Naples programs had a younger Elementary School Team and an Older Team.  That resulted in the Storm this year creating 2 teams based on that same model and then they came out with a different model creating mis-matches on the field.  Our girls managed through these turbulent skies like Champions, always playing their best every game and coming back to practice the next day!  Nothing better than seeing these girls improve each and every week.  Again, put into perspective the teams we are playing and how the ages just don't match up to better reflect on our success.  

For our future I envision an orgainzation that models itself against NLC and how they built their program.  My ultimate goal is to have 4 teams, within Storm, at every age group.   This will also allow us to structure our league with competitive teams that play each other 2 times each season.  Then we can supplement those 6 games with 2 games against Naples teams and NOT have to play Naples each & every week.  We build from the inside out with our players and every game is competitive and fun for all.

Thats a BIG task and how do we get there.  YOU!  You help us get there.  If your daughter loves this game invite their friends.  tell your friends about how cool and fun lacrosse can be and get them to try it out.  We are going to do things like new player clinics but we need this charge to be led by our current STORM families.  We had roughly 40 girls this season, if each girl could get 1 friends we would have 80 girls playing next season with multiple teams.  If finances are an issue for some friends, don't let it be.  Storm will help with equipment and registrations for those families in need, which brings me to our next point......The Storm organization.

It is our goal to raise funds to build this program with strong coaching and the best programs to develop skills.  To do that we need volunteers for our Board of Directors.  We need fundraising support through local sponsorships.  If you can helpmin any way, please recah out to your current board or your coaches.  Did you know we offer a registration scholarship for any family that can bring in a local business sponsorship?  If you didn't shame on us for not communicating effectively, but you can leverage that with your local contacts.

Together we can build Storm into the best local organization for kids and building a Storm family that continues to grow.  We will see more of the STORM nights for local high school games and events throughout the year.  See you all this weekend@the games!

Coach Todd