WELCOME TO THE 2023 #FNDURSUMT TOUR PAGE
The Find Your Summit Tour, #FNDURSUMT, will capture and celebrate the authentic experience of lacrosse players and families from across the country as they make their way to a series of events from the SLV summer slate. A big thank you to our partners Gait Lacrosse, HEYDUDE, YETI, Motive Pure, Smith Optics, STX, and Impact Canopy for their meaningful support in making the Tour happen. Enjoy following along below!
ULTIMATE AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE 🇦🇺
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➡️ CALLING ALL ADULT LAXERS:
from seasoned competitors to recreational enthusiasts, we invite you to embark on an unforgettable tour to Australia filled with incredible experiences on and off the field 💖
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July 11th to 23rd to
Sydney & Melbourne
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🔗 info in our bio 🔗 HURRY 🏃🏃♀️
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kwest2292
magmcdaniel
P_colvinn10
groovylikegravy_
Getashhhme
K8kirchoff
caseymc8
morganeggleston16
Ashley.eddolls
graciejernigan
coachmonti_
_ashley_peters
ndyrdahl
catestmarie
avicari
makwaldusky
kwest2292
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#lakeplacidlax #ulax #auprolax #summitlacrosseventures #vaillacrosse #lacrosse #womenslacrosse #lacrosseplayer #lacrosselife #lacrossemom #lacrossehighlights #collegelacrosse #lax #girlslacrosse #athletesunlimited #lacrossegirls #growthegame #laxmom #laxcoach #lacrossecoach #iwlca #summitlacrossesociety #lakeplacid #vail #fndursumt #women #strongwomen #gymsharkwomen #bhfyp
ULTIMATE AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE 🇦🇺
.
➡️ CALLING ALL ADULT LAXERS:
from seasoned competitors to recreational enthusiasts, we invite you to embark on an unforgettable tour to Australia filled with incredible experiences on and off the field 💖
.
July 11th to 23rd to
Sydney & Melbourne
.
🔗 info in our bio 🔗 HURRY 🏃🏃♀️
.
.
.
.
.
.
kwest2292
magmcdaniel
P_colvinn10
groovylikegravy_
Getashhhme
K8kirchoff
caseymc8
morganeggleston16
Ashley.eddolls
graciejernigan
coachmonti_
_ashley_peters
ndyrdahl
catestmarie
avicari
makwaldusky
kwest2292
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#lakeplacidlax #ulax #auprolax #summitlacrosseventures #vaillacrosse #lacrosse #womenslacrosse #lacrosseplayer #lacrosselife #lacrossemom #lacrossehighlights #collegelacrosse #lax #girlslacrosse #athletesunlimited #lacrossegirls #growthegame #laxmom #laxcoach #lacrossecoach #iwlca #summitlacrossesociety #lakeplacid #vail #fndursumt #women #strongwomen #gymsharkwomen #bhfyp
POST-COLLEGIATE WOMEN`S TOUR TO AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺
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🗓️ July 11th to 23rd
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💲Deposit now or forever hold your peace😊
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If you enjoy playing in tournaments, this tour will blow your mind!! 🤯
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🔗Plz go to the Linktree in our bio🔗
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supersteph10
magmcdaniel
P_colvinn10
groovylikegravy_
Getashhhme
K8kirchoff
caseymc8
morganeggleston16
Ashley.eddolls
graciejernigan
coachmonti_
_ashley_peters
ndyrdahl
catestmarie
avicari
makwaldusky
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#lakeplacidlax #ulax #auprolax #summitlacrosseventures #vaillacrosse #lacrosse #womenslacrosse #lacrosseplayer #lacrosselife #lacrossemom #lacrossehighlights #collegelacrosse #lax #girlslacrosse #athletesunlimited #lacrossegirls #growthegame #laxmom #laxcoach #lacrossecoach #iwlca #summitlacrossesociety #lakeplacid #vail #fndursumt #women #strongwomen #gymsharkwomen #bhfyp
POST-COLLEGIATE WOMEN`S TOUR TO AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺
.
🗓️ July 11th to 23rd
.
💲Deposit now or forever hold your peace😊
.
If you enjoy playing in tournaments, this tour will blow your mind!! 🤯
.
🔗Plz go to the Linktree in our bio🔗
.
.
.
.
.
.
supersteph10
magmcdaniel
P_colvinn10
groovylikegravy_
Getashhhme
K8kirchoff
caseymc8
morganeggleston16
Ashley.eddolls
graciejernigan
coachmonti_
_ashley_peters
ndyrdahl
catestmarie
avicari
makwaldusky
.
#lakeplacidlax #ulax #auprolax #summitlacrosseventures #vaillacrosse #lacrosse #womenslacrosse #lacrosseplayer #lacrosselife #lacrossemom #lacrossehighlights #collegelacrosse #lax #girlslacrosse #athletesunlimited #lacrossegirls #growthegame #laxmom #laxcoach #lacrossecoach #iwlca #summitlacrossesociety #lakeplacid #vail #fndursumt #women #strongwomen #gymsharkwomen #bhfyp
lakeplacidlax is about so much more than the games on the schedule. #lakeplacid #laxplacid #lacrosselife #lacrosse #fndursumt #summitlacrossesociety
lakeplacidlax is about so much more than the games on the schedule. #lakeplacid #laxplacid #lacrosselife #lacrosse #fndursumt #summitlacrossesociety
Intense games and relaxing nights at lakeplacidlax Summit Lacrosse. #lacrosse #laxplacid #fndursumt #lakeplacidadk #lakeplacid #lakeplacidny
Intense games and relaxing nights at lakeplacidlax Summit Lacrosse. #lacrosse #laxplacid #fndursumt #lakeplacidadk #lakeplacid #lakeplacidny
Let’s hear it for the #placid parents! They’re really into it, in the best possible way! 👨👩👧👦 👏
#laxplacid #summitlacrosssesociety #fndursumt
📸 @caseyvock #adkiron
Let’s hear it for the #placid parents! They’re really into it, in the best possible way! 👨👩👧👦 👏
#laxplacid #summitlacrosssesociety #fndursumt
📸 @caseyvock #adkiron
The collegiate alumni team 🧲 at @lakeplacidlax is flat out ridiculous. Here are some of the alum squads off the top of mind: Duke, Cornell, Syracuse, Harvard, Brown, OWU, Denison, John’s Hopkins, Albany, UMass, Cortland, Colgate, LeMoyne, Nazareth, Penn, Union, Hobart, and there are more!
#laxplacid #summitlacrosssesociety #fndursumt
📸 @caseyvock #adkiron
The collegiate alumni team 🧲 at @lakeplacidlax is flat out ridiculous. Here are some of the alum squads off the top of mind: Duke, Cornell, Syracuse, Harvard, Brown, OWU, Denison, John’s Hopkins, Albany, UMass, Cortland, Colgate, LeMoyne, Nazareth, Penn, Union, Hobart, and there are more!
#laxplacid #summitlacrosssesociety #fndursumt
📸 @caseyvock #adkiron
The Jumps are always keeping an eye on the action below.
#laxplacid #summitlacrosssesociety #fndursumt
📸 @caseyvock #adkiron
The Jumps are always keeping an eye on the action below.
#laxplacid #summitlacrosssesociety #fndursumt
📸 @caseyvock #adkiron
Gracing the beautiful playing fields of @lakeplacidlax for over 20 years, #cloudsplitterlc
#laxplacid #summitlacrosssesociety #fndursumt
📸 @caseyvock #adkiron
Gracing the beautiful playing fields of @lakeplacidlax for over 20 years, #cloudsplitterlc
#laxplacid #summitlacrosssesociety #fndursumt
📸 @caseyvock #adkiron
2024 @summitlacrosseventures Tournament Lineup
Registration >> 9/15
Find Your Summit.
#fndursumt #laxplacid #northstargirlslax #laxtahoe #togalax #happylax #summitlacrossesociety
2024 @summitlacrosseventures Tournament Lineup
Registration >> 9/15
Find Your Summit.
#fndursumt #laxplacid #northstargirlslax #laxtahoe #togalax #happylax #summitlacrossesociety
Featured on the poster for next years Northstar Capital City Classic!! #northstarlax #fndursumt #2024
Featured on the poster for next years Northstar Capital City Classic!! #northstarlax #fndursumt #2024
Congratulations to this year’s Lake Placid Summit Classic Boys 2024-2025 Gold champions 🏆 brought to you by Find Your Summit ⛰️ sponsor @gaitlaxofficial: Nation’s Best 2025! @heydude MVP 👟💫 goes to Anthony Rodriguez! #laxplacid #fndursumt (📷: @caseyvock)
Congratulations to this year’s Lake Placid Summit Classic Boys 2024-2025 Gold champions 🏆 brought to you by Find Your Summit ⛰️ sponsor @gaitlaxofficial: Nation’s Best 2025! @heydude MVP 👟💫 goes to Anthony Rodriguez! #laxplacid #fndursumt (📷: @caseyvock)
Congratulations to this year’s Lake Placid Summit Classic Boys 2024-2025 Silver champions 🏆 brought to you by Find Your Summit ⛰️ sponsor @gaitlaxofficial: Sailin’ Shoe LC👠! @heydude MVP 👟💫 goes to Jack Herenden! #laxplacid #fndursumt (📷: @caseyvock)
Congratulations to this year’s Lake Placid Summit Classic Boys 2024-2025 Silver champions 🏆 brought to you by Find Your Summit ⛰️ sponsor @gaitlaxofficial: Sailin’ Shoe LC👠! @heydude MVP 👟💫 goes to Jack Herenden! #laxplacid #fndursumt (📷: @caseyvock)
STOP #1: NORTHSTAR CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC
Five Champions Crowned & Two High School Divisions Showcased at Ninth Edition of the Northstar Capital City Classic
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STOP #2: SARATOGA LACROSSE SHOOTOUT
Eight Club Teams Claim Divisional Titles at the Tenth Annual Saratoga Shootout
SARATOGA, N.Y. — Eight boys club squads captured divisional championships this past weekend at the tenth edition of the annual Saratoga Shootout, held at Gavin Park and co-hosted by Summit Lacrosse Ventures and CNY-based Powell Lacrosse.
Talented teams competed across divisions ranging from 10U to varsity age on June 24 and 25, marking an important start to the summer for a lineup of squads based mostly in the Northeast but programs from as far out as Ontario and Georgia that made the trip to New York’s Capital Region.
Though rain drenched the first day, it didn’t slow the action as teams battled through the highly competitive early matchup rounds with intense play on the field and umbrellas decorating the sidelines. But the clouds eventually parted, and the sun shined bright and hot the following morning for what unfolded as a glorious championship Sunday with families cheering on from the cool shade of the enormous trees lining the beautiful park just north of Saratoga Springs.
Established in 2013, the Saratoga Shootout was founded by Summit Lacrosse Ventures and Powell Lacrosse as a family-friendly event with the goal of bringing teams together to compete and celebrate the game in a serene setting and to offer youth-age players the chance to develop alongside their teammates in a festive environment.
This year’s Shootout marked the second stop on the 2023 Find Your Summit Tour, sponsored by Gait Lacrosse, headquartered nearby in the Capital Region. A slate of seven events, the Find Your Summit Tour (#FNDURSUMT) represents exciting and rewarding lacrosse experiences for players and their families in destination locations all over the map.
Even with heavy rain on Saturday, vendor village was hopping throughout the weekend as teams and families perused the lacrosse and non-lacrosse businesses on site. Albany-based Precision Lacrosse was on hand all weekend with Gait Lacrosse’s full lineup of state-of-the-art sticks and gear available for purchase.
“We’ve been fortunate to keep growing this tournament as a family event where teams can have a great experience and try to improve together as they embark on the rest of the summer,” said Kevin Leveille, Brand and Event Manager for Summit Lacrosse Ventures.
Leveille starred as a college, professional and international lacrosse player as did his friend, former USA Lacrosse teammate and fellow lacrosse hero Ryan Powell, the Founder and Director of Powell Lacrosse.
Leveille applauded Powell for conceiving the Shootout and planting it in one of New York State’s most beloved locations, situated close to Cap City, historic Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Race Course and its world-famous thoroughbred horse racing and, of course, the Adirondack Mountains, among countless other attractions.
“It doesn’t get any better than this,” said Powell, one of three brothers to earn All-America honors an astonishing four times at Syracuse University.
“Saratoga and the surrounding area have the perfect vibe for these teams, the coaches and all the families to get the most out of their time together. Our hope is that the experience on the field helps the young players and even the high school-age ones too become better and that this event serves as a way for teams to find their rhythm in an inviting location with their biggest fans right there on the sideline.”
Below is a rundown of each divisional champion at the 2023 Saratoga Shootout, presented by Gait Lacrosse:
Boys 2024-2025: Upstate Rebels
Boys 2025-2026: True Blue 2026 Titan
Boys 14U 2027-2028 Gold: Hustle 2027
Boys 14U 2027-2028 Silver: Stars & Stripes 27/28
Boys 12U 2029-2030 Gold: BEAST Lacrosse 2029
Boys 12U 2029-2030 Silver: BEAST Lacrosse 2030
Boys 10U 2031-2032 Gold: Team 91 Warriors LI
Boys 10U 2031-2032 Silver: Jersey Thunder West
Check out photos of the Saratoga Shootout, including each of the championship teams, via the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Facebook page.
Be sure to use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to follow Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we host seven events in the Northeast this Summer.
STOP #3: NIKE NORTHSTAR SHOWCASE
Athletes Train, Compete at Summit Lacrosse Ventures’ Twelfth Annual Northstar Showcase alongside some of the Nation's best coaches
COLONIE, N.Y. — Northstar athletes made their way to New York’s Capital Region for the twelfth edition of the Northstar Showcase on June 26th, a girls training and recruiting opportunity featuring one-on-one instruction led by respected college coaches.
Hosted by Summit Lacrosse Ventures, the Northstar Showcase drew members of the 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 graduating classes to Afrim’s Sports Park just outside of Albany for a day of high-level training and competition, which included position-specific training with college coaches, along with a full-field game and contests held in the “Sixes” format, widely considered to be a path to lacrosse in the Olympics.
Established in 2012, the Northstar Showcase was created for promising young lacrosse players to learn directly from outstanding, respected coaches and then put their skills and IQ on display in front of those coaches with the goal of playing at the next level.
In addition to the college coaches, four current Division I college lacrosse student-athletes were on staff as counselors to serve as Northstar team coaches and to provide the athletes with both on-field instruction, and advice to navigate the recruiting landscape, develop as a student-athlete, and succeed at the next level.
The day began with distribution of a custom Northstar Nike uniform and gear kit, readying athletes for intensive positional training, and then the athletes learned from and interacted with the dozen college coaches at breakout and buildup stations that progressed athletes from 1v1 to 6v6 play and then from 2v1 to 6v5 scenarios.
Attackers and middies learned offensive techniques from some of our country’s all-time greats in Syracuse’s Kayla Treanor, USC’s Lindsey Munday, and Albany’s Katie Rowan, also three of Team USA's all-time greats. Defenders learned from Florida and Team USA's Regy Thorpe, and Hopkins’ Tim McCormack, while goalies received dedicated training as well.
The second half of the day gave way to a team practice and full-field game as participants were broken into four squads that built on the training sessions and put it all together on the turf.
“We created the Northstar Showcase to offer an impactful, game-changing experience for next generation athletes,” said Summit CEO and President Ashley Gersuk Murphy, who was a standout at nearby Albany Academy for Girls before heading off to star at Northwestern University as a four-year Team Captain and All-American goalie.
“There are so many talented girls coming up the ranks and for those who aim to play the game in college, the Northstar Showcase has become a valuable stepping stone. By working closely with college coaches, in an extraordinary ~5:1 ratio of athletes to college coaches, and competing against other promising athletes, these girls better themselves and take a meaningful step toward playing at the next level."
"Lacrosse has given me so much personally, as an athlete, and professionally, and I love this opportunity to share what I have experienced with the next generation. Above all else, lacrosse is fun, and we encourage Northstar athletes to remember their love for the game, every time they step on the field.”
Attending institutions are hand-picked based on Summit’s relationships, to include the University of Southern California, Syracuse University, the University of Florida, Johns Hopkins University, Colgate University, the University at Albany, Marquette University, Fairfield University, Niagara University, Southern NH University, Le Moyne College and more.
“The lacrosse world is a close-knit community, and nothing is more important than the relationships built over time; we are very grateful for our friends and colleagues in the coaching ranks who support our vision for Northstar and make it such an exceptional experience for attending athletes,” said Murphy.
"I expressed to attending athletes the importance of building relationships, beyond their school and club teams - the athletes to their left and right will likely become college teammates, colleagues, and friends down the road".
After game play concluded, coaches and staff met to tally votes for the day’s All-Stars, and teams were announced just before two All-Star games were held in the Sixes format, with college coaches lining the sideline between the adjacent small-sided fields. CLICK HERE for the All-Star Rosters.
Girls from as far away as California, Colorado and Idaho, along with New England and Tri-State-based athletes traveled to the Showcase, which was the third stop on the Find Your Summit (#FNDURSUMT) Tour sponsored by Gait Lacrosse, a company headquartered in New York’s Capital Region.
“Like every year, we had a world-class staff, including numerous coaches who’ve worked on professional and world teams, and we structure the Northstar Showcase similar to a college or pro training day", said Murphy, who helped lead the Wildcats to their first NCAA championship in 2005. "We were impressed by the energy and commitment to our philosophy, and are thrilled to make a meaningful impact on the athletes who attended.
To view photos of the 2023 Northstar Showcase, visit the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Instagram page. Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s Northstar Showcase, which will be announced shortly.
Use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to follow Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we host seven events in the Northeast this Summer.
STOP #4: LAKE PLACID SUMMIT YOUTH CLASSIC
Six Champions Crowned at the Seventh Annual Lake Placid Youth Summit Classic
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — Six teams celebrated championships in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains last week at the seventh annual Lake Placid Youth Summit Classic hosted by Summit Lacrosse Ventures.
Founded in response to the growing popularity of the long-established Lake Placid Summit Classic adult and scholastic tournament, this year’s Youth Summit Classic drew 42 boys youth clubs to the Adirondacks’ storied Olympic Region for three days of competition and festivities from June 26 to 28.
Though air quality pushed the start of the Youth Summit Classic back a few hours, action was underway at the North Elba Lacrosse Fields by noon on Monday as hundreds of families made their way onto the storied grounds that have played host to thousands of lacrosse games since the first Lake Placid Summit Classic was held in 1990.
The fourth stop on the 2023 Find Your Summit Tour presented by lead sponsor Gait Lacrosse, this year’s Youth Summit Classic featured a bustling vendor market, with the full lineup of Gait sticks and gear available for purchase by way of Albany-based Precision Lacrosse leading a varied assortment of lacrosse and non-lacrosse businesses on site.
Meanwhile, the Youth Summit Classic filled the Village of Lake Placid with lacrosse players and their families who enjoyed the area’s many attractions as well as eye-popping views of famous Adirondack summits, including Algonquin Peak, Mt. Colden and Mount Marcy to the east, and, to the north of the lacrosse fields, iconic Whiteface Mountain.
Of course, visitors had the opportunity to take in or even visit the emblematic Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex. And though lightning flashed and rain clouds soaked the field numerous times throughout the three days, forcing schedule adjustments, sidelines were full and boisterous for every thrilling contest that unfolded.
“We love it here and we consider the Adirondacks and especially Lake Placid a special place for lacrosse for many reasons, and players discover that at an early age when they come here with their families for this tournament,” said Kevin Leveille, the Event and Brand Manager of Summit Lacrosse Ventures and one of the game’s all-time greats.
“The Youth Summit Classic is certainly designed to help club teams compete and get better and this year saw the most talented collection of teams we’ve ever had,” Leveille said.
“But our hope is that this becomes a tradition that goes beyond college and pro lacrosse and brings people back every year to celebrate the game regardless of where they end up playing down the line.”
Leveille’s father, George, co-founded the Lake Placid Summit Classic as a getaway experience for lacrosse players, friends and families. Kevin, along with his younger brother, Mike, attended the Summit Classic each summer when they were youngsters and watched its evolution into one of the sport’s most important events, now with more than 200 teams competing over the course of a week each August.
“Seeing my father and his friends compete and make memories up here set the stage for me and my brother to dream of playing lacrosse at the highest levels, for as long as we could,” said Kevin, a four-time All-American attackman at UMass before moving on to a star as a pro and international attackman. Four years younger, Mike led Syracuse University to a Division I title and won the Tewaaraton Award in 2008 before playing at the pro and international levels.
“We hope that the kids who play here not only feel inspired to play in college but want to make Lake Placid an annual lacrosse tradition as have so many others in this sport,” Kevin said.
A first at the event, Tuesday night featured a Parents vs. Kids showdown, pitting Skaneateles, New York folks against a highly energized pack of their own children. In an amusing display of the Creator’s Game at its finest, parents and kids went all out — with some of the barefoot “elders” unveiling impressive stick skills, speed and finesse, and an Alf Jacques stick in use to pay tribute to the late, great Onondaga Nation stick maker.
“Lax Placid is an experience, and we’re always trying to enhance it,” Kevin Leveille said. “We were able to overcome the air quality and weather challenges, and we’re thrilled to host another awesome three days up here in these amazing mountains.”
Below is a recap of the divisional champions at the 2023 Lake Placid Summit Youth Classic, presented by Gait Lacrosse:
Boys 16U 2025-2026: PowellX
Boys 14U 2027-2028 Gold: Sidewinders 2027
Boys 14U 2027-2028 Silver: Movement Lax
Boys 12U 2029-2030 Gold: HardCor Lacrosse 2029
Boys 12U 2029-2030 Silver: West Islip Lions 2030
Boys 10U 2030-2031: Mountain Valley
View photos of the Lake Placid Summit Youth Classic, including each of the championship teams, via the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Facebook page. Be sure to use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to follow Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners at events all summer long.
STOP #5: NIAGARA LACROSSE CLASSIC
NINE CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL NIAGARA LACROSSE CLASSIC
YOUNGSTOWN, N.Y. — Old Fort Niagara morphed into a festival this past weekend as the sixteenth annual Niagara Lacrosse Classic drew 85 teams to the beautiful park for two days of competition with nine championships on the line.
Co-hosted by Denver-based Summit Lacrosse Ventures and Buffalo Lacrosse Academy, the Niagara Lacrosse Classic kicked off the morning of July 15 as teams took the fields and their families filled the sidelines of the gorgeous historic fort sitting on the shores of Lake Ontario and the nearby Niagara River.
The weekend-long celebration represented the fifth stop on the 2023 Find Your Summit Tour. Sponsored by Gait Lacrosse, this year’s tour features some of the game’s most exciting tournaments held in spectacular locations across the summer to create the ultimate lacrosse experience.
Intermittent rain showers couldn’t slow the pace of play Saturday as games got underway and cheers came from the sidelines of all 14 fields. Teams were comprised of players as young as the first and second grade (2033-2034), with ten divisions all the way up to a high school senior bracket (2024).
Sunday gave way to beautiful sunny skies as nine different programs would go on to claim championships, later gathering for team photos underneath the archway pass or on the park’s sledding hill, turning it into a summit for post-victory jubilee.
Established in 2007 by Mike Wright, a longtime coach and a leader of the Buffalo lacrosse community, the Classic was founded as a summertime tournament for teams from New York and Ontario to compete in a picturesque setting. Now, the event regularly draws teams from as far out as Ohio and from all parts of New York State.
“It’s a reminder each year that lacrosse is vital to this region and it’s rewarding that so many of the local teams, both club and school-based, are here playing as hard as they can,” said Wright, who played lacrosse at Providence College.
“But we’re also honored to host teams from non-hotbed areas, where the sport is starting to explode. With the way this event has flourished, it’s become an important chance for so many of these young players to come into their own regardless of where they’re from.”
Kevin Leveille, Event and Brand Director for Summit Lacrosse Ventures, began collaborating with Wright and his team in 2019. He considers the Classic a flagship event in Western New York, one that in its existence has seen outstanding players — even current professional players — take the field as young prospects.
“You can’t find a much better spot for teams and families to enjoy a weekend of lacrosse, especially with the lake and so much to do nearby,” said Leveille, a four-time All-American at UMass before going on to star in Major League Lacrosse and to captain Team USA.
“Buffalo has an amazing lacrosse culture and community, and you see it come to life right here every year. And with so many talented Canadian teams close by and American teams attending from any direction, it becomes an incredible two days, and it shows in the form of awesome competition.”
Below is a breakdown of the nine champions crowned at the 2023 NiagaraLacrosse Classic:
Boys 2024: UNITY 2024
Boys 2025: S.O.U.L. Academy – Rising Stars
Boys 2026: Platinum Lacrosse Club
Boys 2027: Beast Lacrosse
Boys 2028: RedBlacks
Boys 2029-2030 Gold: The Hush
Boys 2029-2030 Silver: Jr. Red Raiders
Boys 2031-2032 (10v10): Orange Crush 2031
Boys 2031-2032 (8v8): Evolve
View photos of the Niagara Lacrosse Classic, including each of the championship teams, on the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Facebook page, and mark your calendars for next year’s Niagara Lacrosse Classic, slated for July 20 and 21, 2024.
Be sure to use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to follow Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we trek across the country hosting a total of ten different events this summer.
STOP #6: HAPPY LAX
STOP #7: LAKE PLACID SUMMIT CLASSIC
34TH ANNUAL LAKE PLACID SUMMIT CLASSIC DRAWS THOUSANDS TO THE ADIRONDACK PARK, NORTH ELBA AS CHAMPIONS CROWNED ACROSS MORE THAN 20 DIVISIONS
NORTH ELBA, N.Y. — More than 20 championship teams were crowned last week at the 34th annual Lake Placid Summit Classic held in the Adirondack Mountains’ storied Olympic Region.
Thousands of lacrosse players and their families made their way to Lake Placid for the scholastic portion of the wildly popular tournament, which kicked off Monday July 31 and culminated on August 6 with the event’s final round of adult title matchups.
Nation’s Best, a national club program drawing scholastic players from New England, Colorado, Georgia and other areas, took home two championships while finishing as runner-up in a third in the first half of the week.
Just as the scholastic-age squads — ranging from U14 to high school juniors and seniors — were wrapping up play, the adult divisions got underway Wednesday afternoon, bringing players as old as 80+ to the fields for the Grand Masters (45+), Super Grand Masters (50+), Ultra Grand Masters (55+) and Past Masters (60+) divisions.
“Even with some challenging weather, this turned out to be one of the best years we’ve had up here in these mountains,” said George Leveille, who co-founded the event back in 1990 as a getaway for a tight-knit pack of lacrosse-playing, fun-loving friends from the Capital Region and other parts of New York State.
More than three decades later, the tournament has grown to represent one of the most important weeks for the sport of lacrosse, as many of the game’s best players and most respected coaches have made their way to the North Elba Athletic Fields at some point in their careers.
Restaurants and hotels were packed from morning to night as one of the area’s most impactful events again transformed Lake Placid into a lacrosse utopia for seven consecutive days, with the glorious Adirondack Mountains — including many of the famous 46 High Peaks — providing a breathtaking backdrop for teams and families enjoying time in the park.
“Lake Placid is a special place and it has more allure than ever before because of the attractions, natural beauty and the history,” Leveille said. “Our lacrosse community absolutely loves it here and this place has become sacred to so many players, coaches and even the family members who’ve been coming here with them, some for more than 30 years now.”
Though Thursday saw epic thunderstorms roll through the Adirondack Park and disrupt plans for the annual Summit Classic 70+ contest, five new members of the Lax Placid family were honored later in the evening as Legends of Lake Placid Lacrosse.
Friends and family gathered at the Lake Placid Horse Show Grounds for the nighttime celebration that paid thanks to five individuals who’ve helped grow the Summit Classic community over the years.
This year’s honorees included Haudenosaunee legend Dave White (Travis Solomon award); Summit Classic co-founder Mike DeRossi (Tom Pillsworth award); longtime coach, player and industry member Brian Silcott (Grow The Game award); Tri-City lacrosse leader Bob Dicks (Paul Rose award) and veteran lacrosse official Mike Infantino (Larry Piatelli award).
Longtime event attendee and former Division I coach Dom Starsia offered opening words along with a heartwarming introduction for his beloved friend Dave White, and lacrosse historian and stick connoisseur Jim Calder shared moving sentiments on the late, great Onondagan stick maker Alf Jacques, who passed onward in June.
After the Legends ceremony, Summit leaders rolled away the podium backdrop to reveal a stage filled with instruments. In a first, Leveille introduced attendees to the project known as Summit Sounds — a collaborative of musicians who’ve been involved with Lake Placid Lacrosse over the years.
Led by singer-songwriter/guitarist Brad Hester, electric guitarist Michael Lashomb and drummer Joshua West of the band Annie In The Water, the Summit Sounds outfit included Leveille himself on mandolin along with DeRossi on acoustic guitar, longtime event attendee Toby Farrington on bass and Summit Senior Events Director Blake Schierer on another electric guitar.
Hester, a Virginia native, founded Annie In The Water after playing lacrosse at Hobart College. Playing an assortment of Annie In The Water originals and classic rock hits, the group was joined by Syracuse University and pro lacrosse legend Mike Powell, who since his playing days has become a successful recording and touring musician. Powell sat in with the Summit Sounds crew for an impassioned take on Bryan Adams’ “Run To You” in a rare treat for those on hand.
Mother Nature stayed involved Friday, but numerous champions across the eldest Summit Classic divisions were still crowned before Saturday and Sunday gave way to picturesque weather, with onlookers packing the sidelines for the intense rounds of matchups to close out the highly competitive men’s and women’s open divisions.
The Lake Placid Summit Classic represented the final stop on the 2023 Find Your Summit Tour, a collection of Summit’s premiere summertime events in destination locations and well-known stops for lacrosse families.
The lead sponsor of the Find Your Summit Tour for the second consecutive year, Albany-based Gait Lacrosse was on hand all week at the North Elba Athletic Fields to provide a look at the game’s most thoughtfully crafted, technologically advanced sticks and protective equipment built on unmatched experience and understanding of the sport.
HEYDUDE Shoes, a new brand to hop on this year’s Find Your Summit Tour, provided a certificate for a free pair of cozy kicks to the designated “most valuable player” on each championship team, presented individually in what has become an animated and entertaining presentation following every finale.
“We had an incredible summer working with awesome partners and we want to keep building for the future,” said Kevin Leveille, George Leveille’s son and Brand and Event Director for Summit Lacrosse Ventures.
Other brands joining the Find Your Summit Tour in 2023 included Smith Optics, Impact Canopy, STX Lacrosse, Yeti and Motive Pure.
“We try to make Placid better each year and working with these outstanding brands was key this summer,” said Kevin Leveille, a four-time All-American at UMass who went on to star at the pro and international levels.
Below is a recap of the divisional champions at the 2023 Lake Placid Summit Classic, with the victors presented by Gait Lacrosse, along with each division’s HEYDUDE Shoes MVP:
Men’s 65+: Cloudsplitter LC (MVP: Rodney Rullman)
Men’s 60+: Garber’s Gorillas (MVP: Paul Weller)
Men’s 55+: Team Harley and Patriot 55+ (co-champions)
Men’s 50+: Sailin’ Shoe and Gray Devils (co-champions)
Men’s 45+ Gold: Big Red Steelheads (MVP: Todd Ulrich)
Men’s 45+ Silver: Pathways Within (MVP: Brian Tower)
Men’s 40+: “15 For Life” / Burnt Orange (MVP: Jason Gebhardt)
Men’s 35+: Black & Blue Jays (MVP: Mike Bocklet)
Women’s 35+: LuvLax (MVP: Tricia Manley)
Men’s 30+: HLX (MVP: Ben Smith)
Men’s 25+: Cranx (MVP: Jake Reynolds)
Women’s 25+: Graph-Tex (MVP: Alie Jimerson and Morgan Basler)
Men’s Open Gold: Piatelli Lacrosse (MVP: Teagan Alexander)
Men’s Open Silver: Cold Brook LC (MVP: Nick Farrell and Logan Callahan)
Women’s Open Gold: New Jersey Clams (MVP: Chase Boyle)
Women’s Open Silver: Team 315 (MVP: Amy Hoeffner)
Boys 2024-2025 Summit: Team Attack Cancer (MVP: Spencer Ford)
Boys 2024-2025 Gold: Nation’s Best 2025 (MVP: Anthony Rodriguez)
Boys 2024-2025 Silver: Sailin’ Shoe (MVP: Jack Herenden)
Boys 2026-2027 Gold: LI Express 2026 Channy (MVP: James Gillis)
Boys 2026-2027 Silver: Nation’s Best 2027 (MVP: Danny Kinnard)
Girls Nike NorthStar: Little Hoos (MVP: Elizabeth Gonnella)
Girls 2024-2026 Gold: Swarm (MVP: deferred to Marissa Test and Elizabeth Smith of Aces Blue)
Girls 2024-2026 Silver: Onestate (MVP: Casey Cummings)
Girls 14U: Aces Blue (MVP: Mia Conine)
View photos of the Lake Placid Summit Classic, including each of the championship squads, via the Lake Placid Summit Classic Instagram feed and on the 2023 Find Your Summit Tour page. Be sure to mark your calendars for the next edition of the Lake Placid Summit Classic, set for July 29 to Aug. 4, 2024.
Use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to check out the summer had by Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we trekked across the country to provide a premium experience for lacrosse players and their families.
