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"I would not be the lacrosse player that I am today without the help of Janet Holdsworth and the Lakers Lacrosse program, but more than that, I would not be the person that I am today without the program. The Lakers lacrosse program is unlike any I have ever heard of or experienced, and offers a unique and gratifying experience of intense lacrosse competition and training, along with team bonding, leadership training, and memorable community service activities. The friendships made on the Lakers last years, and are much deeper than the rudimentary bonds formed between teammates. Fellow Lakers honestly become like family, and when you get a group of girls together that 1) have a passion and drive for the game of girls lacrosse 2) have a willingness to learn and grow as lacrosse players and people 3) have top quality coaching via the Lakers program and 4) build friendships so deep that other teams envy and fear our chemistry, magic happens and wins follow. As I go off to play division 2 lacrosse this year, and after having 3 division 1 scholarship offers, I am beginning to realize just how many doors the Lakers Lacrosse experience has opened for me, and highly recommend any serious lacrosse player to try out for this team, not only for the lacrosse skills she will surely gain, but also for the unforgettable memories and friendships she will create."
--Danica Cutshall, Lakeville HS, 2010 (Laker)
"Being a part of the Lakers and the entire Winning for Life organization was an amazing experience for me. I was only lucky enough to be a part of the team for one year, but the memories I have are endless. I made so many new friendships and relationships with players and coaches that I probably wouldn't have had a chance to meet otherwise. Besides gaining important lacrosse experience on the field, I was also able to give back to the community by doing fundraisers and charity work. Being a part of any of the winning for life teams is an amazing opportunity, and I hope that all girls lacrosse players in Minnesota are able to experience the memories I experienced being apart of this team."
--Makenna Borg, Eden Prairie, 2010 (Laker)
"Being on the Storm team has given me the opportunity to excel in lacrosse, make life long friends, and become a leader in many ways. During practices with the team we learn neat stick tricks and practice all positions. I love playing any position on the field because I am exposed to defense, attack, and midfield. Not only did I learn to become a versatile player for lacrosse, I became friends with so many new people. I cherish all the moments I have with the girls and look forward to the times I get to see them! A strong bond was made between ALL the players on the Storm and with the Lakers. Everyone supports one another and there is a guarantee for a good time. The leadership learning groups have been tremendously helpful with solving problems and making all of us better people. I adore all the girls on the team, my coaches, and Winning For Life as a program. Being a part of the Storm has been an outstanding experience and I have made so many fabulous memories with friends that I will keep forever. Winning For Life is not only about playing lacrosse, it's about finding yourself and becoming the best person you can be."
-Collins Grant, Blake School 8th grade, The Taft School 2014 (Storm)
"Although I have only been in the winning for life program as a Laker for a year, it has given me so many unforgettable experiences and opportunities. The group of girls I played with were extremely inviting and all of them, incredibly talented. Not only did I learn to play lacrosse on a new level, I leaned the value of hard work, team chemistry and good sportsmanship. Coach Jan taught us all to play with our hearts and has shown us how lucky we are to be able to travel and play together. This lacrosse team is a lot more than just a team, as Coach Jan has said many times, we are a family that extends far off the field. Watching the Storm players, I am amazed at how skilled and smart these younger girls are at lacrosse. My seventh and eighth grade lacrosse experience consisted of one person running the ball down the field themselves, but that has obviously changed by the way the Storm players pass and move the ball…and pretty much just dominate in general. The Storm team's enthusiasm and never ending amounts of energy brightened the atmosphere of the California tournament and impacted the Lakers more than I think you realize. That optimistic attitude is what will get you so far in not just lacrosse but in anything. The girls you all are playing with now in the WFL will teach you so much and make you better players, so remember to keep an open mind because there is always more to learn. Being on the Lakers Team has been an amazing experience that I hope you will all find just as rewarding as I did."
--Lisa Hirsch, Edina HS, 2010 (Laker)
"I think Winning for Life and the Storm/Lakers teams have had a huge impact on my life. Being on the first MN Storm team, I'm so happy to see the program growing and now there's an even younger team...it's so awesome! I feel like having the experience of going on team trips as a Storm player with the older Lakers, I can help the current Storm team now that I'm a Laker. When I was a Storm player, I thought of the Lakers as role models and people I look up to and I hope to lead by example as well for the younger girls this year.
The coaches and older players have been great role models and their example has helped me stay focused on school and lacrosse and encouraged me to make good decisions. I like that I have team members that encourage me to do well outside of lacrosse. Being part of the Storm/Lakers or Winning For Life isn't just about lacrosse, it's more about becoming a better leader and a respectable person with good values. The things I learn with WFL carry over to my high school team."
-Abbie Ness, Lakeville South, 2013 (Storm; Laker)
"The Lakers program provided me with the unique experience of playing with "the enemy". To take two girls, wearing opposing colors, and place them in one uniform with the same name on the front, does more than create a team, its creates a dynamic learning oppurtunity. Defensmen can suddenly advise the attackman they have played against for the past 3 years, rival captains can join forces and learn leadership skills that they would never have picked up on apart. The conflicts and struggles that came fom taking teammates from an entire state and putting them on one field, lead me to some of the deepest and strongest friendships I have ever made."
--Jamie McLaughlin, Blake School 2008, Dartmouth (Laker)
"I played for the Lakers for only one summer but I wish I would have played more! I now attend Colorado State University and this year we won the national championship at the club level. It was great being able to see some former Lakers at the tournament and have that support. Playing at the club level I feel is enough, but not too much - its so great! I would also like to thank Coach Jan and Coach Anne for their support and coaching to get me to where I am today."
--Cara Gulbronson, Edina 2009, Colorado State University (Laker)
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