Blue Hens teach little Vikings about lacrosse

The game of lacrosse, in many different forms, has been played in North America for centuries. Native Americans passed the ways of the game down to each generation, ensuring it would stand the test of time. In a similar fashion, the University of Delaware women's lacrosse coaches traveled nearly the length of the Blue Hen state Sept. 20 to teach elementary and middle school students the basics of lacrosse at Champions Stadium.

A couple of years ago, the Cape girls’ lacrosse boosters met UD head coach Amy Altig, who had come down to speak with the Cape Henlopen athletic department. Altig wanted a way to reach more athletes in the Cape Region. Following a conversation with booster Nelia Dolan, Altig offered to come down with her coaching staff for a clinic last year.

“They came down for a clinic, and it was a crazy, rainy night, but the kids had a great time,” Dolan said.

Dolan asked the coaches to come down again in 2023.

“I'm hoping to make it an annual thing and host them here at Cape every year,” Dolan said.

Joining the Blue Hens coaching staff to help teach the girls – some learning the game for the first time – were coaches and players on the Cape girls’ lacrosse team, including varsity head coach Lindsey Underwood. Dolan said the two teams have formed a wonderful relationship with a focus on teaching the game.

“The younger kids always love being with the high school girls. It’s a wonderful thing for the community,” Dolan said.

Attendance at the 2023 clinic, aided by ideal lacrosse weather, was up from the rain-drenched 2022 clinic. The boosters believe the clinic will grow each year. 

“Most of the kids have already played lacrosse before or play youth lacrosse, but there were a bunch of kids who never picked up a stick before, and that’s the best part,” Dolan said.

The clinic will likely be held around the same time next year, and the boosters encourage anyone interested in honing their skills or learning the game to attend. Cost was $35 in 2023, and the money goes right back to the boosters for continued support of the girls' lacrosse program.