Editor’s Note: TopLaxRecruits club profiles are in association with partner ConnectLAX. To inquire about ConnectLAX, contact us at golax@toplaxrecruits.com
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 1/19/21
Club: Team Elevate
Based out of: Northport, Long Island, NY
When created: 2007
Club Directors/Club Coaches: Directors: Dave Kotowski and Victoria Kotowski; Junior Directors: Katie Reilly and Emma Degenarro
Team Website: www.TeamElevateLax.com
Twitter tag: @TeamElevateLax Instagram tag: @teamelevatelax
Club Philosophy/Mission: “We are an elite girl’s travel lacrosse program that is focused on developing the best student-athletes. We cater to multi-sport athletes who are very good lacrosse players. We are looking for great kids who come from great families. No matter what a family’s financial situation, we will provide them the opportunity to play lacrosse for Team Elevate. Over the years we have given out dozens of scholarships for our Team Elevate program.
“Our mission as both a team and as an individual is quite simple – Be The Best We Can Be.
“In order to Be the Best, we focus our efforts on five (5) key areas:
- Education
2. Nutrition & Lifestyle
3. Strength & Conditioning
4. Mental Conditioning
5. Lacrosse IQ & Skills
Our Motto: ” ELEVATE YOUR MIND * ELEVATE YOUR BODY * ELEVATE YOUR GAME * ELEVATE YOUR LIFE
What makes your club special/ what was the inspiration for creating it? “We wanted to create a program that was focused solely on the empowerment of young women. Our original girls came from a program where girls were treated differently than the boys. At Elevate we treat everyone equally. In 2020 we had more Team Elevate Alumni who were captains of their college team than just about any other program in the country. We build leaders.”
Community Service/Social Justice projects: The Mary Ruchalski Foundation – “Mary was one of our 2023 players who passed away from pediatric cancer. Every single time we get together we say #PLAYFORMARY in every huddle to remember her and to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
Christmas Magic – “We have been part of this program for over 10 years. Christmas Magic gets letters to Santa from over 11,000 homeless children on Long Island and our girls help shop, wrap and deliver these presents.”
Which age groups and other programs (camps, training, etc.) does your club offer? “We offer opportunities for 3rd grade through 11th grade. We also are instituting a K-3 program as well for the youngest players. We have one of the longest running camps on Long Island with our Team Elevate Summer Camp. We also offer our Prospect Plus Camp where we bring in college coaches to work with players 7th grade and up.”
What was the highlight of your club’s summer season? “This past summer we all came together to try and provide as many lacrosse opportunities as were possible through COVID. Our coaches, players and families all came together to have a great summer.”
Notable club graduates: “We have alumni playing at some of the top schools in the country. In the 2019 Division 1 NCAA Elite Eight – Team Elevate had players recruited to seven out of eight schools. Some of our recent graduates are our Junior Directors Katie Reilly – Captain of Princeton and Emma Degenarro – All Ivy Player from Brown University. We have players in the Ivy League, the ACC, the Big Ten, the Patriot League, the Pac-12, NESCAC and so many more.”
