Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/16/20
Registration is open for the Fusion Lacrosse tryouts at United Sports in Downingtown.
DETAILS:
DATES FOR YOUTH TRYOUTS: August 17th or 18th
LOCATION: United Sports, 1426 Marshallton Thorndale Road, Downingtown, PA 19335
FORMAT: All grad years are completely open tryouts between 2030-2024 (all spots are open and will be filled from tryouts).
Existing High School Teams only have “limited spot tryouts” (2021, 2022, 2023). Email info@Playfusionlax.com for more information on these teams!
FEE: $25
Dates/Times
2030/2029: Tuesday August 18th, 6-7:30pm
2028: Tuesday August 18th, 6-7:30pm
2027: Tuesday August 18th, 6-7:30pm
2026: Monday August 17th, 5:30-7:00pm
2025: Monday August 17th, 7:00-8:30pm
2024: Monday August 17th, 7:00-8:30pm
2023: Thursday August 27th, 6-7:30pm
2022: Thursday August 27th, 6-7:30pm
2021: Thursday (Just for fall) August 27th, 6-7:30pm
Program Outline
Fall: Sunday Practices @ USTC ; 2 Fall Tournaments
Winter: Box Practices @ MSI ; 2-3 Box Tournaments
Spring (2025 and below) : Spring Training and Practices @ USTC
Summer: Weeknight practices @ USTC, 3-4 Tournaments
Meet the elite 2020/2021 Coaching Staff:
2029/2030 – Head Coach: Desi Gonzalez
About: Coach Desi Gonzalez is entering his second season guiding our youngest group. Gonzalez is the head Coach at Emmaus HS and is also a captain for the Puerto Rican national team in both box and field! Gonzalez also holds the role of Director of Community Outreach for Fusion!
About the 2029/30 Team(s): Given the correct numbers and talent this could become two grad year teams. This is a competitive team that will play in the 2029 division. The focus however is fostering a joy for the sport and competition, as well as a secure skill foundation built with great coaches and box lacrosse training in the winter.
2028 – Head Coach: Steven Holmes
About: Coach Holmes was one of the core founders of Fusion Lacrosse along with Coach Kevin Crowley. Coach Holmes spent numerous years at the professional ranks most recently with the Philadelphia Wings and New York Lizards. A leader in bringing box lacrosse stateside, he likes to build his teams around cohesion, ball movement, effort, energy, and elite skills.
About the 2028 Team: 5th grade is when our grad year specific teams begin. Coach Holmes has worked with a number of the 28s this past year in small group sessions and tournaments. There is a great existing core, and this tryout already has a strong buzz around it with growing numbers daily.
2027 – Head Coach: Ian Allender
About: Coach Ian Allender is going into his third year as the first assistant for Unionville High School. Coach Allender was a club lacrosse star at Penn State before walking on and earning a spot on the varsity team his senior year. He is a Fusion core member and has a passion for the sport. A teacher in his day job coach Ian has the clear delivery, patience and competitive nature that always delivers very strong teams.
About the 2027s: It was a summer of high conflict for the 2027s but when fully rostered for the last tournament, they went 3-0 and displayed that they had potential to be one of the strongest 2027 teams in the area. Their core is as strong as we have in our program!
2026 – Head Coach: Joseph Carlini
About: Coach Carlini was an extremely impactful defensive midfielder at Malvern Prep and Johns Hopkins University. He now works full time for the Philadelphia Wings aiding in operations and as a bench coach. His energy is contagious and his teams play with passion and a joy for the sport.
About the 2026: Arguably the most competitive team in our program. They have the potential to beat anyone in the country when they are clicking. The growth potential for the team and individually is extremely exciting and they are just beginning their journey.
2025 – Head Coach: Steven Holmes
About: Coach Holmes was one of the core founders of Fusion Lacrosse along with Coach Kevin Crowley. Coach Holmes spent numerous years at the professional ranks most recently with the Philadelphia Wings and New York Lizards. A leader in bringing box lacrosse stateside, he likes to build his teams around cohesion, ball movement, effort, energy, and elite skills.
About the 2025s: When other teams in the program were getting more shine a year ago, the 2025s kept their efforts focused on practice and getting better with flawless attendance and work ethic. The reward was a fantastic summer for the 25s and a newfound recognition and respect for what is a really strong team top to bottom.
2024 – Head Coach: Matthew McCormick
About: Coach Matt McCormick is a graduate of Malvern Prep and was their longtime defensive coordinator. He was recognized recently as one of the top players to ever attend Drexel University by being inducted to their “75th anniversary team”. Coach McCormick brings a demanding but fair style that is emblematic of the Malvern Prep program that molded him. He has a knack for developing strong bonds with his players that lasts beyond their careers at Fusion.
About the 2024: The body of work of the 2024s has established them as tops in the program. They have won many tournaments and taken down each of Eastern PA’s top teams. The goal for this team is to be the clear best in the region by the time they are done.
2023 – Head Coach: Kevin Philibin
About: Coach Philibin is a graduate of Avon Grove and the University of South Carolina. He was a starter at USC on what was one of the best club teams in the country. He is currently the Head Coach at West Chester Rustin and has one of the most progressive coaching minds in the area. He writes and analyzes periodically for different pro lacrosse publications. Coach Philibin is our lead recruiting coordinator and is a full time Chemistry teacher.
About the 2023s: While they ran a little light this past summer, the core of this team is very athletic and plays with an edge. They are always competitive. Between new additions and players starting to reach their potential, this team will have an exciting HS run with some players ready to get noticed in a big way.
2022 – Head Coach Desi Gonzalez
About: Coach Desi Gonzalez is entering his second season with the 2022s but has already built great team chemistry. Gonzalez is the head Coach at Emmaus HS and is also a captain for the Puerto Rican national team, in both box and field! Gonzalez also holds the role of Director of Community Outreach for Fusion.
About the 2022s: This team has been one of the most consistent and hardworking groups we’ve had in a long time. Coach Gonzalez demands of them what he would any top high school program. Their growth has been steady and impactful and this coming year they are going to shine.
2021 LIMITED FALL ONLY TRYOUT
About: The 2021 Team will be competing in FLG 3D and Legends Chrome Recruiting Tournaments this fall. There are spots available for impactful 2021 players. Email (sholmes@playfusionlax.com) with questions or register for the limited tryout
Offensive Specialist/ Box Specialist: Kevin Crowley
About: Coach Crowley is one of the original Fusion Founders with Coach Holmes. His pro schedule prevents him from being assigned to a specific team but he is a regular contributor to our program. Coach Crowley is one of the best offensive players of his generation and has a World Championship medal with Team Canada. The championship game which saw him score 5 goals vs Team USA. He is currently a star player for the Philadelphia Wings.
Defensive Specialist/ Box Specialist: Anthony Joaquim
About: Coach Joaquim’s pro schedule prevents him from being assigned to a specific team but he is a regular contributor to our program. Coach Anthony by way of Canada had excelled at St Joe’s University before launching his impactful pro career with both the Philadelphia Barrage and Philadelphia Wings!
Lead Assistant 2027, 2022
Brian Santoleri
About: Coach Santoleri is the newest addition to our Fusion Team. Coach Santoleri took over the head coaching job at Archbishop Carroll after two seasons as the assistant at Haverford College, competing in the DIII powerhouse Centennial Conference. Coach Santoleri assumed the roles of goalie coach, face-off coach, recruiter, and offensive assistant for the Fords.
| QUESTIONS?EMAIL: SHOLMES@PLAYFUSIONLAX.COM |
