We were fortunate to catch up with Mark Schindler, the varsity head coach at Mercersburg Academy (PA) and founder of Nexus Lacrosse, a new enterprise designed to provide premier, developmental lacrosse opportunities for elite pre-varsity players.
A product of the nationally recognized St. Pauls School (MD) lacrosse program, Schindler has committed to restoring the foundation of the current lacrosse market by establishing Nexus. After a playing career at Wesleyan University where he helped the Cardinals to a NESCAC co-championship, Schindler served as an assistant coach at his alma mater before taking the reins at Hampton Roads Academy (HRA) in Virginia and then moving to Mercersburg.
Below is our Q & A with Mark, who discusses Nexus Lacrosse, why he started the company and the Select Training Academy event this summer.
Why did you start Nexus Lacrosse?
I started Nexus for a variety of reasons, but namely because the game of lacrosse is growing so fast and yet I don’t think there are enough quality teaching opportunities to keep up with the level of talent that is developing at the younger ages. In other words, there are a lot of really good athletes who are starting to play lacrosse at an early age, developing great skill even at the U11 and U13 levels. But I think for a large chunk of kids who just play tons of club games each summer there is a real need to develop that “next level” set of skills and lacrosse IQ before they get to the varsity. I’m still a school > club guy, always will be, and as a varsity head coach I started seeing talented kids who had large gaps in their lacrosse development because all they did was play games. Don’t get me wrong they’re very talented players but in order to be successful at a high-level varsity program or in college, it takes more than just great individual skill. Nexus is designed to take that experienced kid and give him more tools in his toolbox, particularly in regards to lacrosse IQ, as a player before he makes the varsity.
At Nexus, your core goals include providing premier, developmental lacrosse opportunities for elite pre-varsity players. How do you go about this?
Nexus is supported by a Board of Advisors who have over 100+ years of varsity coaching experience. In addition to their coaching experience, some are also former college All-Americans, some are leading veterans in the Baltimore prep school lacrosse community, and others are highly involved in youth lacrosse development programs. These guys have been incredibly helpful to Nexus by designing a program that will best develop the talented middle school and JV players. More importantly, all of the coaches who will be working the Select Training Academy this summer are current varsity coaches and all have college playing experience. Nothing against college players who work summer camps, but our coaches know exactly what is expected at the varsity and college levels (through the eyes of a coach) and are excited to help younger players prepare for that level of lacrosse.
Likewise, an LXM PRO player (to be announced!) will be joining us during the week before he comes that weekend for the LXM PRO game here at Mercersburg. (See below)
What is the Nexus Lacrosse: Select Training Academy?
The Select Training Academy is not your average day camp. Nor is it a high school recruiting event. It’s what’s missing something in between those two summer lacrosse options. It’s for experienced middle school or JV players who want an advantage in regards to being successful at the varsity level. It’s an overnight, intense lacrosse experience where talented players will learn something and improve their game. Highlighted by our Signature Sessions, the 4-day training academy will be unlike anything these kids have experienced. Don’t get me wrong just because it’s not club tournament games doesn’t mean it won’t be fun. In fact, I believe that the Select Training Academy will be more fun than a typical day camp experience or even club tournaments.
The Select Training Academy is going to be held at Mercersburg Academy (July 29-August 1), and will be followed by the Adrenaline LXM ATS – Pennsylvania event (August 34) at the same location. We’re really excited about the Adrenaline and LXM guys being here on campus, and I hope that there will be players who come early for the Select Training Academy and stay for the tournament/pro game over the weekend.
You recently partnered with One World Lacrosse, an NPO that provides youth in impoverished communities around the world with an opportunity to improve their quality of life through the game of lacrosse. Talk a bit about that partnership and Nexus role.
I was fortunate to grow up in Baltimore where kids start playing lacrosse at the age of 4 or 5 and where it was never a question of gear, coaches, etc. I think that it’s important for those of us who had similar experiences to give back to the game and help it grow not just in the US, but also around the world. OWL is a great organization and I am fully in favor of what they are doing. When kids come to the Select Training Academy this summer, we will be collecting donations used equipment and money to donate to OWL to support their outreach efforts. I know the kids coming to Nexus this summer have old stuff laying around, and I think it’s the least we can do.
How can folks find out more about Nexus Lacrosse?
The best way to learn about Nexus is to check out our web site (www.nexuslacrosse.com), follow us on Twitter (@NexusLacrosse) and Facebook (Facebook.com/NexusLacrosse), or simply send me an email (mark@nexuslacrosse.com).