Roxy Team Athletix Brings Lacrosse to Aliso Viejo Athletes

Seventh-grade lacrosse goalie Hannah Upshaw stopped a shot from entering the net and threw the ball down the field for a very nice "clear." Upshaw and more than a dozen other girls came out Tuesday for an introductory scrimmage at Aliso Niguel High School through Roxy Team Athletix. 

Roxy Team Athletix lacrosse founder and ANHS lacrosse coach John Chrismer had been working with Quiksilver for four years to develop boys' lacrosse. He realized there was an opportunity for growth in girls' lacrosse in Orange County.

"I was coaching in San Diego for seven years," said Chrismer. "My friend Brad Reppert and I saw the need for organized girls' lacrosse in the area. It's so new, a lot of people don't know about it. Judging from today's scrimmage game, the girls are really excited to play."

Chrismer contacted 15 women, all of whom had played on NCAA Women's Lacrosse teams. He hired them to act as coaches for Roxy Team Athletix.

Cherie Michaud is one of those coaches. She played for Johns Hopkins University and has been coaching lacrosse for seven years. She was on hand coaching the scrimmage Tuesday evening.

"I had extremely positive and energetic coaches, and they instilled that coaching style in me," said Michaud. "Using a positive tone and encouragement helps the girls succeed."

Michaud said there are college scholarships available in NCAA Women's Lacrosse. 

"Lacrosse in general is a good vehicle for getting scholarships ... especially for girls," said Michaud. "Girls' lacrosse is the fastest growing sport right now, and universities have funds available. They are looking for 'workhorses.' "

Michaud's favorite thing about lacrosse was the camaraderie.

"I loved being able to hang out with my friends 24/7," she said. "Playing in a team sport taught me how to work with people. It taught me how to play for others and with others. It prepared me for working in a job. That's taken me where I am now."

John Chrismer can be contacted at jchrismer@quiklax.com. For registration information, visit Quiksilver Lacrosse online.