New Store Taps into Lacrosse Fever

Lacrosse is the fastest growing youth sport in America. That’s not news in Moorestown, where the high school has fielded girls’ and boys’ lacrosse teams for many years. But now, residents won’t have to travel beyond the township borders to stock up on lacrosse equipment.

Universal Lacrosse opened in the Moorestown Commons Shopping Center just after Thanksgiving and business is picking up with the approach of spring, according to store manager Mike Trill.

With five other locations in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Trill said Universal targeted Moorestown for its newest location because of its strong lacrosse roots.

“We were looking in this area for a few years,” Trill said. “The Moorestown (lacrosse) program is one of the strongest in the area.”

The spacious retail facility stocks a full line of equipment for both the women’s and the men’s game. There are sticks, balls, protective equipment and apparel. There is also a team uniform department that has been working to outfit local teams, providing new uniforms for the Moorestown Lacrosse Club and the Quakes.

And Trill, a former lacrosse player, says he can help everyone with their decisions, whether they are beginners or varsity starters.

“I usually start by asking them how much experience they have,” Trill explained. “If they are new to the sport, we have basic beginner packages. For the boys, that will include all the padding, a helmet, mouth guard and the stick.”

Trill admits he had to do a little work to learn about the girls' equipment, but is convinced he is up to speed. “It’s harder to learn the girls' game,” he admits.

Universal has licenses to carry all of the major lacrosse manufacturers, so no matter what brand of equipment you are looking for, chances are it is in stock at the Moorestown store. The store carries Maverick, Gait, deBeer, Shock Doctor, Reebok, Nike, Adidas, Warrior, Brine, STX, Cascade, Onyx, Under Armour and many others.

“Often when players go to college, they have to use a certain brand,” Trill said. “Those players will be able to find what they need here.”