Tampa Elite Lacrosse Team Takes 2 National Championships

The Tampa Elite Boys Lacrosse 13U team , comprised of players from Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, South Tampa, Fish Hawk, New Tampa, Weeki Wachee, Valrico and Plant City, won its second consecutive qualifying championship July 13-14 at the Georgia Southern Shootout.

Tampa Elite posted wins over Bamalax (Ala.), 10-2, No Excuse (Memphis), 12-2, and Frisco Chaos (Texas), 8-6.

Tampa Elite received a bid to the National Championship hosted by Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions, earning the opportunity to compete for a national title Dec 29 -31 in Pasco County.

“The Tampa Elite U13 team's terrific showing in back-to-back out-of-state national tournaments is a testament to these players’ skills being the best in the South and on par with the powerhouse programs of the lacrosse hotbeds in the Northeast,” said former professional lacrosse player and Tampa Elite coaching director, Brian Lemon of FishHawk Ranch.

Less than a week before, Tampa Elite earned its first offer for a nationals spot just outside of Baltimore at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Atlantic Cup Qualifying Tournament July 6-7. 

Tampa Elite’s first-ever appearance proved to be quite a showing. As the only Florida lacrosse organization participating, Tampa Elite’s teams were the talk of the tournament as they eliminated team after team, demonstrating great strength in an area of the country where lacrosse has dominated for decades.

The U13 boys made their national mark, beating all but one team to be named runner-up among the 20 teams in their bracket. Their wins in this tournament came against teams from Ontario, Canada, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.

“Coach Lemon has quickly assembled a national contender by implementing a complete program," said Howard Frank, Tampa Elite president. "From his summer weekend team retreat, team conditioning, mentorship program and community service, Tampa Elite is more than just a travel lacrosse program. These young athletes will cherish these experiences for the rest of their lives. To win on the national stage at the Dick’s Tournament of Champions would be the Elite crown jewel.”

Tryouts for Tampa Elite girls and boys squads are held every December. Check back at http//www.TampaEliteLacrosse.com.