Club History

NEMS (North East Maryland Select) was founded in 1997 by Jim and Lisa McHugh, who wanted to give their daughters and other local high school seniors the chance to compete in one summer lacrosse tournament. What started as a single team built for opportunity quickly became a movement built for growth.

From that first team of seniors to today’s 10 teams, organized by graduation year and starting play as early as fourth grade, NEMS has continued to evolve while staying true to its Girls First foundation. Each year, our teams compete in top-level tournaments, typically 2 to 4 in the fall and 3 to 5 in the summer, depending on age group.

Over the past 25+ years, more than 200 NEMS players have gone on to play at Division I and II programs, and over 100 more have continued their athletic and academic journeys at Division III schools, many earning academic scholarships.

Leadership & Structure

Originally created to help Harford County’s top players sharpen their skills and showcase their talents against elite teams nationwide, NEMS expanded in 2007 to welcome athletes from Harford, Baltimore, and Cecil Counties, as well as Southern Pennsylvania.

In 2004, NEMS Lacrosse Club became a registered Maryland non-profit organization, NEMS Lacrosse, Inc. The club is managed by an Executive Board of Directors dedicated to upholding our Girls First mission and ensuring long-term success for every team and athlete.

Each team is led by experienced, knowledgeable adult coaches, supported by former collegiate and current college players who bring firsthand insight and passion to the game. Behind the scenes, every team has a Team Manager and Team Parent providing essential organization, communication, and player support.

Together, they form the backbone of NEMS a structure built on teamwork, trust, and commitment to our athletes.

The Cowboy Hat Legacy

You’ll notice a cowboy hat on every NEMS uniform as it is a symbol of remembrance for our founding president, Jim McHugh.

Jim was known for wearing his signature cowboy hat at tournaments so players and families could spot him from across the fields. He passed away suddenly in January 2005, but not before dedicating himself to building NEMS into one of the premier girls’ lacrosse clubs in the country.

The cowboy hat remains a part of who we are, a reminder of where we started, the spirit that built this club, and the passion that continues to drive NEMS forward.