NEMS PATHWAY
Players grow with NEMS year after year, from first seasons to the highest levels of competition.
Value of the NEMS Pathway
For nearly 30 years, NEMS Lacrosse has supported athletes from their earliest playing years through middle school, high school, and the college recruiting process.
Families have more options than ever when choosing a club lacrosse program, including newer teams and lower-cost programs. But not every program is built to grow with a player. Some teams end before high school, while others may not have the history, relationships, and tournament access needed as athletes move into more competitive recruiting years.
NEMS offers continuity, experienced leadership, established tournament relationships, and a proven development structure that grows with each athlete year after year.
- Elementary school players build the foundation.
- Middle school players learn how to compete with confidence.
- High school players gain access to stronger competition, high-profile events, and recruiting support.
Families choose NEMS for long-term development, experienced leadership, competitive opportunities, and a program committed to helping girls grow.
Blueprint: Youth Development
Our youngest players begin the NEMS pathway by developing fundamentals, confidence, coachability, teamwork, and a love of the game.
Players in 5th grade and below need strong teaching, positive coaching, and age-appropriate competition. We do not rush the process. We help players build the habits, skills, field awareness, and confidence that prepare them for the next stage of development.
Coaches at this level are expected to teach with patience, structure, and purpose.
Practices should be active, organized, and development-focused, with an emphasis on skill growth, sportsmanship, confidence, and game understanding.
Blueprint: High School & College Recruiting
Middle and high school players continue through the NEMS pathway with a focus on advanced skill development, positional play, game IQ, team concepts, competitive exposure, and preparation for the next level.
We help players refine their stick skills, decision-making, field vision, communication, positional understanding, and ability to compete in game situations.
As players move into the recruiting years, NEMS provides access to stronger competition, high-profile events, recruiting-focused tournaments, and guidance to help families understand the college pathway.
Coaches at this level are expected to teach with structure, energy, accountability, and purpose while helping players develop as confident athletes, competitive players, strong leaders, and great teammates.