This document contains thank you notes from various players, coaches, parents, and programs expressing gratitude for donations from the US Lacrosse First Stick Program. The program provides equipment grants to introduce lacrosse and help grow the sport in new communities. The notes describe how the funding has allowed children to play who otherwise may not have been able to, given them opportunities to be active and make friends, improved academic performance and engagement in school, and helped struggling teams become more competitive. The donors are thanked for making the program possible and empowering more lives through lacrosse.

1. To the world, you may be just one person,
but to one person you may be the world.
––Dr. Seuss

2. Please enjoy this collection of thank you
notes received from the thousands of players,
coaches, administrators and families whose
worlds were changed by your kindness. We
are very grateful for our donors who make
the US Lacrosse First Stick Program possible.
Thank you.
The photos portrayed are a representation, not necessarily
the actual players, teams and programs of the recipients.

4. Lacrosse is the one sport my
daughters have come to love.
As a result, my husband and I have
started coaching, which we also love.
Thank you, US Lacrosse, for
introducing this sport to new areas
and for giving our organization
the tools to encourage new players
to play the game.
––Lucy, coach Saylorsburg, PA

5. I am thankful because my daughter is
enjoying playing a competitive sport
while learning to be part of a team.
She is engaging in exercise, interacting
with her peers, making new friends and
gaining confidence in her own
abilities as an athlete!
––Rosemary, parent Cape May Ct. Hse., NJ

8. Please know how grateful we all are for the
First Stick grant funding in so many ways.
Our head U9 coach, Scott Smith, returned
from (the US Lacrosse Convention) with
tons of new ideas, and he continues to share
them every day on the field.
And, since the nearest true lacrosse store is
at least 2 hours away, the equipment sets are
truly a game-changer for us to field a team!
––Kelly, parent Jackson, WY

12. I am thankful because I have had the
opportunity to meet new people,
get close to students in my school,
have motivation to do well in school
and also I will pursue the sport of
lacrosse in college. I am thankful
because it kept me out of the streets
and it helped me stay in shape.
––Austin, player Cranston, RI

13. I am thankful because lacrosse
helped me get more involved in school.
Because I joined lacrosse my grades
went up because I am trying harder
for myself and for my team.
Thank you for all the equipment.
Lacrosse is now my favorite sport.
––Duncan, player Cranston, RI

15. I have not seen the players on our team
this happy about anything all year.
Thanks to your program, a large group
of kids from Bridgeport, Connecticut
have the opportunity to
play a sport that has long been considered
an upper middle class privilege.
You will never be able to truly
understand the impact you’ve made on
these kids’ lives. THANK YOU!
––Garrett, coach Bridgeport, CT

16. I’ve made so many friends and had so
much fun learning to play a new sport.
Lacrosse gives me the opportunity
to stay in shape and embrace my
competitive side, and
I love being a part of something as
supportive and exciting as our team.
I can’t wait until next season!
––Carmen, player Redwood City, CA

18. The funds provided by the First Stick Program
have opened opportunities for a team that has
struggled for subsistence.
This season has been a breakout and banner
year. We have gone from only getting one or two
wins a year and playing under-manned
to producing an organized and well-equipped
roster, playing in the final four of our conference.
Your kind contribution has served its purpose –
and beyond. As a five-year lacrosse parent,
I am grateful for the possibilities you have
provided my sons. Thank you so much!
––Robin, parent Republic, MO

21. Without the grant for equipment, we simply could
not have started a lacrosse program at Voyager.
As a small charter school, funds are tight, and
athletics are just too expensive when the bulk of
the budget is spent on academics.
The grant and all of the equipment provided our
students the opportunity to participate in a sport
that was not available to them through any
other means. Thank you so very much!!!
––Kevin, coach Durham, NC

22. I am thankful because now the great sport
of lacrosse, that I played in high school and
college, has been introduced in southeast GA.
With the generous equipment provided by
the First Stick Program the students of Glynn
Academy are able to experience the fun, team
play and non-stop action of lacrosse.
As a program director and coach, I am very
thankful for the opportunity to work with my
students on lacrosse skills, life skills and fun
that lacrosse can offer.
––Phil, coach Brunswick, GA

23. Thank you to those who have helped provide
first sticks to thousands of players. To empower
more lives through lacrosse, please consider
donating to US Lacrosse at
uslacrosse.org/donate
113 West University Parkway // Baltimore, MD 21210
410.235.6882 // uslacrosse.org/foundation