Who We Are
Chandler Lacrosse, situated in the West Chandler and South Gilbert region, operates as a non-profit lacrosse organization catering to students from PreK-12. Our core objective at Chandler Lacrosse is unequivocal: to foster the growth of the game within our community. Though the goal may be straightforward, its realization demands extensive effort, time commitment, and unwavering dedication.
The program’s foundation hinges on the active involvement of parents and players who invest countless hours to champion the sport, volunteer their time, and manage administrative responsibilities. This collective effort ensures the program’s vitality. Despite being one of the most budget-friendly lacrosse initiatives in the state, we work diligently to maintain affordable costs. This way, financial circumstances never impede a player’s participation. Furthermore, we provide scholarships to guarantee inclusivity through our All Kids Can Play initiative.
Guiding the program’s culture and trajectory is our coaching staff, whose experience, qualifications, and proficiency underscore their commitment. They consistently prioritize the players’ interests above their own. Anchored in values of respect and character, Chandler Lacrosse is constructed on the understanding that post-program graduation, a player’s outstanding character and respect for others are the enduring hallmarks, eclipsing on-field accomplishments.
Lacrosse seamlessly amalgamates the attributes we cherish in various sports. It encompasses the skill and strategic acumen of basketball, the resilience and physicality of football, and the finesse and endurance emblematic of soccer. With these exciting facets in mind, why delay? Embrace the opportunity to become a part of the fastest sport on two feet today!
We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. EIN: 32-0566141
No-cut policy, meaning all players will be on a team!
Mission Statement
Chandler Lacrosse operates as a non-profit entity with a clear-cut mission: to expand the reach of the sport in Arizona. This is achieved by granting student-athletes the chance to cultivate adaptable skills, all within a framework of teamwork, education, discipline, character, and athletic growth. This holistic development takes place in an environment that is both wholesome and constructive.
History of the Dogs
The inception of lacrosse in Chandler traces back to 1997 with the establishment of the Andersen Jaguars, marking the debut of the sport in Arizona. Chandler High School, on the other hand, witnessed the formation of its official high school team in 1999, despite the league permitting some high school-aged individuals to participate in 1997 and 1998. Mick Lewchuk, a history teacher at CHS and an accomplished lacrosse player hailing from Saskatchewan, assumed the mantle of the first coach. In 2001, Lewchuk returned to Canada, passing the torch to Dave Henning, who transitioned from coaching at Andersen Junior High in 1999 and 2000. Henning helmed the Chandler Lacrosse Wolves from 2001 to 2012. Similarly, Willis Junior High’s inaugural lacrosse team emerged in 1998 under the guidance of Justin Plummer. The players from Willis JH predominantly fed into Hamilton High School’s first lacrosse team, established in 2000 as the Hamilton Huskies.
For over two decades, Chandler Lacrosse has stood as a High School Lacrosse Club, initially operating within the purview of Chandler High School Booster Club. This arrangement was due to Chandler High School being the sole institution falling within their jurisdiction. Under this setup, the team bore the name Chandler Lacrosse Wolves. The other team in Chandler, the Chandler Huskies, was aligned with Hamilton High School. In 2017, Chandler Lacrosse collaborated with the league to reconfigure boundaries, ensuring a more equitable distribution of teams among local high schools. Consequently, Chandler Lacrosse Club’s affiliation shifted to Hamilton High School, leading to a change in their team identity from the Wolves to the Dogs. Similarly, the other Chandler team adopted the Pumas as their mascot, in place of the Huskies, with Perry High School as their designated home school. Attending Hamilton HS earmarks participation in the Chandler Lacrosse Dogs Club, while students from Arizona College Prep, Mesquite, or Chandler High Schools can also join the club.
In 2018, the Chandler Lacrosse Club inaugurated its own youth feeder program, catering to students from Pre-K through 8th grade. The youth team, aptly named the Dogs, has been an exceptional triumph, effectively introducing the exhilarating sport of lacrosse across all age groups.
CHANDLER LACROSSE WOLVES ACCOLADES:
Played in State Finals: 1999, 2005, 2010
Final Four: 2004, 2008
Quarterfinals: 2000, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012
Lacrosse PLAYERS GOING ON TO PLAY IN DIVISION I:
Kevin Krieger, First D1 player from Arizona (Air Force 2001 – 2004)
Kyle Kapron (Navy 2007 – 2010)
Andrew Muscara (University of Vermont 2011 – 2014)
lacrosse ALL AMERICANS:
Eric Nelson (Arizona State University)
Anthony LaFlam (Arizona State University)
ALL-TIME LEADING lacrosse SCORER IN THE MCLA:
Eric Nelson
HISTORY OF THE CHANDLER HUSKIES & ACCOLADES:
2001-2005: the Husky Lacrosse team was coached by Brad Johnson who coached the team to consistent playoff appearances.
2005-06: Temporary coach
Mid-season 2006: Tyce Thielsen (Husky and Firebird Lax Alumni) took over the program
2007: Husky Lacrosse Division II state champions
2008 – 2016: Three Div II state finals appearances and three Div II quarterfinals
2016 Bob Scott Award: Bryce Palmer