The Lacrosse School - Frequently Asked Questions

Parents,

Thank you for all of your interest in The Lacrosse School.  We are excited to see the level of support that we have in the Chicago lacrosse community.   Because many of you are asking the same questions, we decided to publish these FAQs so everybody will have the same answers.

Who is Justin Porter?

Justin Porter is widely-regarded as the best lacrosse teacher and coach in Chicago.  Justin has trained many of the best lacrosse players to come out of the Chicago area.  Many of his players have gone on to play D1 and D3 lacrosse.   He was just awarded the US Lacrosse Keeper of Lacrosse Award at the Vail Shoot-out.  The award is given to a player who is devoted to upholding the spirit of the game; lacrosse traditions; the virtues of honor, integrity and respect; good sportsmanship; teamwork; and a connection to the community.  Justin is currently coaching with XCELERATE NIKE.  He played professional lacrosse for the Rochester Rattlers where he won a World Championship.  He has also coached at the high school and club level in the Chicago area.

Who owns The Lacrosse School?

Justin Porter is the sole-owner of The Lacrosse School.

What is the mission and philosophy of The Lacrosse School?

The mission of The Lacrosse School is to provide players with the best opportunity to play at the next level; whether that be Prep School or College (Division I - III including junior colleges/clubs) throughout the US & UK.

The Lacrosse School will focus on both individual player skill development as well as learning team concepts through the Rotten Apples teams.  The focus will not only be on lacrosse.  Players will be mentored, and provided guidance on life-lessons that directly parallel their academic and athletic experiences as “student-athletes”.

Is The Lacrosse School financially stable?

Yes.  The Lacrosse School raised non-equity, start-up capital from local investors.  We are well-funded and will be managed in a fiscally prudent manner.

How many teams will The Lacrosse School field in 2023/2024?

In our seventh season we hope to field teams from K - 12th graders, for both girls & boys. The number of teams depends on the quantity and quality of the players that attend try-outs.

When and where are tryouts?

August 12th and 13th, 2023 (year round)

2023 - 2024 Tryouts: Decoma Day Camp

Where will your players come from?

Players are welcome from any community in the Chicago area.   Since we will practice in the North suburbs, we expect most players to come from nearby communities.

Where will you practice?

During the fall, practices will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays at Decoma Day Camp in Northbrook, IL.  During the winter, we will practice at Turf Time in Lake Bluff, 2x/week.

Who are the coaches for each team?

The coaches are Justin Porter (Rochester Rattlers, Hobart), I coach ALL our teams.

What happens if a practice is rained out?

We will make every effort to re-schedule the practices.

What colleges have your former players been recruited by?

Justin has helped his players get recruited by Syracuse, Hobart, Bucknell, Notre Dame, Bellermine, UMass, North Carolina, Manhattan, Ohio Wesleyan, Whittier, Canisius, Richmond, Univ. of New England, RPI, RIT, Providence, Lynn, Newberry, Tufts, Illinois Wesleyan, Bates and Beloit among others.  His players have also attended the following prep schools: Northfield Mount Hermon (MA), Hotchkiss (CT), Salisbury (CT), Avon Old Farms (CT), & Berkshire (CT).   Justin has also helped his players get invited to the following recruiting showcases: 3D Blue Chip, Jake Reed's Blue Chip, SweetLax and Nike.

What is your philosophy on playing time?

Players pay to practice.  They earn game time during practice.  We are an elite travel program.  We do not guarantee equal playing time.  We do guarantee that your son will become a better lacrosse player!

Is The Lacrosse School a year-round program?

Yes.  Our program runs in the fall, winter and summer.  Our players play for their high school or town youth teams in the spring.

How many players will be on each team?

We will target 22-26 players per team including 2 goalies.

What is the difference between The Lacrosse School and The Rotten Apples?

The Lacrosse School is the name of the club.  "Rotten Apples" is The Lacrosse School's mascot and his name is "Skrappz".

Will there be an Informational Meeting for parents?

TBA

Can we pay for the program over time?

Yes.  You can pay in three installments spread out over the fall, winter and summer seasons. An agreement is made and agreed upon (confidentially).

Can we bring over a group of kids from another team?

Yes.  We would encourage you to recruit your friends if they are looking for a better lacrosse experience.

 

Introducing The Lacrosse School!

Founded by former MLL player, Justin Porter, The Lacrosse School will offer a year-round program aimed at providing players with the best opportunity to play at the next level; whether that be Prep School or College (Division I - III including junior colleges/clubs) throughout the US & UK.

This Lacrosse School will focus on both individual player skill development as well as learning team concepts through the Rotten Apples teams.  The focus will not only be on lacrosse.  Players will be mentored, and provided guidance on life-lessons that directly parallel their academic and athletic experiences as “student-athletes”.

In our 8th season we will hope to field teams from Kindergarten - 12th grades.