By Finley Wittkamp

Geronimo Lacrosse has been a foundational part of youth athletics in the Richmond community since 1995. The program offers young players an opportunity to learn the game while building character, teamwork, and confidence. Hosted through Collegiate’s Cougar Sports Zone, the program emphasizes both skill development and sportsmanship, creating an environment where athletes can grow both on and off the field.

Shooting drills. Photo credit: Finley Wittkamp.

Geronimo was designed to introduce elementary-aged students to lacrosse in a structured, yet entertaining way. What began as a small local initiative has grown into a thriving program that now serves hundreds of players each year from schools around the area, from Kindergarten through sixth grade. Its mission has remained the same over the years: to teach the fundamentals of lacrosse while fostering teamwork and a love for the game.

At its core, Geronimo focuses on development over competition. Practices are designed to be age and skill-level appropriate, ensuring that players build skills gradually while staying engaged. Younger participants in programs like the girls’ Rising Stars learn through drills and small games, teaching small concepts first, while older groups like the Blazing Stars begin to experience more structured gameplay.

For many young athletes, Geronimo serves as their first introduction to lacrosse, and often, their first experience with organized sports. Coaches and organizers emphasize that success is not measured by wins and losses, but by improvement, effort, and sportsmanship. Varsity girls lacrosse head coach Carter Toohers (’12), who also leads the girls Geronimo program, said, “Our goal isn’t just to teach lacrosse—it’s to create a space where girls feel confident, supported, and excited to try something new. When they step on the field, we want them to discover their strength, build friendships, and realize they’re capable of more than they think. If we can help them leave each season believing in themselves a little more, then we’ve done something truly meaningful.”

Boys Geronimo practice. Photo courtesy of Collegiate School.

Beyond skill building, Geronimo Lacrosse also plays an important role in shaping the broader lacrosse culture at Collegiate. Many current Middle School and Upper School players began their journeys in the program, carrying forward the lessons they learned as younger athletes. Participating in Geronimo during formative years leaves a large impact on the lives of these players. In fact, the varsity girls and varsity boys lacrosse players, many of whom played in the program just a few years ago, now coach their own teams. This cycle of mentorship reinforces the leadership and community involvement that Geronimo hopes to foster.

All three of this year’s varsity girls lacrosse captains—Elle Garnett (‘26), Alisha Pandya (‘26), and myself—played in the program and have come full circle, coaching our own teams this year. Garnett remarked, “I like helping young kids grow in lacrosse.” According to varsity girls lacrosse player Annie Wilkins (‘27), “It’s so much fun getting to grow the program of future lacrosse players.” Getting to see the next generation of Collegiate lacrosse and actively impacting the future of the program is extremely exciting. Each practice and game feels incredibly rewarding.

The spring season typically runs from late March through early May, with sessions held on Robins Campus’s fields twice a week for an hour and a half each. Additional clinics in the fall and winter provide opportunities for athletes to continue improving their skills year round. 

Practicing ground balls. Photo credit: Finley Wittkamp.

Geronimo is designed to be inclusive. Players of all experience levels are welcomed, from beginners picking up sticks for the first time to those who have played before and have more advanced skills. Additionally, the program isn’t solely reserved for Collegiate kids. Kids from different schools, including St. Catherine’s, St. Michael’s, Tuckahoe Elementary School, and many more, join together to play on the same teams. This accessibility helps grow the sport while ensuring that every participant feels valued and has something to learn.

Kids aren’t intimidated by this type of lacrosse; they are excited to come back each week. Geronimo makes lacrosse approachable. Some kids, when asked why they came to Geronimo, explained that they were not initially excited. When Langley (‘35) was asked why she started Geronimo, she responded, “Because my mom made me.” However, she now happily comes to play with her friends.

This balance of fun and fundamentals is what sets the program apart. While competition is part of the experience, it never overshadows the primary goal of developing confident and capable young athletes who enjoy the game. 

End-of-practice huddle. Photo credit: Finley Wittkamp.

Helen (‘35), also known as Pebbles, said, “It’s fun, and I get to learn a lot about lacrosse, and I get better and better, so I can play with my brother.” After playing lacrosse with Geronimo for multiple years, she hopes to play lacrosse in Upper School and is grateful for the opportunities Geronimo is providing her early on.

In an era where early specialization and high-pressure competition are becoming more common, Geronimo Lacrosse stands out for its focus on long-term growth and enjoyment. By teaching the right skills at the right age and keeping the game engaging, Geronimo helps players build a strong foundation that can carry into future athletic opportunities without experiencing burnout.