Lacing up cleats and grabbing lacrosse sticks are normal Marist lacrosse pregame activities for Sophia Georgopoulos and Noble Smith. On a sunny, crisp fall day in Highland, New York, last November, they again prepared to head out onto the field. This time, it was not for a game against a conference foe.
Instead, they traded their competitive attitudes for mentorship and bonding, teaming up to give back to the local community and inspire the next generation of lacrosse players. This event allowed young athletes to “pick up and play” the game and learn the fundamentals in a fun, low-stakes environment.
Among the key people in organizing the day was local lacrosse coach Ian Becker, whose passion for the sport is matched by his longstanding commitment to making lacrosse inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
As someone born with only one hand, nobody thought Becker could play lacrosse. However, he worked through those challenges to become an exceptional player in high school, opening doors he thought were permanently closed.
Becker later committed to play lacrosse at Marist College. Unfortunately, his days as a Division I athlete were short-lived after he broke his wrist in the fall of his freshman year, prematurely ending his playing career. He stayed at Marist and obtained his undergraduate and master’s degrees in information systems. Today, he is still connected to the school as an adjunct Computer Science and Mathematics professor.
The career-ending injury did not stop Becker from being involved in the game. In addition to coaching, he volunteers with USA Lacrosse, Able Athletics, and NubAbilty, working to introduce lacrosse to individuals with and without disabilities. These efforts, coupled with his desire to grow the game throughout the Hudson Valley region, resulted in the organization of a USA Lacrosse-sanctioned Pickup and Play clinic.
The third edition was held on Nov. 9, 2024, at Highland Middle School as part of National Celebrate Lacrosse Week. The event featured volunteers from Becker’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team at Highland High School, which he has coached to two straight sectional finals and members of the Marist men’s and women’s lacrosse and University of Albany men’s teams.
Volunteers led participants ages six to 12 through stations designed to introduce them to the game. The event culminated in a demonstration by the Marist players so they could see what an actual lacrosse game looked like. USA Lacrosse donated equipment, produced promotional materials, and provided injury insurance for the event.
“We had 44 kids play lacrosse that had never played lacrosse before, so they had the opportunity to get a feel for the game. They all left with smiles,” said Becker. “I have a couple of them that have actually signed up for our team in the spring, so I know they’re excited about it.”
Becker appreciated the Marist and UAlbany players because of the energy they brought with the kids and how they looked up to the older athletes. Several Marist players signed autographs and later reflected on the opportunity to give back and inspire the next generation.
“I think both teams, the Marist women’s lacrosse team and the men’s lacrosse team, had a great show out and I think it was just a fun festive day for everyone.” said senior goalie Noble Smith.
“Our team does this every year with the men’s team, and I think it’s a fun thing to do together, and it’s nice to give back to the surrounding community,” said senior defenseman and Marist team captain Sophia Georgopoulos.
Georgopoulos recounted her experiences playing lacrosse from a young age, being introduced to the sport as an elementary schooler, and attending clinics with older players. Now, as a college athlete, she relishes the privilege of mentoring hopefully the next generation of lacrosse players.
“Doing things like this reminds me that it’s more than just myself. It’s about growing the sport and it’s also a good reminder that it’s not as serious as sometimes it seems” said Georgopoulos.
The positive experience and bonding opportunities presented at the clinic were just some aspects of the day. It was also an opportunity to increase awareness, especially with lacrosse’s rapid growth in recent years in youth sports. In a report released by USA Lacrosse in January 2024, 99% of parents said their child was interested in lacrosse after attending a Pickup and Play clinic and 69% said they would likely register them for a lacrosse team/program because of that interest. Lacrosse will be featured as a medal sport for the first time in over a century during the next Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
“Pickup and Play might not need to be as important [in the future] because there will be so much awareness of the sport that we don’t have to introduce it. It’ll be similar to baseball, or soccer, or football,” said Becker.
As we enter the New Year, both Marist teams are gearing up for another season. The men’s team is slated to open on Feb. 8 at home against Mercer, and the women’s team on Feb. 9 at New Hampshire.
In addition to embarking on the quest for MAAC championships, they can hold their heads high knowing they are committed to service on and off the field.
Edited by Marley Pope
Graphic from Victoria Guardino
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