This past weekend I suited up with Nashville Ignite—and what a ride it was.
For the third straight year, we won our regional conference, which earned us a spot at Nationals. Against the top teams in the country, we battled hard and came away with a 6th place finish in the nation, including a solid win over a very strong Philly squad.
Stepping Into the Spotlight
Here’s the truth: I was nervous.
Not only do I not get a ton of time to play anymore, but this was my first time competing since launching The Box Lacrosse Guy on Instagram. From the minute I walked into the building, people I’d never met before were coming up to me saying they loved the content and the message I’ve been putting out there.
That meant a lot—because growing up in California, I didn’t have many great opportunities in either field or box lacrosse. The culture just wasn’t there. My teammates weren’t all that invested, and with the game so sparse at the time, there wasn’t a clear way to build or sustain something bigger. Still, I was always searching for something better.
Now, I get to build that culture. My mission is to create the kind of impact I always wanted—to give today’s athletes the opportunities I never had. So stepping on the floor with so many eyes watching? Yeah, I felt the pressure.
But then it happened: I got a beautiful pass, buried a goal, and it was all caught on film.
That goal wasn’t just for me—it was a reminder that the work, the reps, and the courage to put yourself out there always pay off.
Why Sixes Matter
Nashville lacrosse is growing, and while the southeast doesn’t always get the same spotlight as other regions, we’re building it. And one of the most effective ways we’re doing that? Sixes.
There’s nothing like the quality of reps athletes get in these small-sided games. Instead of traveling hours, giving up whole weekends, or waiting for a single game moment—you get constant touches, chances to try new skills, and opportunities to make plays.
That’s why we’re opening up another round of Sunday Sixes in September.
If your athlete wants real development—confidence with the ball, faster decision-making, more creativity—this is where it happens.
And for athletes who want even more focused growth, I have limited private training spots during the week. Just reply to this email and we’ll find a time to get started.
Skill Spotlight: Choppy Steps for Dodging
One of the biggest gaps I see in players today is a lack of diversity in their skill set. That’s where choppy steps come in. Adding these into your dodges keeps defenders off balance and makes you way more dynamic.
Dodging Work:
3 sets → choppy steps into a tuck dodge underneath
3 sets → choppy steps into a jab step + sweep motion
3 sets → choppy steps into a spin or roll
Mindset + Journaling Prompt
“Champions aren’t built in the spotlight—they’re built in the shadows, when no one is watching. The reps you stack today become the confidence you play with tomorrow.”
Journaling Prompt:
What skill do I want to improve this month?
How many extra reps can I realistically commit to each week to make it happen?
How will I track my progress?
If you take away even one piece of value from this email, then I’ve done my job. My mission has always been to make an impact and give athletes opportunities I didn’t have growing up.
Thanks for reading,
Elliott
The Box Lacrosse Guy