Dear Coach,
First, please accept my apologies for overloading your Inbox with emails.
Second, please read WHY I am overloading your Inbox with emails.
Third, let me explain WHAT SUWLAX26 is and WHY you need it.
1. Yes, I understand you are extremely busy in a normal year, let alone a year (like 2020) where we are faced with a national pandemic. Yes, I do apologize for the abundance of emails and I know I’m one in hundreds that are telling you why they are a perfect fit for your program. I most likely would have stopped writing email-after-email if it wasn’t for the future. Not only mine, but yours and theirs!
2. Over the past several months, I’ve been wracking my brain trying to think of a way that I can make an impact on Your Program and The Future Generation of Female Lacrosse Players. Not (just) on the field, but also in the team culture, perception, and the future of (not just) the Syracuse University Women’s Lacrosse Program, but ALL Lacrosse Programs. I would not be so persistent If I didn’t think that WE could make an impact on The Next Generation of Female Lacrosse Players. During the past nine years playing Club and School Lacrosse, the past five have been year round and everything I do evolves around Lacrosse, Academics and my Community. It’s no secret that the Top 10 D1 Universities commit the top 40-50 Recruits because they (typically) may not be a fit for an Academically Selective Program or Major. Many of these Recruits are from Prep Schools, well-known High Schools, or Elite Clubs that have Recruiting Directors.
This needs to change! Not all families have the luxury of being able to send their daughters to Prep School or an Elite Club to pave the path to a Division One Lacrosse Program. There are many Academically Strong, Great Lacrosse Players that cannot attend Prep School or play on Elite Clubs that should NOT be overlooked!
–>>That’s when SUWLAX26 enters the Dome!
3. SUWLAX26 is a Four Phase Leadership Program that is focused on raising the bar of the future generations of female lacrosse players. As I mentioned, during my time in quarantine, I’ve been trying to figure out how I can make an impact on (not only) Your Program, but also on The Future Generation of Female Lacrosse Players. It’s taken me several months, but I’m proud to say that I’ve developed a Leadership Program called SUWLAX26.
It (officially) starts when I step on Campus in the Fall of 2022, but some Team Building and Networking could start immediately (with your permission). Keep reading to learn more about the Phases:
· Phase 1: The Team Building Phase. This Phase consists of Team Building Activities to develop guidelines for what the SUWLAX future player looks like (not visually) but the traits (academic, athletic, character, community, diversity). Next is Data/Research to identify where these future players are and prioritize the list by Class Year. Current and Future Team Members sign a pledge to serve as role models and leaders. This also includes high level Organizational Goals and Shared Competencies and a Mission Statement which incorporates the Traditions and History of the Syracuse University Women’s Lacrosse Program. This not only serves to identify the future player, but also serves as a team building exercise for the current team. What new team wouldn’t benefit from a team building exercise?
· Phase 2: The Brand and Awareness Phase. Now that we know what The Future Player looks like (again, not visually), The Brand and Awareness Phase comes into play. During this Phase, we will develop the Syracuse University Brand, including an overall strategy and timeline for outreach. This includes in-person outreach (such as Community Activities, Zoom Webinars and Clinics) in addition to Social Media and News Publications (Inside Lacrosse, US Lacrosse Magazine, etc). The message will be clear and consistent from all Players and Coaches. The Hype is real!
· Phase 3: The Buddy Phase. During The Buddy Phase, Team Members “adopt” a SUWLAX Buddy. (This is a future generation lacrosse player). This Buddy will most likely be someone from the “future pool” that was identified in Phase 1, but can also be someone who “rises to the top”. A SUWLAX Buddy can be nominated or “found”. A SUWLAX Buddy will be a younger player (ie. middle school) who can reach out to their BIG Buddy if they need guidance, support or just someone to talk to. The Brand and Role Model Values (from The Pledge) should always be exhibited by the BIG SUWLAX BUDDY. This means no twerking on Tik Tok (for either BUDDY – BIG or SMALL!)
· Phase 4: The Transition Phase. During The Transition Phase, Team Members formulate a plan to hand over the reign to SUWLAX30. During The Transition Phase, there will likely be tears shed for sadness and for joy. The SUWLAX26 Team will be sad to know that their four years are coming to a close, but will be happy to know that they have made a HUGE impact on the Syracuse University Women’s Lacrosse Program and The Future Generation of Female Lacrosse Players, and are handing over the reign to a capable new team who will carry on the legacy!
–>>That is a high level overview of SUWLAX26. Yes, I know that is a lot of information, but don’t be overwhelmed. Each Phase is broken down into four Sub-Phases with templates and checklists that will guide us through the process.
From what I can see, there are no other Universities in the United States modeling a Leadership Program such as this. It’s no secret that Syracuse University has had some unfavorable press over the past year. Some favorable PR and Community Outreach would be a very welcome change. Times are changing. Competition is at an all-time high. Syracuse has a goal to recruit top athletes and raising the Integrity Bar will be a necessity component of the package. I can foresee (not only Lacrosse) but every Sport at top Universities implementing a Leadership Program such as this, and SUWLAX26 paving the way!
By default, with a novel Leadership Program such as this, there will be more publicity than you (probably) want. This is good for The University and good for The Lacrosse Program, but what’s really important is (not only) making a difference in a young player’s life, but ensuring the path is paved for the future generations of female lacrosse players. Work hard always, make good choices, study hard, get good grades, take challenging courses, practice daily, identify what you’re good at, hone your skills, be your best, make an impact, give back, be kind, be the example.
Once WE have paved the way…..
A National Championship (and Legacy) will come!
Of course….with all Great Brands comes a Great Logo, so my thought is something like this, that incorporates the history and traditions of the Syracuse University, as well as Leadership, Community and The Women’s Lacrosse Program.
–->>Contact me to learn more and get started!
GO ORANGE!
Jordyn Badalato
#beyourbest
#makeanimpact
#betheexample
Phone: 315-783-5954
Attacker | South Jefferson CSD | Adams, NY | Grade 12
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