The ELEV8 Elite Junior Varsity Program is the next step in ELEV8’s development pathway. It’s built for student-athletes who are ready to train harder, take responsibility, and compete with purpose. Training sharpens technical skills, builds accountability, and prepares student-athletes for the demands of high-level lacrosse.
UNDERSTANDING COMBINE TRYOUT & ELEV8 ELITE JUNIOR VARSITY
The Combine Tryout is the required evaluation for student-athletes pursuing placement on the ELEV8 Elite Junior Varsity Team. It’s a focused, high-standard environment where coaches assess technical skills, athletic ability, and coachability.
The Combine introduces student-athletes to ELEV8’s expectations and culture. Selection signals readiness to train with intent and contribute to a team built on ELEV8’s core values: Character, Culture, and Compete. Those selected will join a structured, competitive program led by ELEV8’s professional coaching staff—built to develop an elite mindset, confidence, and disciplined student-athletes.
ABOUT ELITE JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM
The ELEV8 Junior Varsity team helps student-athletes align their habits with long-term goals. Training covers positional skills, team systems, and how to read and respond to game situations. Student-athletes are expected to take ownership of their growth, contribute to a strong team culture, and lead with integrity—on and off the field.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE
This program is for student-athletes entering Grades 9 or 10 who are ready to get better and take their development seriously. Some may be working toward college lacrosse; others may be focused on refining their skills. Either way, student-athletes should be open to feedback, committed to training with purpose, and prepared to meet high expectations.
Our Coaching Style
Our coaching philosophy is grounded in intentional, developmentally appropriate instruction. Every session is purposefully designed to meet student-athletes where they are in their athletic and personal growth. At the Rising level, we focus on cultivating key attributes: effort, consistency, coachability, and accountability, which form the foundation for long-term success. Athletes are encouraged to lead by example, support their teammates, and develop the technical and interpersonal skills essential for advancement in both sport and life.
ELEV8 PROFESSIONAL COACHING STAFF
Champions lead our coaching staff from the International stage, NLL, MLL, NCAA, and the Minto Cup, primarily composed of former NCAA athletes, National Lacrosse League professionals, national team members, and national team coaches. The ELEV8 Coaching Team has coached and competed at the highest levels of the game, including in professional and international arenas. Their collective expertise, technical precision, and commitment to mentorship enrich every aspect of the ELEV8 Rising Program. United by a deep commitment to athlete development, ELEV8 coaches consistently model professionalism, leadership, and a team-first mindset to best develop student-athletes in their pursuit of their academic and athletic goals.
WHAT STUDENT-ATHLETES WILL EXPERIENCE
Junior Varsity student-athletes can expect:
Structured, position-specific weekend practices focused on technical and team development
One mandatory weekday Skill Session (for in-town student-athletes)
A competitive training environment rooted in ELEV8’s Compete standard
Ongoing, personalized feedback from professional coaches
Age-appropriate recruiting preparation that follows NCAA guidelines
Student-athletes are also expected to complete athletic homework outside of practice:
- A minimum of two (2) hours of stickwork/individual work per week, including any position-specific development
- Two (2) timed 5 km runs submitted during the season
- Two (2) timed 300-yard shuttle runs submitted during the season
This format encourages student-athletes to stay accountable, physically prepared, and fully engaged in their development.
Student-athletes are preparing for the opportunity to train and compete within ELEV8’s NCAA-focused travel system.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Junior Varsity Team is for student-athletes entering Grades 9 and 10 for the upcoming school year.
Training sessions are held at Calgary Soccer Centre – Outdoor Fields, located at 7000 – 48 Street SE, Calgary, AB. Field assignments and maps will be shared with families before the season begins. Fields may vary depending on availability.
Student-athletes train Saturday and Sunday mornings. In addition, a mandatory weekday Skill Session is held for in-town student-athletes. Out-of-town athletes are excused from weekday sessions.
Student-athletes are expected to:
Attend all practices
Participate on only one lacrosse team during the season (school teams are exempt)
Complete and submit weekly athletic homework:
Two (2) hours of stickwork or positional training per week
Two (2) timed 5km runs
Two (2) timed 300-yard shuttles
Absences must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance via email to coaches. Practices may not be missed for other teams’ practices.
Tournaments for the Junior Varsity Team vary each year. In 2024, the team competed in Denver, Colorado. 2025 tournament details will be confirmed after team selection.
Yes. The Junior Varsity Team program fee includes:
Flights and baggage
Tournament hotel (2 student-athletes per room)
Ground transportation
Catered team meals
Tournament entry fees
Insurance coverage for travel and gameplay
Facility rentals, snacks, and hydration
There are no cash calls for this team.
Student-athletes receive:
Game uniform (jersey and shorts)
Practice uniform
ELEV8 apparel: jacket, hoodie, sweatpants
ELEV8 gear: gloves, socks, helmet decals, and equipment bag (new players only)
Tryouts take place during the ELEV8 Elite Fall Combine. You can register directly through the ELEV8 website.
If a student-athlete cannot attend the Combine, please email us at info@elev8lacrosse.com. Unfortunately, individual or small-group evaluations will not be arranged outside of the official Combine weekend.
Combine tryout fees are non-refundable. Once a student-athlete accepts a roster spot, the deposit is due and is also non-refundable. Any additional balance payments are final. Refunds or credits may be considered in rare or extreme circumstances, at the sole discretion of ELEV8 Lacrosse Directors.
JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM DETAILS
Entering Grades as of September 2025:
GRADE 9
GRADE 10
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PARENT INFORMATION SESSION:
Parent Info Session
Monday, July 28, 2025 | 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Cardel Theatre – 180 Quarry Blvd. SE
One Parent per household is required to attend the parent information session.
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EVALUATION DATES and TIMES:
Session #1
Saturday, August 9, 2025, | 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Calgary Soccer Centre | Outdoor Field 4
Session #2
Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Calgary Soccer Centre | Outdoor Field 4
Student-athletes must attend both sessions to be considered for the ELEV8 Junior Varsity Team.
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ELEV8 COMBINE TRYOUT COST:
COMBINE REGISTRATION OPENS:
June 1, 2025
*Fees – Covers the costs of the secure registration and payment systems (4.5%)
Travel TEams INCLUDe
- NCAA Guidance/Lacrosse Guidance
- Professional Coaching - Professional, NCAA, International Coaching and Playing Experience
- Weekly Practices and Skill Sessions - Over 30 hours of training in an elite/accountable environment
- ELEV8 Equipment Package*
- Flights
- Baggage
- Insurance
- Hotels (two per room)
- Meals - catered
- Game day snacks/hydration
- Tournament transportation
- Facility Rentals
- Game Film/Practice Film
- Tournament Entry Fees
- No Cash Calls
*ELEV8 Equipment Packages include but are not limited to:
- Custom ELEV8 Gloves (Boys, All male and female goaltenders)
- Custom ELEV8 Equipment Bags (New Student-athletes)
- Custom ELEV8 Socks
- Custom ELEV8 Helmet Decals
- Jacket
- Sweatshirt
- Sweatpants
- Shooter Shirt
- Practice Pinnie
- Practice Shorts
- Game Pinnie
- Game Shorts
Program Director
Geoff Snider, has played 19 Seasons of professional lacrosse. His complete dedication at all levels of the sport is both genuine and passionate. Geoff is compelled to assist ELEV8 student-athletes reach their maximum potential while creating enriched training and learning opportunities both on and off the field.
PAST instructors include
Bob was drafted 16th overall in the 2010 NLL entry draft by the Philadelphia Wings and today currently plays with the Vancouver Warriors of the NLL.
Dan is a two time NLL Champion, and ELEV8 Lacrosse Director of CLASSROOM Lacrosse.
Coach Tyler in an ELEV8 Alumni and was drafted in the 2020 NLL Entry Draft, played for NLL Colorado Mammoth, and NLL San Diego Seals. Is a NCAA DIII Champion and NCAA Elite 90 recipient.
Coach Jake is an ELEV8 Alumni and was drafted in the 2022 NLL Entry Draft. Attended NCAA DI, Long Island University and was recognized as a All ECC First Team.
LOCATION INFORMATION
On-Field Training
Calgary Soccer Centre
7000 – 48th Street SE
Outdoor Turf Fields
Calgary, Alberta