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.
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 MAY include:
- 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