ELEV8 ELITE VARSITY TEAM OVERVIEW
The ELEV8 Elite Varsity Team represents the highest level of field lacrosse development in the ELEV8 system. Designed for student-athletes who are serious about competing at the collegiate level, the Elite Varsity program combines elite on-field training, structured off-field preparation, and direct support through the NCAA recruitment process. It’s a comprehensive, high-performance experience built for student-athletes who are ready to lead, compete, and grow.
Elite Varsity is where ELEV8’s core values—Character, Culture, and Compete—are fully realized. Student-athletes are challenged to bring their best in every moment, support their teammates with purpose, and carry themselves with discipline and integrity on and off the field.
UNDERSTANDING THE COMBINE TRYOUT & ELEV8 ELITE VARSITY TEAM
The Combine Tryout is the mandatory evaluation for student-athletes pursuing placement on the ELEV8 Elite Varsity Team. Open to those entering Grade 11, Grade 12, or Post Grad, the Combine assesses each student-athlete’s technical skill, athletic ability, decision-making, and coachability in a high-standard, competitive environment.
Selection to the ELEV8 Elite Varsity Team reflects a student-athlete’s readiness to train with purpose, lead by example, and compete at the highest level of the ELEV8 development system. Elite Varsity student-athletes train in a structured, fast-paced setting designed to mirror the expectations of collegiate programs, while receiving mentorship and direct support throughout their recruitment journey.
Who It’s For
The Elite Varsity Team is for student-athletes who are committed to development and prepared to take ownership of their performance, both athletically and academically. Student-athletes must be disciplined, accountable, and invested in long-term growth, with a focus on personal excellence and post-secondary opportunity.
Our Coaching Style
The coaching approach at the ELEV8 Elite Varsity level is intentional, demanding, and rooted in preparation. Every session is designed to simulate the speed, structure, and expectations of a collegiate program.
Varsity student-athletes are coached to:
Execute with precision under pressure
Understand systems, situational decision-making, and transition play
Communicate effectively and compete at game speed
Show up prepared, physically and mentally
Lead on the field, and in the community
Coaches deliver direct, no-nonsense feedback and hold student-athletes accountable for their consistency, effort, and attitude. The expectation is clear: bring purpose to every rep and take ownership of your development.
Who’s Coaching
The ELEV8 Elite Varsity Team is led by one of the most accomplished coaching staffs in Canada. This group includes:
Former NCAA athletes
National Lacrosse League (NLL) professionals
Canadian and international team coaches
National and International Champions
Each coach brings elite playing experience and a proven track record of mentoring student-athletes to success in the NCAA, NLL, MLL, PLL, and beyond.
The program is directed by Geoff Snider, ELEV8’s Founder and CEO, who plays a hands-on role in player development and recruiting mentorship. Geoff’s relationships with NCAA programs across Divisions I, II, and III allow ELEV8 student-athletes to gain meaningful exposure and honest, informed guidance.
ELEV8’s coaches are more than instructors—they’re trusted mentors who lead by example, demand excellence, and help student-athletes reach their full potential.
What Student-Athletes Will Experience
Student-athletes on the ELEV8 Elite Varsity Team will train in a structured, competitive environment that mirrors the pace, systems, and expectations of collegiate lacrosse. The experience is designed to develop the whole student-athlete—technically, physically, and mentally—while providing direct support for NCAA recruitment.
Elite Varsity student-athletes can expect:
Structured, position-specific weekend practices focused on advanced skill execution, team systems, and decision-making
One mandatory weekday Skill Session (for in-town student-athletes) dedicated to refining technical mechanics and positional play
A high-performance training environment built around ELEV8’s Compete standard, emphasizing effort, resilience, and consistency
Ongoing, personalized feedback from professional coaches with NCAA and professional experience
Direct mentorship and recruiting guidance from ELEV8 Founder and CEO Geoff Snider, including strategic support in timelines, communication, and program fit
Age-appropriate NCAA preparation, including academic planning and compliance awareness
Outside of team training, Elite Varsity student-athletes are responsible for completing weekly athletic work to stay sharp, build endurance, and take ownership of their development:
A minimum of two (2) hours of stickwork and individual positional work per week
Two (2) timed 5 km runs submitted during the season
Two (2) timed 300-yard shuttle runs submitted during the season
This structure reinforces personal accountability and ensures student-athletes arrive at every session prepared to train with intent. The Elite Varsity experience demands full investment.
VARSITY TEAM DETAILS
Entering Grades as of September 2025
GRADE 11 GRADE 12 POST GRAD
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PARENT INFORMATION 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 | 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Calgary Soccer Centre | Outdoor Field 4
Session #2
Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Calgary Soccer Centre | Outdoor Field 4
Student-athletes must attend both sessions to be considered for the ELEV8 Elite Varsity Team.
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Combine TRYOUT COST:
$119.05 + GST & Fees*
REGISTRATION OPENS:
June 1, 2025
*Fees – Covers the costs of the secure registration and payment systems. (4.5%)
TRAVEL TEAM INCLUDES
- 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:
- 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
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Varsity Team is for student-athletes entering Grades 11 and 12, as well as post-graduates who have recently completed high school and are pursuing NCAA recruitment or in their gap year.
Training sessions take place at the Calgary Soccer Centre – Outdoor Fields, located at 7000 – 48 Street SE, Calgary, AB. Final field assignments and preparation details will be shared ahead of the season. Fields are subject to change based on availability.
Varsity student-athletes train on Saturday and Sunday mornings, with one mandatory weekday Skill Session for in-town student-athletes. Out-of-town student-athletes are excused from weekday sessions.
Student-athletes are expected to:
Attend all team practices
Participate on only one lacrosse team during the season (school programs are exempt)
Submit weekly athletic homework, which includes:
Two (2) hours of stickwork or positional development
Two (2) timed 5km runs
Two (2) timed 300-yard shuttle runs
Absences must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance via email to coaching staff. Student-athletes will not be excused from ELEV8 practices for other teams’ practices. Conflicts with games from other sports will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Varsity Program supports student-athletes in their NCAA recruiting journey. While direct contact with NCAA coaches is limited by eligibility rules, Varsity student-athletes benefit from high-performance training, competitive exposure, and access to game and practice film that supports recruitment. Academic performance is emphasized as a critical component of student-athlete development.
Tournament destinations vary annually and are chosen for strong competition and exposure. Final event details for 2025 will be confirmed post-Combine. Past events have included top-tier showcases in the United States.
The Varsity program fee is all-inclusive and covers:
- Weekly Practices
- Professional Coaching
- NCAA Lacrosse Focused Guidance
Flights and baggage
Tournament hotel accommodations (2 student-athletes per room)
Ground transportation
Tournament Catered team meals; game-day snacks. and hydration
Tournament entry fees
Insurance coverage for travel and gameplay
Game and practice film for recruiting purposes
Facility rentals
ELEV8 gear package including gloves, socks, helmet decals, and an equipment bag for new players
Note: Helmets are not included in the gear package. ELEV8 will coordinate a custom helmet purchase directly.
Please do not purchase black helmets second-hand, as they may not be compatible with the official ELEV8 decal package.
Varsity student-athletes receive a complete game uniform (jersey and shorts), practice uniform, and travel apparel: jacket, hoodie, and sweatpants. (Subject to change, based on availability).
Tryouts are held during the ELEV8 Elite Fall Combine, the mandatory evaluation for team placement. Registration is available here.
If a student-athlete is unable to attend the Combine, please notify us at info@elev8lacrosse.com as soon as possible. Individual or small-group evaluations are not offered outside the Combine weekend.
Combine Tryout fees are non-refundable. Upon accepting a roster spot, the deposit is due and is non-refundable. All balance payments are final. Refunds or credits are granted only in extreme or exceptional circumstances and at the sole discretion of ELEV8 Lacrosse Directors.
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 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 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