The ELEV8 Rising Team is designed for student-athletes in the early stages of their elite lacrosse development. Rising is the foundational stage for student-athletes who are serious about learning to train and compete with intent. It’s the first step in preparing to move into the ELEV8 system — a structured, high-performance pathway for student-athletes with long-term goals.
UNDERSTANDING THE COMBINE TRYOUT AND RISING TEAM
The Combine is the mandatory tryout and evaluation process for student-athletes seeking placement on the ELEV8 Rising Team. It is designed to assess each athlete’s current technical ability, athletic readiness, and coachability in a structured, high-standard environment. The Combine ensures that selected student-athletes are prepared to contribute positively and develop within the Rising Team’s elite training model. Once selected, Rising Team members train and compete under the guidance of ELEV8’s professional coaching staff, with a focus on foundational skill development, team systems, and personal accountability. Placement on the Rising Team reflects a student-athlete’s commitment to growth and readiness to train with intent in preparation for future advancement within the ELEV8 system.
ABOUT THE RISING TEAM
The Rising Team introduces student-athletes to elite-level expectations and standards. With a focus on technical development, team-first culture, and structured training environments, Rising supports student-athletes as they build the habits, confidence, and mindset needed to compete with consistency and purpose.
Who Should Participate
The Rising Team is for student-athletes entering grades 6, 7, or 8 who are committed to learning and improving. Student-Athletes should be eager to challenge themselves, embrace feedback, and develop the discipline required to train in a high-expectation environment. Whether you’re new to competitive play or preparing for the next step, Rising offers the right balance of structure, challenge, and support.
Our Coaching Approach
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 Lacrosse 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
Rising student-athletes will experience:
Purposeful training sessions focused on technical and positional development
Small-sided gameplay and full-field training that reinforce tactical concepts
Introduction to elite training principles, including preparation and recovery
Ongoing feedback from professional ELEV8 coaches
In addition to attending two weeknight team practices, student-athletes are required to complete and submit weekly athletic homework. This includes:
A minimum of two (2) hours of stickwork/individual work per week, including any position-specific development
Two (2) timed 2km runs submitted during the season
Two (2) timed 300-yard shuttle runs submitted during the season
This structure reinforces the importance of individual responsibility, physical preparedness, and commitment to development outside of team sessions.
Student-athletes are preparing for the opportunity to train and compete within ELEV8’s NCAA-focused travel system. Rising is where that journey begins.
RISING Travel TEams INCLUDe
- Training and instruction by ELEV8 professional coaching staff
- Weekly team practices; over 22 hours of training (Tuesday and Thursday evenings)
- ELEV8 Rising Uniform Package*
- ELEV8 Gear Package*
- Participation in scheduled competitions and tournaments
- Tournament entry fees
- Facility Rentals
- A team meal at the tournament location
- Game day snacks and hydration
- No Cash Calls
*ELEV8 Equipment Packages include but are not limited to:
- Custom ELEV8 Gloves ( All males 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 Rising Team is for student-athletes entering Grades 5 through 8 in the upcoming school year.
Training sessions take place in Calgary, Alberta, at the Calgary Soccer Centre – Outdoor Fields (7000 – 48 Street SE). Final field assignments, maps, and preparation details will be sent out before the season. Fields may vary depending on facility availability.
The Rising Team trains on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the season. This includes over 22 hours of structured team training. Attendance is required for all practices.
ELEV8 supports multi-sport student-athletes and values the athletic diversity they bring. That said, Rising Team members are expected to prioritize their commitment to the program throughout the season.
Student-athletes must:
– Attend all team practices (Tuesday and Thursday evenings)
– Complete weekly athletic homework, including:
• Two (2) hours of stickwork or position-specific individual development
• Two (2) timed 2km runs
• Two (2) timed 300-yard shuttle runs
If a conflict arises, student-athletes must request to be excused by emailing their coaches at least 72 hours in advance. We do not excuse absences for other team practices, but we will make every effort to excuse student-athletes from conflicting games.
Participation on only one lacrosse team is required during the Rising season to ensure consistency, injury prevention, and strong team culture.
School-based lacrosse programs are exempt from this policy.
The Rising program fee includes:
Professional coaching by ELEV8’s experienced staff
All scheduled team training sessions
Full ELEV8 Rising uniform package (game and practice uniforms, travel hoodie, jacket, and sweatpants)
ELEV8 gear package (gloves, socks, helmet decals, and equipment bag for new players)
Tournament entry fees
A team meal at the tournament location
Game day snacks and hydration
Coaching staff travel expenses
Note: Helmets are not included in the gear package. ELEV8 will coordinate the purchase of the custom helmet separately.
Please do not purchase black helmets second-hand, as they may not be compatible with the official ELEV8 decal package.
Student-athletes travel with their parent or guardian. The program does not include flights, hotels, or transportation for families. Families are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from events.
The Rising Team is led by ELEV8’s professional coaching staff, comprised of former NCAA athletes, National Lacrosse League players, national team members, and international coaches. ELEV8 coaches bring elite-level experience and a focus on mentorship, effort, and team-first culture, aligning with ELEV8’s core values: Character, Culture, and Compete.
8. What is the focus of the Rising Program?
The Rising Program introduces student-athletes to the standards and habits required for elite development. Student-athletes build a strong foundation through purposeful training, competitive gameplay, and team culture. The experience prepares student-athletes for progression into ELEV8’s Junior Varsity and Varsity programs.
All Rising Team selections are made through the ELEV8 Elite Fall Combine. You can register for the Combine at here.
If a student-athlete cannot attend the Combine, please notify us well in advance at info@elev8lacrosse.com. Alternate evaluations are not offered outside the scheduled Combine weekend.
Combine Tryout fees are non-refundable. Once a student-athlete is selected and accepts a team placement, a non-refundable deposit is due to secure the spot. All additional payments are also non-refundable. Refunds may only be considered in exceptional circumstances at the sole discretion of ELEV8 Directors.
RISING COMBINE TRYOUTS
Entering Grades as of September 2025
GRADE 5 GRADE 6
GRADE 7 GRADE 8
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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 | 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Calgary Soccer Centre | Outdoor Field 4
Session #2
Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Calgary Soccer Centre | Outdoor Field 4
Student-athletes must attend both sessions to be considered for the ELEV8 Rising 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%)
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.
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 and ELEV8 Alumni was drafted in the 2022 NLL Entry Draft. Attended NCAA DI, Long Island University and was recognized as a student-athlete in the All ECC First Team.
LOCATION INFORMATION
On-Field Training
Calgary Soccer Centre
7000 – 48th Street SE
Outdoor Turf Fields
Calgary, Alberta