JU Women’s lacrosse youth night Friday, April 20

Friday evening’s Jacksonville University Women’s Lacrosse game is the 2012 JU Lacrosse Youth Night at D.B. Milne Field. More than 100 of the area’s youth and high school players are expected to attend the game. Immediately following the game, JU players will host an autograph session and all middle school attendees will receive a poster and an opportunity to meet their favorite JU Dolphin players. Two guest youth teams will also be scrimmaging on the turf on Friday night.

“We like to be very active in the community and do things that help all the local girls see what is out there,” said Mindy McCord, who along with her husband, Paul, helped found several area girls lacrosse leagues and club programs. “Community involvement is what it is all about, and one of the most important aspects of being a JU Dolphin. We hope the girls enjoy the fast-paced division I action and find a player on our team that they identify with and look up to. We have a fine group of women on our team and they have been working in the community on so many levels this season.” 

In addition to the local youth lacrosse night, Friday evening’s game is also the National Lacrosse Conference’s Cancer Awareness Game. The team’s players will don t-shirts that help raise awareness for cancer research and funding programs. Coach McCord knows all too well about the tragedy of losing a loved one to cancer. Her father Walt and husband’s best friend Mike Whitmore both passed away of colon cancer. 

“We always remember our loved ones every time we support these causes. It is with a giving heart that we honor our friends and family this weekend,” added McCord. 

Game time vs. Howard is 4 p.m. at D.B. Milne Field.  

Other Community Involved Projects this year for the Dolphins:

Support Duval County Lacrosse Clinic (a clinic helping raise awareness about the plight of local lacrosse programs)

Lighthouse Lacrosse Clinic (a clinic working with local kids and raising awareness about Duval County lacrosse)

Locks of Love (donation of hair for financially disadvantaged youth who suffer from cancer)

2011 Breast Cancer Awareness Walk downtown (Team walk to support breast cancer awareness and research)

Team RELAX (local youth lacrosse clinics)

First Coast Lacrosse (local youth lacrosse clinics and games)