Stories from the Sidelines
Patrick Cronin:
To me, MetroLacrosse is not just a sports team, it’s a family. I started out on the youth team in Roxbury,
and now in my 6th season I play for the Varsity Bulldogs. MetroLacrosse has taught me how to be part of a team
and shown me what hard work and dedication can bring. When I come to practice, I forget about any problems I have
when I step on the field, and feel focused and relaxed.
Rory O’Donnell:
Back in the day, I was once a sixth grader. It was the year I was to finally play lacrosse. I had been introduced
to the sport a few years back when my brother started playing. I don’t know how he was introduced to it, but I think
it involved a boys & girls club and pizza. From the first day of practice in sixth grade to being a varsity player,
I have only grown to love lacrosse more and more. Every practice is 2 hours when nothing else matters. I love lacrosse.
Through the end of this season and the next years of high school, I aspire to be more aggressive and confident while
playing and hopefully show the leadership that older players have shown to me to younger players to come.
Bethlehem A. Mekonnen:
About close to seven years ago is when a woman named Paige came into my elementary school to teach us about the
sport lacrosse and an organization by the name of MetroLacrosse. From that day on I had been more interested in lacrosse
then I had been with my own school work. I learned the basics of the sport and got involved with the program.
MetroLacrosse has done so much for me. The MetroLacrosse staff teaches kids to be in control. They teach us to open doors
for ourselves and others. MetroLacrosse is family outside of family. With the people here, I feel comfortable enough to
set aside the drama and just live in the moment. I honestly don’t know what I would do without the amount of advice I’ve
been given by MetroLacrosse staff and players; not because the advice worked or didn’t but because they cared enough to
listen to my situation and give me their personal opinion.
Armelle Bernard:
I was introduced to MetroLacrosse in the sixth grade. I have been playing since then. I started off on Mattapan
Pride and now I play Varsity. The Boston Bulldogs is not only my team, but it’s also my second family. The staff and
the kids that I have me through MetroLacrosse have become very important to me. Lacrosse has taught me dedication and
determination, teamwork and RESPECT. I love MetroLacrosse and I will miss it dearly.
Matthew Coston:
In my 5 years of playing lacrosse, all of which in MetroLacrosse, I’ve learned many skills needed to add to the
productivity of any team. As with any team, we have our ups and downs, but what sets the MetroLacrosse Boston Bulldogs
apart from everyone else, besides good looks, is we learn from every mistake, every play, everything.
Sadiki Lestrade:
I started playing MetroLacrosse when I was in 6th grade. I guess you can say that lacrosse was the greatest
thing that has ever happened to me. It opened up a world that I never knew of before. Camps, indoor leagues, all
types of players from around the country, these are the things I would have never known about if I hadn’t gotten into
lacrosse. I am now a Teen Ambassador for MetroLacrosse which gives me an even better opportunity to meet and talk to
people within the lacrosse community. Lacrosse has been great for me.
Yamina Boukraa:
I first started with MetroLacrosse in 5th grade. I had heard of lacrosse but had never played. I’ll always remember
the first big game we played. It was the first half, and I made the mistake of not watching the ball and my girl. The
ball ended up being dropped right behind me and being picked up by the other team. They scored. I felt terrible, like it was my fault.
When the coaches called me out, I was sure they would be mad and keep me out of the game. Instead, they reassured me that I was
doing well in some points and also what I had to work on. From then on in a game and eventually everyday life I try to look
at the good and what I can improve.
