Four Towns. One Team. Countless Connections.
In the world of youth sports, growth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about culture. And Georgetown-Triton Lacrosse is proof that when you build the right environment, everything else follows.
Several years ago, two neighboring programs—Georgetown and Triton—came together to form what is now one of the most community-driven lacrosse organizations in Massachusetts. Triton is a regional school district made up of Rowley, Salisbury, and Newbury. With Georgetown right next door, they combined forces to create a four-town powerhouse that today supports over 230 boys and girls from pre-K through middle school.
A Program Rebuilt With Purpose
At a time when many town programs were struggling with low registration and volunteer burnout, GT Lacrosse found a new path forward—by putting connection at the center.
“We’ve got a wide reach,” says Coach and Board Member Gavin MacCarthy, who helps lead communications and operations. “Other towns might be bigger, but we’ve built something tight-knit, intentional, and sustainable.”
And they’ve done it from the ground up.
From offering pre-K and kindergarten clinics where three- and four-year-olds can just try the sport out—no pressure, no commitment—to running fall skills events and free intro sessions, GT Lacrosse is removing every barrier it can to entry. Don’t have a stick? They’ve got extras. Never played before? Come try it anyway. Can’t afford gear? Scholarships and loaner pads are ready to go.
“We’re never going to let equipment or cost stop a kid from playing lacrosse with us.”
The Culture That Keeps Families Coming Back
GT Lacrosse is built on three things: community, communication, and character.
And those values show up in every detail:
> The sixth grader trying lacrosse for the first time being welcomed in by teammates who've been playing for years
> A young goalie stepping in for the other team because they're short a player
> The parents who line the fields, not just to cheer - but to pick up balls, shuttle gear, and make sure every kid has a ride
> The Select player helping a first-timer figure out how to cradle, because that's just what teammates do
“We’re not just building athletes,” Gavin says. “We’re building teammates. We’re teaching kids how to win with humility, lose with grace, and support the people around them every step of the way.”
It’s why even the older kids stick around after their games to watch the little ones play—and why the little ones look up to them like they’re pros.
Jennifer Lussier, Co-President and Girls Program Director, agrees that this sense of community is a key part of the team's culture.
Coaches Who Show Up - for the Game and for Life
Like many great youth sports stories, Gavin’s involvement started with a neighbor. Years ago, the dad across the street encouraged him to get involved—and now, he’s coaching both of his sons.
This season is particularly special. His younger son is playing up, and for the first time, both boys are on the same team. “It’s been one of the coolest experiences as a parent and coach,” he says. “And watching my older son, who was hesitant at first, totally fall in love with the game—that’s what makes this all worth it.”
Coaches at GT Lacrosse don’t just run drills. They build values. And they recruit intentionally—from both inside and outside the lacrosse world.
“We get to know our parents early in the season. If someone has lacrosse experience, great—we try to get them involved. But even if they’ve never played, we just want people who are positive, present, and want to make this fun for the kids.”
That simple approach has helped build one of the most engaged boards and parent groups around.
Traditions that Bring It All Together
The season ends with a full-day celebration on GT’s home fields. Boys and girls games run simultaneously, and families stay all day for a massive BBQ, lawn games, and plenty of sideline cheering.
“There’s something special about watching all the age groups interact,” Gavin says. “Little kids stick around to watch the older ones. Older kids show up early to cheer for the younger teams. It creates this sense of continuity—you can see what’s ahead, and you remember where you started.”
That connection extends beyond the field, too. The program partners with MYL ambassadors, attends local games together, and is working on a group trip to the NCAA tournament at Gillette Stadium. Former players come back. Coaches collaborate with neighboring towns to trade ideas. And through it all, the energy stays high.
Why It Works
If you ask Gavin for the “secret,” he’ll tell you this:
Start young: Their pre-K clinics are packed, and those kids become future players
Lower the barrier: Free clinics, gear on hand, scholarships, and outreach make lacrosse feel accessible
Over-communicate: Parents always know what's coming, what's expected, and how they can help
Ask for help early: Whether it's field lining or coaching, the program reaches out before people drift away
Lead with values: It's not about being the best. It's about playing the right way, and building each other up
They've created something more than a team. They've built a village.
What's Next
The goal is to keep growing—not just in size, but in depth.
More players. More families. More first-timers picking up a stick and discovering the joy of lacrosse.
As Gavin puts it:
“We’ve got momentum. Now we just want to keep finding those kids who’ve never heard of lacrosse—or thought it wasn’t for them—and show them just how fun and welcoming this sport can be.”
