About the Team
At Crawdad Nation, our Juniors program is where the foundation is built—brick by brick. Designed for boys in kindergarten through 4th grade, this stage is all about sparking the joy of lacrosse while instilling the habits and values that will define them as players and people. Head Coach Will Jenner leads this group with an unwavering commitment to creating a fun, supportive, and developmental environment.
Our Seasons:
Fall Season: Practices begin in September and run through early November. Fall season is dedicated to learning the skills necessary to play lacrosse and introducing new players to the game. Fall 2026 practices are scheduled to start the week of September 28, 2026 and will run through early November (two nights per week + Saturday). Before practice kicks off in the Fall, there are two clinics (one in August 2026 and one in September 2026) - check them out!
Spring Season: Runs early February through mid-May. Practices will be twice a week and the focus is on continuing to develop skills while preparing for game play. Our boys play in the MidTnLax league which has games on Sunday afternoons.
*In addition to registration cost, all players are required to have a USA Lacrosse membership (that extends through at least May 2027) and register with MidTnLax. Each registration is $30-35 and can be completed at www.usalacrosse.com and www.midtnlax.com.
Equipment Needed: Helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, cleats, stick and protective cup.
Equipment can be purchased locally at Dicks Sporting Goods or Play it Again Sports. Sportstop.com is another great option and allows a 15-day trial period with equipment.
The Spring schedule for 2027 will be published in the fall of 2026. So that you have a flavor for the Spring schedule, see the following from Spring 2026:
- All practices will be at Nolensville High School unless otherwise indicated
Beginning Feb. 8 - Saturdays from 12pm-1:30pm
Beginning Feb. 28 practices are Fridays from 5:30-7pm and Saturdays from 12-1:30 pm
- All games will be played on Sundays at Bethesda Sports Park
4662 Bethesda Road, Thompson Station
Games begin Sunday March 2 and run through May 4
- No games Easter weekend
Team Snap
Once registered, You will receive an invitation to join our team on Team Snap ONE. This is where we post schedules and events as well as share all our team communication.
Juniors Head Coach:
Will Jenner – played at University of TN, dad to one of our players and is supported on the field by numerous other former players and coaches!
Skill Development Focus
- Cradling
- Cradling is how players hold the ball in their stick while moving. Learning proper wrist and arm motion early on helps prevent dropped balls and sets the stage for more advanced stick control.
- Scooping Ground Balls
- The ability to scoop up ground balls quickly is a cornerstone of lacrosse. Emphasize getting the body low, using proper hand placement on the stick, and following through the scoop.
- Passing & Catching
- Crisp passing and reliable catching create successful ball movement and scoring opportunities. Teach players to pass with both hands and use the “soft hands” technique to catch smoothly.
- Dodging
- Dodges (like the face dodge, split dodge, and roll dodge) help players evade defenders. Introduce basic dodges early so players become comfortable changing speed and direction with the ball.
- Shooting Fundamentals
- Developing a consistent shooting motion, proper follow-through, and accuracy is key. Focus on good footwork, aiming, and using both hands where possible.
- Defensive Footwork & Positioning
- Young players should learn how to stay balanced, move their feet, keep their stick in the right position, and maintain body control without slashing or lunging.
- Field Awareness & Spacing
- Help them understand where to be on the field—when to cut, when to stay back, and how to support teammates on offense and defense.
- Communication
- Whether calling for the ball or directing defenders, learning to talk on the field builds confidence and fosters teamwork.
- Basic Rules & Sportsmanship
- A fundamental grasp of rules—like offsides, checking regulations, and penalties—keeps the game safe and fun. Good sportsmanship lays the groundwork for a positive team environment.
Nolensville High School Practice Field
1600 Summerlyn Dr, Nolensville, TN 37135