US LACROSSE RECEIVES PCA NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

BALTIMORE (March 17, 2004) —US Lacrosse will receive the Positive Coaching Alliance's first National Leadership Award at a ceremony tonight in Palo Alto, Calif., as part of the PCA's 3rd Annual National Youth Sports Award Dinner. US Lacrosse was selected because of its efforts at building a positive environment for youth lacrosse across the country.

US Lacrosse runs a grant program for PCA Workshops, includes PCA Workshops for coaches and parents at national events and runs a regular PCA column in Lacrosse Magazine. US Lacrosse became the PCA's first national partner in 2000.

In addition to the National Leadership Award, six "Double-Goal" coaches (one who wants to win but also has the important goal of using sports to teach life lessons and positive character traits) and three youth sports organizations will be honored at the ceremony. Included among the "Double-Goal" coach winners is Debbe Pavle, the girls' varsity lacrosse coach at Grosse Point (Mich.) South High School.

Several celebrities from the sports world will be at the ceremony, including New York Jets coach Herman Edwards, NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott and Olympic Gold Medal gymnast Kerri Strug. Accepting the award for US Lacrosse will be Executive Director Steve Stenersen and Director of Programs Jennifer Allen.

"This year's winners are inspiring examples of what youth sports in America can be," said Jim Thompson, founder of PCA. "Although these coaches and organizations win a lot, they never sacrifice the larger goal of building character in the kids they coach. They are creating a culture that allows kids to truly flourish. Every young athlete deserves coaches and organizations like these."

US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the national governing body of men's and women's lacrosse. PCA was formed in 1998 to transform youth sports so that all young athletes enjoy a positive, character-building experience. For more information, visit www.positivecoach.org.

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