Lakeland Lakers Grow Lacrosse in Polk County

National Growth Sets the Stage

Across the United States, lacrosse has expanded rapidly, especially in traditional strongholds such as Syracuse, Maryland, and parts of Virginia. Those regions benefit from long‑standing youth programs that feed talent into high schools and colleges. In contrast, emerging areas like Polk County are still establishing the foundational infrastructure needed to compete.

Polk County’s lacrosse scene is gaining momentum, but it lacks the deep pipelines and year‑round opportunities found in the established locales. Local officials and coaches are working to close the gap by creating accessible, high‑quality programs for area families. The goal is to develop a sustainable talent pool without relying solely on players moving in from other hotbeds.

Program Leadership and Coaching Vision

Zac Brownlee, named “The Ledger’s 2026 Boys’ Lacrosse Coach of the Year,” now serves as executive director of the Lakeland Lakers youth lacrosse program. After eight years coaching Lakeland High School, Brownlee brought his Central New York experience to Polk County in June 2025. He assembled a staff that mirrors the talent pipeline of Cortland State and Central New York, where early exposure and competitive play have produced numerous collegiate athletes.

The coaching group includes Marty Ward (Florida Southern), Chris Burdick (Webber International), and Tim Hunt, who handles the business side. All three played college lacrosse in the Northeast and now bring that expertise south. Local leaders such as Alex Ari (All Saints Academy), Brycen Ortiz (Lakeland Christian), Matt Harris (Winter Haven High), and Isaiah Thomas (Florida Southern) round out the staff, providing a blend of regional and home‑grown experience.

Structure and Seasonal Schedule

The Lakeland Lakers offer recreational teams for ages 8U through 14U, plus a six‑versus‑six high‑school league. The fall season begins in early October with practices on Mondays and Thursdays. The year culminates with a tournament in Plant City, Florida, scheduled for November 6‑7.

Brownlee emphasizes fundamentals—stick work, ground balls, positioning, and lacrosse IQ—while promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and mental toughness. The program also teaches players how to handle mistakes and stay positive, skills that translate to school and life.

Tim Hunt notes that Polk County’s athletes are “athletic and coachable,” though many are newer to the sport. The presence of local coaches who grew up playing college lacrosse helps build a self‑sustaining pipeline. Families can register through the Lakeland Lacrosse Initiative Inc. website or by emailing [email protected].

Early Success and Notable Alumni

Even in its nascent stage, the program has produced several standout players. Kaleb Cook (Lakeland HS ’20) progressed to Lynn University and later graduated from Florida Southern. Luke Mowrer (Lakeland HS ’24) now plays at the Florida Institute of Technology.

• Collis Rhodes (Lakeland HS ’25) – 2025 Ledger Player of the Year – competes at William Woods University.
• Fisher Williams (All Saints Academy ’19) – played at Lynn University.
• Mac Bayless (Lakeland Christian ’20) – joined the University of Tampa and later transferred to Colorado Mesa.
• Brycen Ortiz and Alex Ari – both Lakeland High School graduates who now coach at their alma maters after playing for Chris Burdick at Webber International.

These pathways illustrate how quality coaching can open doors to collegiate athletics and create lasting community ties. The program’s focus on confidence, discipline, and teamwork is already evident in the success of its early graduates.

Looking Ahead

Brownlee describes the experience as “immeasurable,” noting the excitement among families and volunteers as the program takes root. The Lakeland Lakers aim to become a perennial contender in regional youth tournaments while maintaining their emphasis on character development. As the talent pipeline strengthens, Polk County could soon rank among the nation’s emerging lacrosse powerhouses.

For families ready to invest in a well‑rounded lacrosse education, the Lakeland Lakers provide a clear path to competitive play and personal growth. The program’s blend of Central New York roots and local leadership positions Polk County to benefit from a sustainable growth model that other emerging markets can model.