Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between MC Elite and MC Lacrosse?

Our Club offer 2 levels of programs designed to provide opportunities for every player: MC Lacrosse is our rec program (K-8th grade), and MC Elite is our travel-team program (4th-11th grade).  MC Lacrosse teams practice and play local games in the fall and the spring.  No tryout is required and sign ups typically open in late summer for the fall season and in January for the spring season.  MC Elite Travel teams are tryout-only.  Tryouts are typically held in mid-June.  We roster 2 teams for each grade-level from 4th through 11th grade. The travel season runs from September through early July and practices are year-round.

Do I need to live in Montgomery County to play MC Elite?
MC Elite was founded to provide an opportunity for Montgomery County athletes to be able to train and compete with and against the best lacrosse players in the country.  Before MC Elite came into existence county athletes needed to travel into Virginia or Baltimore to play lacrosse at the highest level.  You do not need to live in Montgomery County to play for any of our teams.  We have naturally expanded as a regional club and currently provide access to many athletes residing in other parts of Maryland, D.C., and Virginia.

 

Can I play other sports?
Yes, we encourage the development of multi-sports athletes.  Many of our athletes play soccer, ice hockey, field hockey, basketball, and volleyball at the highest levels.  We view participation in supplementary sports as critical to your athletic development.  If you choose to play MC Elite you will need to make club events a priority, but we will work with you to achieve your athletic goals.  Many college coaches are as interested in your performance in secondary athletics as well as your lacrosse abilities.
What is the time commitment required to play on an MC Elite team?
  • Fall – 2 practices per week (Sept through Nov); 3-4 tournaments
  • Winter – 6 winter practice sessions focused on Stick Skills (mid Dec through late Feb); indoor league (traditional or Canadian box)
  • Spring – Middle School: 2 practices per week (March through May); spring NGLL league
  • Spring – High School – no practices; all players are playing on their HS teams
  • Summer – 2 practices per week (mid May through June/early July); 4-5 tournaments

 

What is the level of participation expected of each player’s family?
MC Elite is a non-profit organization and we rely on parent volunteers to help with communication, team social events and set up at tournaments, scorekeeping, keeping stats, videography, photography, website upkeep, and fundraising.
How are tryouts handled?

Tryouts are held In June for rising 4th thru 10th grade. For our junior class teams, we will hold tryouts only for vacant positions. Returning junior players will participate in the tryouts but for the purpose of team placement (Midnight/Carolina). Players are only known by their tryout number and not by name. Tryout results are announced within 3 days; however, team placement decisions may be made after the first several practices.

Where do your teams practice?

Our primary practice location is the turf field at Stone Ridge School in Bethesda. Our secondary practice location is Connelly School of the Holy Child on their Turf field.  Winter sessions are held indoors in the gym at Stone Ridge.

What is your philosophy on playing time?
Our coaches are asked to achieve the dual goal of showcasing players and winning. The club’s goal is to provide players with balanced playing time in every game. Every player that makes an MC Elite team has earned the right to play in every game and no player in good standing will be held out of any game. However, playing time can be positively or negatively impacted based on the player’s attitude, attendance, effort, and coachability. In championship (advancing) format tournaments, once a team has made the playoffs, coaches have the option to field specific players for longer periods of time. This may significantly impact the playing time for some players. However, every effort will be made to ensure that players in good standing will have an opportunity to play in each game.
What are the club fees?

2022-2023 season fees are $2,875.  Fee includes uniform, practice pinnie, practices, all tournaments, spring league (middle school), player development, certain fitness sessions, and recruiting assistance. Not included in the club fees are:  winter leagues (middle school), specialty clinics and travel expenses.

Are you for profit?
We are a non-profit, 501c3 organization.
Do you offer refunds if a player is injured and cannot play for a part of or all of the remaining season?
Any player accepting a roster spot on an MC Elite team is liable for the full fee amount, regardless of injury or withdrawal.
What assistance does MC Elite offer in the college recruiting process?
MC Elite provides recruiting support in a number of ways, over the course of an athlete’s high school career.  Assistance includes:  information sessions for players and parents, preparing for the initial recruiting season and ongoing, developing athletic resume, submitting recruiting forms, and appropriate process for corresponding with coaches.  MC Elite contacts and responds to college coaches on behalf of players, and maintains a shared database of recruiting activity for each player.   MC Elite Director of Recruiting, Jenna Ries has over 15 years of proven success in player development and recruiting.  She will guide our players through the process of identifying opportunities to play college lacrosse.