Varsity Head Coach:Clay Merritt

I have not played lacrosse and did not know too much about the game when my daughter started playing 4 years ago.  Since then I have learned a lot and am a local referee doing both high school and collegiate games.   I have seen many games played both in Texas and on the East Coast and understand the strategies.  At the Austin high school level, I am confident I know enough to succeed. Of course only time will tell.  
 
My basic philosophy for any sport is "Make it fun while challenging players to be the best they can be".  I understand repetition is key to developing ball skills but trying to keep players focused on boring line drills for 1.5 hours after a long day of school is not the way to keep things fun.  My goal is to keep the practices fast paced to teach the important skills in game like situations that require alert minds. 
 
I plan and conduct practices based on three major areas skills, conditioning, and strategy so that each area builds on the other so that the players are physically prepared to strategically perform skills with ease and accuracy.
 
Being physically fit is part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle and is an important part of my family life. My coaching experience includes 10 years of youth soccer for both girls and boys. I regularly enjoy a variety of different sports including volleyball, racquetball, running, biking and many others.

I am excited to be able to coach the Bowie Women’s Lacrosse Team and look forward to a great season!