Synapse Sports Delivers Great Experience at Sand Storm Lacrosse Festival

Annapolis, MD, February 07, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Team 180 showed up at the fourth annual Sand Storm Festival in full force. The Denver-based program brought four teams and almost 100 players while another 80 parents also made the trip to scenic Palm Springs. “Sand Storm has become the favorite tournament for our girls and their families,” Team 180 director Sam Bartron said. “Obviously, the location and the weather are huge draws, but it’s also the upbeat feel of the overall event. It’s just so well-organized and downright fun.”

Since its debut in 2008, Sand Storm has continued to raise the bar and deliver a tremendous experience for all participants. Of course, winning enhances the experience and Team 180 finally broke through with two division championships after several runner-up finishes at Sand Storm. “We really wanted this tournament. We’ve finished second too many times so this is the one we were really going after,” Bartron said. “It’s very satisfying for our program to come away with a couple titles this year because the competition has certainly gotten better.”

The 2011 tournament, sponsored by Gatorade and STX, featured a record 65 teams in four girls divisions. Competition was held Jan. 15-16 amidst a spectacular backdrop of palm trees and snow-capped mountains at the fabulous Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. Nearly 40 Division I, II and III college programs were represented at Sand Storm, including Cornell, Denver, Harvard, Loyola, Navy, Oregon, Princeton and Stanford, whose coaches were on hand to scout the myriad of talent.

“There definitely seemed to be more of a recruiting presence this year. I think the major schools are starting to realize there are some very good players at this tournament,” said Joe Brown, whose Pacific Falcons captured the Coachella Middle School Division championship. “Our girls were also extremely impressed with STX promo player, Dana Dobbie (former Maryland All American; Loyola University coach), who was very accessible through team clinics, providing a great presence as far as mentoring the younger players,” Brown added.

This year’s Sand Storm Festival broke new ground as tournament operator Synapse Sports partnered with Lax West to add a boys’ component to the event. The boys made a successful debut with 14 teams from throughout California competing in a well-run tournament. “It was a fantastic start and I feel very good about the future,” said Michael Watson, founder and director of Lax West. “All the feedback I heard was very positive and we already have teams committed from Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Colorado next year in addition to more teams form California. Everyone was very impressed with the venue and the Palm Springs destination location. I see no problem with growing this event exponentially over the next couple years.”

Watson, a former 4x All-American at the University of Virginia and professional player with the Los Angeles Riptide, conducted clinics along with STX representatives Anthony Kelly (Ohio State, Rochester Rattlers) and Josh Rachman, former Bayhawks defender and U.S. Military Special Forces. “This event combines a convenient location, spectacular venue, and the highest quality playing surface a player will ever compete on, at any level. As the event and level of competition continue to gain momentum, Sand Storm could easily become the number one winter lacrosse destination,” said G.W. Mix, coach of boys Varsity Champs Anchors & Crowns Lacrosse Club.

Congratulations to the winners:
Girls La Quinta: X Team 2013
Girls Palm Springs: Team 180 2012
Girls Rancho Mirage: Team 180 2013
Girls Coachella: Pacific Falcons

Boys Varsity: Anchors & Crowns
Boys JV: Team Cadillax
Boys Middle School: WaHoos

A recap of the division winners, their photos and additional tournament information is available online: www.laxtournaments.com

Synapse Sports is the premier provider of lacrosse playing opportunities and recruiting events in the U.S. Founder and CEO Cathy Samaras has been a trailblazer in the sport of lacrosse, working tirelessly for over 20 years to promote the growth and development of the game – from grassroots to global. To learn more about the exciting events organized by the company visit www.synapsesports.com or call 410-573-1414.

Lax West Lacrosse, founded by former UVA 4-time All American Michael Watson, is committed to helping its participants reach their full potential as competitive lacrosse players and coaches through a variety of platforms including instructional and competitive camps, clinics and events, as well as coaching clinics and seminars, invitational exhibitions, games and tournaments. Visit www.laxwestlacrosse.com for more information.

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