When Simmons Lacrosse finished their season, the Sharks athletes put down their books and picked up their sticks to run a lacrosse clinic in conjunction with MetroLacrosse for more than 60 girls on Saturday, May 9. Established in 2000, MetroLacrosse is a non-profit organization in Boston that "uses lacrosse to inspire personal, athletic, and educational success" among more than 700 youth and teens across Boston and Chelsea.

Following an afternoon of MetroLacrosse practices and games at Harvard University's Jordan Fields for girls in 4th-8th grade, the Sharks set up several drills and helped the young athletes work on skills they had been practicing earlier.

Simmons players helped the younger athletes work on passing and catching. The older athletes focused on defense and checking, which they are allowed to start once they reach the ninth grade.

"My experience with Metro clinic was great," said sophomore Kayla Tirrell (Lincoln, R.I.). "I loved working with the girls. They had a lot of energy and willingness to learn!"

Simmons Head Coach Kate Leonard has been working with MetroLacrosse since the summer of 2007, and is excited to share her experience with the organization with her athletes in their first community outreach experience as a team outside of fundraising.

"MetroLacrosse offers free lacrosse to urban Boston youth. It is a great chance for kids to get out and play a team sport and learn teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship," said Leonard. "The Metro athletes were excited to meet some local college lacrosse players, and it was a fun, rewarding afternoon for us to give something back to a community and sport we love."

Leonard and the Sharks hope to plan a couple more clinics for next year, beginning in the fall. "My teammates are very excited to do more of this in the future," said Tirrell.