I would first like to welcome you to the Notre Dame Academy boys' lacrosse family. My name is Rob Horne, and I am the head boys' lacrosse coach at NDA. For the past seven  seasons, I have endeavored to construct a lacrosse program that achieves maximum exposure for players with collegiate lacrosse aspirations, as well as students who merely want to learn the game through play and practice. As a result, we have formed two rather successful programs at Notre Dame Academy; a varsity team, as well as a junior varsity squad. While the philosophies and aspirations infused into the two programs are slightly different, I hope that the passion and desire to play the sport remain similar. Using a combination of skill and sportsmanship, I want to create student-athletes that respect the game.

For the past seven seasons, we have enjoyed several triumphs, including five consecutive appearances to the semi-finals of the VISAA (Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association) Division II State Tournament.  In 2007, we captured the VISAA Division II title, while accumulating a record of 18-2. In 2008 in an effort to continually push our program top the next level we moved from Division II to Division I. For the past six years we have been members of both the MILL (Maryland Independent Lacrosse League), as well as part of the VISAA. The MILL includes several Metropolitan powers, such as Calverton, Sandy Springs Friends, and The Heights. In conclusion, I relish the flexibility that is afforded our program in scheduling both quality and greater numbers of opponents from throughout the country.

The 2008 Spring season was also quite productive for the junior varsity team.  With roughly fifteen games, the JV program allows students with all levels of experience compete against a slate of regional teams.  For the season, the JV team completed the year with a record of 10-6.  I have high hopes and aspirations for the young core of players that will soon be called upon to contribute at the varsity level.  With over fifty boys in the program, I am pleased with the contagious nature of this great sport, and how it has spread throughout our school community.

As a program, we typically work throughout the year. During the fall and winter, we play in two leagues (Advantage, and the Dulles Sportsplex), as well as at least two or three tournaments. In addition, I have implemented a weight-conditioning program that currently runs from November up until the beginning of the season in late February.

Finally, if you are interested in playing at the collegiate level, I have worked diligently to give my players exposure to college coaches. Through detailed letters and telephone calls, I shower colleges and universities with information about the program and Notre Dame Academy players.  As the program continues to grow, the list of young men from Notre Dame Academy playing at the collegiate level lengthens with each new season.  In addition, all games are filmed, and schedules are distributed to most of the regional collegiate programs.

Go Dragons!

Rob Horne
Head Coach
Notre Dame Academy Boys' Lacrosse