High School (North Shore)
Our North Shore Offseason Development Academy is a focused winter training program designed to help players strengthen their individual skills, improve positional understanding, and continue developing throughout the offseason.
Each session emphasizes stickwork, technical execution, and decision-making through high-repetition training. Players will work in small-sided, game-real situations that increase touches, challenge their ability to read and react, and help transfer skills directly to competition.
The environment stays focused on development. Players are encouraged to challenge themselves, embrace mistakes, and build confidence, consistency, and adaptability as they prepare for the upcoming spring season.
Open to middle school and high school players, regardless of club affiliation.
The Player Development Academy combines technical skill work, athletic development, and situational gameplay to build complete, confident players. Training is designed to maximize touches, repetitions, and decision-making through a balance of individual instruction and competitive application.
Practice Dates, Times, and Locations
Sundays:
- November: 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
- December: 6, 13, and 20
- January (2027): 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
- February (2027): 7, 14, 21, and 28
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location:
Optional Tournaments
What it includes
- Practice rental
- Coaches pay
Frequently Asked Questions
IS THIS PROGRAM THE RIGHT FIT FOR MY DAUGHTER?
This program is a good fit for players who want to improve and develop beyond what they think is possible. Players willing to be coached, apply feedback, and stay consistent throughout the summer. Players who attend regularly, engage in training, and take ownership of their development will get the most out of the experience. It is not designed for players looking for a low-commitment, low-rep, game-only summer.
WHAT LEVEL OF PLAYER IS THIS DESIGNED FOR?
This program is designed for players with a solid foundation who have at least a season of high school or association lacrosse. It is best suited for players who are ready to develop and want to be coached, challenged, and consistent in their effort throughout the summer.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A PLAYER MISSES A PRACTICE?
We understand that a player may need to miss practice for various reasons. As much as possible, players should do everything they can to make practice. There is no punishment for missing a practice here and there. We just ask that players communicate with coaches ahead of time, as our coaches put careful consideration and time into planning each practice.
The biggest impact of missing a practice is on the player's development. The missed reps, coaching, and progression from one practice to the next. The missed opportunity to apply feedback and build consistency reduces the potential overall development of a season.
HOW WILL MY DAUGHTER IMPROVE OVER THE SUMMER?
Improvement comes from consistent reps, real-time coaching, and applying feedback over time. As the summer progresses, players begin to process the game faster, make more confident decisions, and execute skills more consistently within team play.
Players also have the option to take part in the Wall Ball Challenge, Shooting Challenge, and virtual speed and strength training, giving them additional ways to build consistency and accelerate their development outside of practice.
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SUMMER OPTIONS?
This program is built around development, not just participation. Training is structured so players consistently get reps, receive coaching in real time, and apply feedback within each session. Each week builds on the previous one, so players are developing consistency rather than repeating the same drills.
Competition is also selected with purpose. Playing outside of Minnesota exposes players to different styles, pace, and systems, requiring them to adjust and apply what they’ve worked on in practice.
WHO IS COACHING THE TEAM?
Our North Shore coaching staff consists of Director & Coach Hilda Nuutinen (Univ. of Wisc. - Superior Women's Head Coach, Marshall High School Asst. Coach, Northern Michigan Women's Lacrosse Alum, and Laker Alum), Abby Widd (Duluth Wolfpack JV Coach and North Central Univ. Alum), and Norah Bates (Duluth Wolfpack Varsity Head Coach and Northern Michigan Women's Lacrosse Alum).
For more information on Coach Hilda, Coach Abby, and Coach Norah please visit our 'Coaching Staff' page for their bios
2026/27 North Shore Preseason Development Academy
The North Shore Offseason Development Academy provides athletes with consistent, high-repetition training throughout the winter. Sessions will focus on individual and positional skills, stick skills, decision-making, and developing the fundamentals needed to perform with greater consistency and confidence.
Training is open to both current Minnesota Lakers players and athletes outside the Lakers program.
Sundays | 1.5 hours per session
November: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December: 6, 13, 20
January: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
February: 7, 14, 21, 28
17 sessions | 25.5 hours of training
Cost: $575
Register2026 Fall Season
If you have further questions or need assistance, please reach out to us via email.
Players must have a VALID USA LACROSSE MEMBERSHIP through October 31, 2026.
Register