FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We typically carry two teams per age group from grades 3 to 11. The team names are purple and white.  Purple is our A Team and White is our B Team.

Both teams have very similar programs. They practice together and play in the same tournaments but will sometimes split into opposite ends to build chemistry with teammates for game day.

We tend to have between 18 and 20 field players and 2 goalkeepers per team.

  • Each age group (both teams) will have either Lorraine Beers, Jessica Lake or Jaclyn Klunder Jessica Lake as their head coach, supported by 3 to 4 coaches who are current college players and/or recent alumna of the club program.
  • Jessica Lake manages our High School age teams and is our Active Recruiting Coordinator.
  • We believe that this structure will provide the best development and recruiting support as players enter high school – their head coach will have unique and important perspective on their abilities that will help drive the recruiting process.

Additionally, a goalie coach will be present at each practice and tournament.

  • We are a competitive lacrosse program, playing time is not equal but fair– in general, we like to carry up to 9 midfielders, 6 low defenders and 5 low attackers per team. We do focus on the complete development of the player and helping our Highschool players get recruited, so playing time is generally not an issue.  Missing practices can impact playing time.
  • We make substitutions in “lines” – if you are a midfielder you will rotate through the low attack or low defense when your line is not in.
  • Players can expect to play the position they registered as and we are committed to coaching and teaching these positions.
  • For midfielders, it is important that players learn the fundamentals of both attack and defense. We carry 2 to 3 lines of midfielders per team, so midfielders can expect to hone their skills on both ends of the field as they typically play one rotation on low attack or defense per game.
  • No. It is our club policy that all Phantastix players commit to playing for only one club organization.
  • This policy is in place to protect our players and to ensure that they have as successful a recruiting process as possible.
    • While playing for multiple clubs might increase a player’s exposure to college coaches and time on the lacrosse field, it confuses and frustrates college coaches when it comes to player-coach communication.
    • We’ve found that playing for multiple clubs adversely impacts the recruiting process and as a result ask that our players make the same full commitment that we as coaches make to them.
  • Fall practices are typically held on Saturdays.
  • During the summer months our practice schedule varies week to week, but teams typically practice twice per week (practices are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays). Our summer practice schedule begins in late May.
  • All fall and summer club practices are held at Notre Dame Academy or Valley Forge Military Academy.  Our winter workouts are held at The Phelps School Field House in Malvern.
  • Yes, all fees are included in the annual team fee with the exception of travel expenses.
  • There will be optional events (tournaments and leagues) throughout the year that cost extra, but are in no way mandatory.
  • High School: The level of commitment is higher in high school than in middle school. To participate at the high school level, we require both a late spring/summer commitment (typically 10-13 practices and 4-5 tournaments) as well as a fall commitment (2-3 practices and 3-4 tournaments). The fall is extremely important to the recruiting process and high school players who are selected for summer tournament teams are expected to attend all mandatory fall events.
  • Middle School: In middle school, the fall schedule includes 4 practices and 2 tournaments. The summer commitment includes 3-4 tournaments and 10 to 12 practices. We offer 8 winter workouts and opportunity to play in winter/spring league teams for those looking for additional playing opportunities.
  • You will find that we are very invested in your recruiting process.
  • Throughout the year we educate players and parents about this process and provide continued guidance as you move through its different stages. This includes:
    • A group meeting on the general recruiting timelines and trends;
    • A 1-on-1 consultation with the athlete and their parent(s);
    • Advice on written correspondence with college coaches (email templates and examples); and
    • Direct third party communication with college coaches (as coaches cannot contact athletes directly)
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  • Most importantly, we will provide honest communication and feedback to all of our athletes and their families throughout the process, guiding you through the maze that is college recruiting without charging you extra. We believe that our brand name and network coupled with our 15+ years of recruiting experience offers us a competitive edge in the marketplace.

No. While parents of other players will likely want to help you by offering their personal advice, insights and more on the recruiting process, we ask that you come to your coaching staff directly with any questions.

  • Parent perspective is often one-dimensional and unique to their family’s experience;
  • The Phantastix coaching staff has counseled hundreds of players and their families through this process and can offer you directly relevant knowledge based on their more than 40 years of combined experience.
  • This is a long process for most recruits and any coach will want to see you play numerous times at camps clinics and tournaments before they make any final decisions.
  • Some girls, including your teammates, will commit to programs before you do. Do not panic!
  • You should feel free to reach out to your Phantastix coaches directly at any point in the process to discuss next steps with specific programs.
  • We use league apps to collect dues payments.  We offer a payment plan throughout the year.