In the years since he got his start with the New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association, Kevin Crowley has gone on to win a provincial championship with the field lacrosse team at New Westminster Secondary School in 2006, an America East championship with Stony Brook University in New York and a world championships with Team Canada in 2014.
He currently plays professional lacrosse for the New England Black Wolves in the National Lacrosse League and the Charlotte Hounds in the Major League Lacrosse.
Crowley, a director with Fusion West Lacrosse, is set to return home to lead an Aug. 1 to 4 lacrosse camp at Queen’s Park. The camp will also include guest defensive coach Matt McCormick, All-World goaltender Dean Stewart and NCAA All-American Josh Byrne.
From Aug. 8 to 11, Savanna Smith (former All-American at La Salle College in Philadelphia), Becky Lynch (former All-American and current D1 coach) and Colleen Dawson (former national champion at the University of Maryland) will be leading a girls camp at Queen’s Park.
The Record recently had a chance to touch base with Crowley.
Q: How did you get your start in lacrosse? Did you play field or box lacrosse or both?
A: My grandpa introduced me to the sport at a very young age. I started out playing box lacrosse, but then started playing field around age 10.
Q: You were part of Team Canada’s field lacrosse team for in the World Games back in 2008. Have you had a chance to take in any of the action in Coquitlam for this year’s under-19 world championships?
A: I haven’t had the opportunity to watch any games yet, but I’ve been following on social media. I’m hoping this is the year Canada can finally bring home the championship! Especially being on home soil, that would be even more special!
(Note: Canada lost 13-12 to the U.S. in the gold-medal game on Saturday, after this interview was conducted.)
Q: What do you like about lacrosse?
A: I love that no matter what build you are you can play the sport. Short and wide, tall and slim, it doesn’t matter. Lacrosse players come in all shapes and sizes. It makes the sport very unique.
Q: Where do you live now and what’s your favourite thing to do when you’re back in New West?
A: I currently live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When I’m back I like to head down to Vancouver and enjoy the sights and sounds. It took me living on the East Coast for a couple years to really appreciate the beauty of the West Coast.
Q: The Fusion lacrosse camp is coming up in New West. Can you tell us a bit about the camp and what kids get out of it?
A: I’ve been very fortunate to have played with, and coached by, some of the best lacrosse minds in the game. I run these camps because I want to share my knowledge with young lacrosse players in the area I grew up. I’m very passionate about coaching and believe in a fun, yet disciplined, approach to teaching the game.
For details and registration, go to www.fusionwestlacrosse.com.
