On the streets of the South Bronx, where basketball and baseball often dominate, the sound of lacrosse balls hitting goals is becoming familiar. Dan Leventhal, founder of Bronx Lacrosse, sees these fields as pivotal for the sport’s future. A former college lacrosse player and Teach for America member, Leventhal created Bronx Lacrosse as a community that extends beyond sports. It began in 2018 as a free program emphasizing academics and mentorship through lacrosse, keeping students motivated in life.
Leventhal shared with Newsweek, “Lacrosse taught me invaluable lessons like teamwork, responsibility, and leadership.” His journey included a lacrosse scholarship to Tufts University and a national championship win in 2014. Teach for America brought him to Highbridge Green Middle School in the South Bronx, a stark contrast to his upbringing in Westchester.
Engaging students in lacrosse, Leventhal set simple rules: attend class promptly and maintain good grades. The students responded, and their enthusiasm led him to formalize Bronx Lacrosse. “I saw kids buying into it,” Leventhal said. “The sport served as a tool to keep kids on track to reach their potential.”
The Bronx Lacrosse staff includes collegiate lacrosse veterans who collaborate with students, schools, families, and local organizations. Their unwavering commitment fosters strong relationships year-round. “We’re more than a season-based sports program,” Leventhal noted. “We provide continuous support because it’s more than lacrosse.”
More than a sports initiative, Bronx Lacrosse integrates tutoring, mentorship, and social skills, plus high school and college application assistance. After the pandemic, the program targeted attendance issues in the South Bronx. “Successful programming starts with kids attending school,” Leventhal stated. “Our team even goes door-to-door to ensure it.”
Academically, the focus is on algebra readiness and fundamental math skills. Beyond academics, students gain skills in leadership, accountability, and teamwork. Originating as a boys’ program, Bronx Lacrosse expanded to include girls’ teams, showing talent is not confined to certain demographics. As skills improved, participants gained confidence applicable to all life areas. “Field success builds self-belief in other life aspects,” Leventhal explained.
Although lacrosse has historic roots in North America, it is often limited to affluent, predominantly white communities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. City kids face cost and resource barriers in sports participation. Leventhal emphasized, “Despite challenges, we help kids reach potential with available resources.” Ensuring Bronx Lacrosse is free, the program relies on donations for equipment.
“Our kids possess talent, needing only opportunity,” Leventhal stated. “We’re shifting the sport’s demographics, showing new possibilities.” Personal success stories, like that of Jordany, illustrate Bronx Lacrosse’s impact. Arriving from the Dominican Republic at six, he joined in middle school, finding community and motivation. He became a top high school lacrosse player, earning a scholarship to play at Delaware.
Leventhal remarked, “We meet kids where they are, guiding them toward life opportunities and success, whether college or beyond.”