Best In Class
The Approach
Join us for an FCL Defensive event
in July 2026!
The Approach
July 14-16th, 2026
Held at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, DE, The Approach is a two-day immersive training experience built for high-level middle school and high school boys and girls defenders. This college-level defensive environment focuses on how elite defenders think, move, communicate, and compete, emphasizing the nuances of the position rather than running drills for the sake of drills.
Our commitment is to raise the standard of defensive coaching by creating an environment where players connect directly with experienced coaches, receive intentional feedback, and develop a deeper understanding of the defensive role. Every session is designed to challenge, educate, and elevate defenders who want to play the game at the highest level.
Men's Event Details
Dates
July 15-16th, 2026
Attending Coaches
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Kevin Warne - Head Coach, Georgetown
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Jesse Bernhardt - Defensive Coordinator, Maryland
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Jack Rowlett - Defensive Coordinator, Boston University
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Casey Ikeda- Defensive Coordinator, University of Pennsylvania
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Ajax Zappitello - Assistant Coach, Dartmouth
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Matt Dunn - Defensive Director, FCL Defense
Age Groups
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High School
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Middle School
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Clinic for Defensive Coaches
Location
Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware
Women's Event Details
Dates
July 14-15th, 2026
Attending Coaches
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Phil Barnes - Former Defensive Coordinator & Recruiting Director, North Carolina
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Kristen Carr - Head Coach, Towson*
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Emily Garrity Parros - Head Coach, WLL Maryland Charm*
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Ana Heneberry - Defensive Coordinator, Michigan
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Tianna Wallapher - Defensive Coordinator, Ohio State*
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Caitlin Defliese Watkins- Associate Head Coach, Syracuse*
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Abby Bosco - Pro Defender, WLL Maryland Charm
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Matt Dunn - Defensive Director, FCL Defense*
Age Groups
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High School
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Middle School
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Clinic for Defensive Coaches
Location
Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware
Answering Your Questions
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What is The Approach?
A two-day defensive training event. The women’s event runs July 14–15. The men’s event runs July 15–16. There will be no live gameplay. There may be some live small-sided drills. This is a teaching- and training-focused event.
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Who should sign up for The Approach?
For men’s lacrosse: all defenders, LSMs, and short-stick defensive midfielders. For women’s lacrosse: all defenders, midfielders, and goalies.The event is entirely focused on teaching and training the defensive position. We expect a mix of D1 commits (juniors and seniors), competitive high school players looking to impact the next level, and middle school players learning the foundation of the position.
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Who is coaching The Approach?
The coaching staff will be updated on the website. We are building a staff aligned around a cohesive vision for impacting all attendees. The goal is an immersive, college-like experience over two days.
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What is The Approach Coaching Clinic?
A new offering we are piloting. Coaches can attend to observe the clinic and interact with our staff. Coaches registered for the clinic will also be invited to a small webinar with staff members to discuss defensive concepts and teaching points covered during the event.
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Where can I find hotel information?
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Do you offer event insurance?
All events provide event insurance at checkout. Please refer to our refund policy. We highly recommend you do so upon checkout, or here at this link. https://landing.verticalinsure.com/1st-class-lax

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