Wallingford
Youth Lacrosse
Neal Robinson
Neal Robinson is the reason the Wallingford Youth Lacrosse League is in existence today. He began the program with the boys and a couple years later, brought the girls on board. He is selfless in his devotion to the league and participants. Even though his kids are no longer a part of the league he continues to support us. Neal continues to be a part of the WYL Board, he continues to coach on the girls side when needed, he helps to run the girls free fall clinic and makes himself available to help out whenever and wherever necessary. He is now taking the Lyman Hall High School team to an indoor arena to play during the winter. He does this all because he loves the sport and the girls that participate. I can't think of a more deserving person for the Champions of Youth Award.
Marena DeSimone
Marena started in the league in 2012 as a U13 player. She was a natural from the outset. She rarely misses a practice or a game. Her commitment to the sport was obvious and her desire to learn even more so. Marena was not afraid to as questions. Anything Marena didn't understand, she'd ask, if she didn't understand a rule, she'd ask the coach or the referee. If she wasn't quite sure of how to execute something, she would ask. She was/is a team player, just as interested in the assist as the goal. She was a leader on and off the field, always leading by example. If there was a tournament to be played, she wanted in. If we had an extra practice, she was there. Marena was also willing to volunteer her time to the younger youth players, helping them learn the sport and the rules of the game. Her passion and desire for the sport was clear. So much so, that as a freshman at Lyman Hall she made the varsity team. She continues to help out the youth girls whenever she can. Marena is a young women that exemplifies the qualities of a Champions for Youth.