IMG_6440%2B%25282%2529.jpg — **OUR APPROACH**

Our mission is to improve educational opportunities and life outcomes for underserved middle school and high school students in the Bronx, using lacrosse to build community, invest students in school, and improve academics.
Our approach combines intensive academic and athletic services with mentoring, college access support, team-building experiences, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) opportunities to position our student-athletes for success in school, in life, and when applying to competitive high schools and colleges.

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OUR VALUES

COMMUNITY

We put the needs of our team and classmates above our own. We lift our classmates, teachers, coaches, and teammates up; we never tear down. We strive to be role models in our classrooms, school, and neighborhood. We take care of our parks, fields, streets, and classrooms. We ask, “how can we help?”

GROWTH

We believe no one is born smart or good at lacrosse; hard work makes you stronger in the classroom and better on the field. We welcome failure as an opportunity to get better and believe tomorrow is another chance to get it right. We don’t give up on ourselves or each other.

COMMITMENT

We show up--on time--every time: to school, to class, to practice, to tutoring, and after school. We give 100% on the field in the classroom. We practice lacrosse and academic skills after hours and outside of schools. We persist through challenges, setbacks, and discomfort.

WHO WE SERVE

Bronx Lacrosse serves middle and high school students in the South Bronx, one of the most underserved congressional districts in the U.S. Program participants are fierce competitors, committed teammates, and hard-working student-athletes.

300 PARTICIPANTS

ages 10-18

63% Hispanic/LatinO
34% Black
3% Other

90%
Eligible for free or reduced-price meals

SUPPORT OUR TEAM

Our Impact

Bronx Lacrosse serves as an anchor of support, community, and resilience. That’s why our students outperform their peers academically.

2025 Full Impact Report

School Attendance

Bronx Lacrosse uses daily check-ins, strong mentoring relationships, and targeted academic support to ensure that students attend school and avoid chronic absenteeism at higher rates than their peers.

School Attendance rate

Chronic Absenteeism*

*When a student misses 10% or more of the school year.

Algebra-Readiness Tutoring Program

Our high-dosage algebra-readiness tutoring program yields impressive results.

Algebra Regents Pass Rate*

*Passing the Algebra Regents is an essential milestone for high school graduation in New York State.

Average GPA and Math GPA comparison

80.5%

AVERAGE GPA

82%

MATH GPA

College Access Programming

Bronx Lacrosse provides comprehensive college access support to our high school students and their families starting in 9th grade.

graduate high school in four years

enroll in higher education within six months of graduation

Colleges

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“Bronx Lacrosse’s impact on our school community

has been tremendous. In an unprecedented global pandemic, the support Bronx Lacrosse gave our students was nothing short of game-changing. Our students in the Bronx Lacrosse program are significantly outperforming their peers in academic and social-emotional readiness, as demonstrated on baseline assessments and school attendance.

—Kyle Brillante, Principal, Highbridge Green School

View our previous Impact Reports:

2021

Get+involved+banner+picture+.jpg — OUR HISTORY

In 2015, Dan Leventhal began teaching special education math at the Highbridge Green School in the South Bronx through Teach For America. Looking for a way to connect with his students outside of the classroom, he decided to share his passion for lacrosse with his seventh grade class.
By the spring of 2016, he garnered enough enthusiasm to form a team of 30 students. In 2018, he started an official team and organization called Bronx Lacrosse. The program’s impact was dramatic and immediate: Students demonstrated an increase in school attendance, enhanced academic performance, and better overall behavior. Encouraged by these results, he expanded the program to three other schools in the community.

Our STAFF

Dan Leventhal is the Founder and Executive Director of Bronx Lacrosse. As a Teach for America 2015 Corps Member, Dan worked as a special education math teacher at Highbridge Green Middle School in the South Bronx. During his time there, he launched the school’s first ever after-school lacrosse program. Seeing an immediate and dramatic impact on the students’ behavior and academic performance, and as a means to deepen his connection with his students, he formally launched Bronx Lacrosse in 2018. Shortly after, the program was expanded to reach even more young people in the community.
Under Dan’s Leadership, Bronx Lacrosse has helped hundreds of youth in the South Bronx develop their lacrosse & leadership skills and improve their academics. Dan’s efforts with the program have been recognized by City and State Magazine’s “Bronx Power 100” in both 2023 and 2024, which highlights local influential leaders who are working hard on behalf of the Bronx.
Dan was a member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team at Tufts University (2014), which won the 2014 DIII National Championship and was a member of Israel’s National Lacrosse Team in the 2014 and 2018 World Games. At Tufts, he worked with Team Impact, a non-profit that connects children facing serious illnesses with college athletic teams. He received his Masters in Education from Fordham University.

Dan Leventhal
Founder & Executive Director
dan@bronxlacrosse.org

Chrissy Young is the Chief Program Officer of Bronx Lacrosse. She’s passionate about making sure everything kids do here - from lacrosse to tutoring - is the best it can be. Before joining the team, Chrissy rowed on Fairfield University’s Division I crew team. She sat in the back of the boat, tried not to fall out, and helped keep team spirits high. Chrissy began a career advocating for equity as a Teach for America corps member in New Orleans before returning to her native Brooklyn, where she taught, designed curriculum, and developed teachers and leaders as Senior Director of Humanities. Chrissy holds a Masters in Education from Hunter College and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. She believes kindness and snacks solve most problems.

Chrissy Young
Chief Program Officer
chrissy@bronxlacrosse.org

Betsy Durst
Chief Development Officer
betsy@bronxlacrosse.org

Julie joined Bronx Lacrosse in the Summer of 2021. After graduating from Northwestern University with a B.S. in Social Policy, Julie completed a M.S. in Management Studies at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. While at Northwestern, she was a member of the women’s lacrosse team and was on teams that won Big Ten Championships and competed in the NCAA D1 Final Four. Julie continues to play lacrosse on the international stage as a member of the Israel national team.

Julie has experience working in the nonprofit sector, and is passionate about growing the game of lacrosse, developing nonprofit organizations and positioning them to best serve communities, and immersing herself in the South Bronx community. When Julie is not working, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, eating sushi, and polishing her knowledge of random college mascots.

Julie Krupnick
Managing Director of Operations
julie@bronxlacrosse.org

Nick Leffler is a Senior Program Director at Bronx Lacrosse. He is a University at Buffalo Graduate ('16) who studied Education and Health and Human Services. During his time in Buffalo, he was a 3-year starter and team captain in his senior season for the Bulls Men's Lacrosse Program (MCLA). In his Junior Year Nick began his coaching career at Clarence Middle School in Clarence, NY. Nick then served as a Varsity Assistant at his alma mater Scotia Glenville, helping them reach the Class C Sectional Final in 2018. In addition to playing for UB, Nick also served as the Vice President ('15) and President ('16) of the Lacrosse Program. Outside of coaching lacrosse, Nick spends much of his time on the golf course attempting to finally break 80 or get a hole-in-one, whichever comes first.

Nick Leffler
Director of Partnerships
nick@bronxlacrosse.org

Pete joined Bronx Lacrosse in the summer of 2026. He started playing lacrosse at 3 years old and continued to play through college, playing Division 1 lacrosse at Syracuse University where he was a captain for the ‘22/‘23 season. Pete graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education and a minor in Disabilities Studies. While at SU Pete was awarded the “15 Sticks Award” through the 15 for Life Foundation in back to back seasons, given to a player who exemplifies being the “ultimate teammate” through support, leadership, kindness, and mental health advocacy both on and off the field.

After his playing career Pete spent 3 years (2024-2026) as an Assistant Coach at SUNY Cortland, making the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III tournament in 2025 and coaching / developing 19 All Americans across those 3 seasons including a program record 9 USILA All-Americans in the 2026 season. Additionally, Pete has coached club lacrosse with Orange Crush Lacrosse for 10 years, developing players from 1st grade up through HS.

Pete Fiorini
Senior Program Director
pete@bronxlacrosse.org

Jordyn joined Bronx Lacrosse in the Summer of 2026. In May of the same year, she graduated from University of Michigan with her B.A. in Sport Management. During her time in college, Jordyn played on the USA U20 National Training Team and earned athletic and academic honors, including First Team All-Big Ten, IWLCA West/Midwest All-Region Second Team, ILWomen Nike Honorable Mention All-American, and USA Lacrosse Magazine Honorable Mention All-American recognition in 2026. She was also named Second Team All-Big Ten in 2024, a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2025, and a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection in 2024 and 2025.

Before working with Bronx Lacrosse, Jordyn worked several roles within the sports industry. Jordyn is passionate about using sports as a vehicle for mentorship, leadership development, and creating opportunities for young athletes to succeed both on and off the field. When she is not working, Jordyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing cards, and trying new restaurants throughout the city.

Jordyn Harrison
Program Director
jordyn@bronxlacrosse.org

Abbey Ngai joined Bronx Lacrosse in 2025. She grew up on Long Island, where she started playing lacrosse at the age of four. Abbey continued her athletic career at Boston College where she played goalie. She played for the NCAA D1 team for all four years, being a National Championship Runner-up twice and winning the D1 National Championship her senior year in 2021. During her time in college, Abbey played on Team Hong Kong representing them at the 2018 Berlin Open, was named All-ACC second team her sophomore year and earned Inside Lacrosse Preseason All-American Honorable mention her Junior Year. Before working with Bronx Lacrosse, Abbey worked in the advertising and sales industry. During her free time you, can find Abbey trying new restaurants in New York City, at the beach on Long Island and spending a ton of time with her friends and family and dog nephew, Kevin.

Abbey Ngai
Program Director
abbey@bronxlacrosse.org

Asa joined the Bronx Lacrosse team in Fall 2024. She began playing lacrosse in first grade in Niskayuna, NY. Asa graduated from Syracuse University in 2021 with a degree in Communications and a Master’s in Sports Management. During her time at Syracuse, she was a two-time team captain and the program’s all-time leader in saves. She was also named a Third-Team All-American, competed in the NCAA Final Four and National Championship, earned spots on both the NCAA and ACC All-Tournament Teams and was a four-time honor roll recipient.
After her collegiate career, Asa spent three seasons coaching Division I lacrosse at the University of Southern California, where she helped guide the team to be ranked 5th in the country defensively and to a Pac-12 Championship. As a student leader for Team IMPACT at Syracuse in 2020-2021, she played a key role in bringing the organization to USC. Most recently, Asa served as a member of the coaching staff for the Haudenosaunee national team at the World Games in Hong Kong in August 2024.

Asa Goldstock
Managing Director of Programs
asa@bronxlacrosse.org

Nate joined Bronx Lacrosse in the Spring of 2022. Graduating from the University of Southern California with a B.A in Design (‘19), Nate served as Captain on the Men’s Lacrosse Team during his Junior and Senior year, accepting the Honor Award for Most Inspirational Teammate. After graduating, Nate became an Assistant Coach for his Alma Mater, while working for a furniture and sculptural Design Studio in Santa Monica. Continuing to coach throughout southern California, as well as on the International level, he found a robust love for developing players on and off the field. Nate is also a breakfast enthusiast, frequenting his local bakery for a freshly made pastry and coffee in the mornings.

Nate Galper
Dir. of Skill Development & Strategic Marketing
nate@bronxlacrosse.org

Hanna joined the Bronx Lacrosse team in Fall 2026. She began her collegiate career at the University of Oregon, where she was a three-time leading scorer and two-time All-Pac-12 Second Team selection. During her time at Oregon, Hanna set program records for single-game goals and draw controls and became the fastest player in program history to reach 100 career goals, accomplishing the feat in just 36 games.

Hanna transferred to Clemson University, where she scored the first two goals in program history and went on to lead the inaugural ACC program in goals while surpassing 200 career draw controls and earning USA Lacrosse Preseason All-American recognition. After her collegiate career, Hanna spent two seasons coaching Division II lacrosse at Florida Tech, where she helped lead the program to its highest national ranking, No. 13 in the country. She also coached an offensive unit that produced five All-Conference selections.

Hanna continues to play lacrosse on the international stage as a member of the Israel National Team. She helped the team earn a bronze medal at the World Lacrosse Championship and a gold medal at the European Box Lacrosse Championship in the summer of 2026.

Hanna Hilcoff
Senior Program Director
hanna@bronxlacrosse.org

Inde joined Bronx Lacrosse in the Winter of 2023. In May of the same year, she graduated from Florida State University with her master’s degree in Sport Management following the completion of her B.S. in Sport Management in 2022. She began playing lacrosse in third grade and continued to play through college as a member of the FSU Women’s Club Lacrosse team. During her last year in Tallahassee as a graduate student, she was the Head Coach for the club team, ending the season at the WCLA National Tournament in Virginia Beach. In her free time, Inde enjoys spending time with her friends, completing the NY Times Daily Games, and going on walks.

Inde Lauer
Program Director
inde@bronxlacrosse.org

Jeffrey Perez joined Bronx Lacrosse in February, 2024. Born and raised in the Bronx, Jeff attended Cardinal Hayes high school from 2011-2015, where he was a 3 year member of the Varisty Lacrosse team and a 2 year member of the Varisty Football team. Jeff attended and graduated from SUNY Canton and was also a member of the SUNY Canton Men’s Lacrosse team for all 4 years. After graduating with his B.A. in Sports Management in 2020, he took the summer to find himself doing things such as in-line skating, living life without a beard, and playing other sports such as Basketball and Golf. From December 2020 – February 2024, Jeff was working in youth athletics, coaching in lacrosse, basketball, football, baseball and any activity or sports kids wanted to try or practice. He discovered Bronx Lacrosse doing part timework at the Barclay Center, when a friend/co-worker told him about Bronx lacrosse and all the great work we’ve been doing in his hometown. His college mascot was a kangaroo and Jeff will be a proud Kangaroo for life! #rollroos

Jeff Perez
Program Director
jeffrey@bronxlacrosse.org

Dwayne is the Director of Lacrosse at Bronx Lacrosse. Prior to joining Bronx Lacrosse, Stewart served as the inaugural Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at SUNY New Paltz, where he led the program to several key wins and milestones during their first few seasons. Before his time at SUNY New Paltz, Stewart was an assistant coach at Lincoln Memorial University where he led the team to both a top-five ranked offense in Division II lacrosse and a top-ten extra-man unit in 2018. Stewart attended the University of Albany from 2008-13, earning his bachelor in psychology while minoring in sociology. At Albany, Stewart was named to the America East All-Rookie Team, in addition to helping lead the Great Danes to an America East Conference Championship and an NCAA Tournament Berth.

Dwayne Stewart
Director of Lacrosse
dwayne@bronxlacrosse.org

Anna is the Director of College Access for Bronx Lacrosse. She has seen how access and understanding transform the college process, including matriculation and success. Anna approaches counseling through a student-centered, equity-driven lens. Before joining the team, she worked at the NYU College Advising Corps where she started in college access, and then continued her work at charter and public schools. Anna has presented on working with marginalized communities at NACAC, NACAC Guiding the Way into Inclusion, and she has collaborated with The College Essay Guy. Anna holds a Bachelor's from Barnard College and a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from NYU Steinhardt.

Anna Martinez
Director of College Access
anna@bronxlacrosse.org

Cole joined Bronx Lacrosse as a Program Director in the spring of 2022. Growing up in Northern New Jersey, Cole began playing lacrosse at a young age and continued throughout high school. He was named a Captain and won a Passaic County Championship at Wayne Valley High school. Cole graduated from the University of Delaware (’22) earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Forensic Science. As an undergraduate college student, Cole spent his summers working as an intern with the Drug Enforcement Administration and in Family Court at the Passaic County Superior Court House. These experiences allowed him to pivot his focus towards wanting to help provide resources and opportunity for our youth. Cole hopes to spread the game of lacrosse to as many people as possible in hopes it can inspire and change lives the way it did his own. When he isn’t working, Cole enjoys spending time outdoors, preferably on the beach or golf course. He also loves cooking, at least when he isn’t setting off the fire alarms, which happens a bit too often.

Cole Drozjock
Program Director
cole@bronxlacrosse.org

Courtney joined Bronx Lacrosse as a Program Director in the summer of 2026. She began playing lacrosse in middle school before continuing her career at Stony Brook University, where she served as team captain during the 2024–25 season and helped lead the Seawolves to four NCAA Tournament appearances. Courtney earned her B.S. in Business Management and Marketing in 2025 and was involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Team IMPACT. She then continued her academic and athletic career at Syracuse University, earning a C.A.S in Intercollegiate Athletic Advising & Support while making her fifth NCAA Tournament appearance.

Courtney is passionate about growing the game of lacrosse because of the lifelong impact it can have on young athletes both on and off the field. She is committed to helping players build confidence, develop as leaders, and enjoy the game. In her free time, Courtney enjoys running, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and spending time with her friends and family.

Courtney Maclay
Program Director
courtney@bronxlacrosse.org

Kyle Ryder joins the Bronx Lacrosse coaching staff in the spring of 2025. A graduate of Kean University, Kyle earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2022 while being an integral part of the Kean University Men’s Lacrosse team from 2018 to 2022. During his time as a player, he helped lead the team to a CSAC Conference Championship, showcasing his leadership and dedication on the field. Following his playing career, Kyle transitioned into coaching, where he has quickly made a name for himself in the Tri-State area. He began coaching with several club teams, honing his skills and building his reputation as a rising coaching talent. Kyle furthered his coaching journey as an assistant coach at Wayne Valley High School in Passaic County, NJ. Kyle is also a volunteer firefighter with Nyack Fire Department in Nyack, NY.

Kyle Ryder
Program Director
kyle@bronxlacrosse.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Davon Russell, Board Co-Chair
Wendy Sacks, Board Co-Chair
Cindy Wiseman, Secretary
Michaelene Durst
Joanie Berkery
Mike Bocklet
Lauren Bugbee

Brian Carcaterra
Andrew Copelan
Wendy Frieder
Beth Leventhal
Mark Jennings
Sharon Robinson
Lauren Schwartz
Thomas Zaldivar

Associate BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ben Andreycak
Will Dadouris
Nick Durst
Blair Friedensohn
Ethan Frieder
Emily Krupnick

Lindsey McKone
Brett Makar
John Ranagan
Haley Reitz
Jake Schuckman
Beau Wood

OUR PARTNERS

OUR supporters

Bill Belichick Foundation
Charles Hayden Foundation
Citibank
Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation
Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation
Fordham Street Foundation
Gatorade
Gray Foundation
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
Heckscher Foundation for Children
Heisman Trophy Trust

Hyde & Watson Foundation
Ichigo Foundation
Jim Hogan Memorial Foundation
Kohlberg & Co.
Laureus Sport for Good
MarketAxess
Marc Haas Foundation
NewYork-Presbyterian
Nuveen
NYC Department of Education
NY Life Foundation
Patrina Foundation

Pinkerton Foundation
SparkYouth NYC
The New Yankee Stadium Community Benefits Fund
The Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation
Thomas F Staley Foundation
Torch Foundation
UJA Federation of New York
Women’s Sports Foundation
WHEDco
Youth Inc

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