The Huntsville Hawks lacrosse teams are molding some elite lacrosse players. We’ve already told you about Carson Robins, a U13 player whose Evolve Elite Lacrosse team placed third in the World Series of Youth Lacrosse in Denver.
There are other young local players who compete at an elite level, too. Among them is nine-year-old Avery Shirtliff who made the Evolve Elite Youth Boys team for the 2018 season. He plays in the U10 Division and competes against 10 and 11-year-olds. On the team with him are four other local boys: Carson Fraser, Ethan Shirtliff, Nick Lagendyk, and Braeden Woollings.
Avery plays Rep Box Lacrosse for the Randy Blain Construction Novice 2 Hawks. His dad, Kory Shirtliff, who is also the team coach, said it is a great accomplishment for his son to make the Evolve team as he has only been playing lacrosse for four years and competes against players that are a year or two older than him.
Avery’s Evolve Elite team has attended three tournaments this season, one in Baltimore, one in New York City, and the most recent—the Youth Elite Series Pipe City Lacrosse Festival—from July 14-15 in Chicago. Pipe City is the largest lacrosse tournament in the U.S. Midwest with more than 6,000 athletes playing almost 600 games of lacrosse on 36 fields.
Avery and his teammates were just getting warmed up in their first game—their only loss of the tournament—before coming back to win the next four and take first place among the 12 teams in their division. Avery was the fourth leading goal scorer in the tournament and received the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award for his efforts.
“I enjoy my teammates and how my team has come together,” said Avery. “I am super proud of myself for winning the tournament MVP and being one of the top scorers.”
As you should be, Avery—congratulations to you and your teammates!
The Evolve Elite Youth Boys team at the 2018 Pipe City tournsment included five players from this area (submitted photo)
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It was the Grandparents !
Congratulations Avery. And also to your Dad and coach Kory. He is obviously instilling great team-manship in your thinking and hard work ethics. The Shirtliff family should be so proud of you all.
Congratulations Avery. What a great accomplishment. Happy you are having fun.!!!
Way to go Avery – really proud of you buddy!!
Congratulations Avery! I am very happy for you! Much success to you and the whole team in the future!