NWLL coaches to speak at US Lax Convention

PHILADELPHIA -- The National Women's Lacrosse league will be well represented at the 2012 US Lacrosse National Convention presented by Champion, held this year in Philadelphia, Pa., on January 13-15.

Katie Rau, head coach at Missouri Baptist University, and Frank Rogers, head coach at Aquinas College, will serve as guest speakers for the annual event, which attracts over 5,000 coaches, officials, program administrators and exhibitors each year.

"The 2006 US Lacrosse Convention was my first experience as a newly hired high school lacrosse coach," said Rau, who is speaking at the national convention for the fifth time. "Each year I have had the opportunity to learn from top coaches and connect with others who coach at the high school and college level.

"For the past four years I have been able to give back and speak at the convention and the past three years, I have spoken specifically to new coaches in hopes of helping them transition and ask questions that they may be hesitant to ask in other sessions," Rau added. "I am excited for this opportunity in 2012, especially to represent the NAIA."

"As a student of the game, I am always trying to learn as much as I can and over the years I have had the privilege to learn from, and become friends with, some of the top coaches in the game," said Rogers. "I feel that any chance I have to give back and help other coaches now is my responsibility and I cherish the opportunity to do it as part of the largest event held for the lacrosse community and its coaches."

The convention, annually the largest educational and networking event in the lacrosse world, includes two live demonstration areas, approximately 150 educational sessions, and Fan Fest, a portion of events open to the public and centered around the sport's largest exposition hall.

Rau will deliver a presentation entitled, "Tips, Tricks, and Drills For the New(er) Coach," a session designed to help new high school coaches with tip and tricks for running a program. Rau will cover information ranging from drills and tryouts to practice planning and the importance of communication.

Rogers, who is presenting for the sixth time at the US Lacrosse National Convention, is scheduled to present, "The Borrowing Game," a session intended to help show coaches non-traditional places to discover, create and develop team drills and strategy. Rogers will discuss ideas on where to go and ways to take ideas from other sports and make them into their own.

"US Lacrosse is the leader in the growth and education of lacrosse not only in the United States, but in the world," Rogers said. "To be a part of their convention means a lot to me. The added bonus of representing our growing group of schools within the NAIA makes it even more special and shows the lacrosse world the level of coaching and play we have within our organization."

US Lacrosse is the national governing body of men's and women's lacrosse, primarily serving the youth game.

It provides a leadership role in virtually every aspect of the game, has nearly 375,000 members and boasts 63 chapters throughout the United States and offers programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the sport. The keynote speaker for the 2012 convention is former National Football League player and head coach and current ESPN analyst Herm Edwards.