OUR MISSION
Growing the Game. Building Confidence. Creating Community.
High Plains Lacrosse was created to bring the game of lacrosse to more kids and families across southeast Wyoming.
Our programs give young athletes a fun, welcoming place to learn new skills, be part of a team, build confidence, and grow through positive coaching and quality instruction.
Whether your child is picking up a stick for the first time or preparing for the next level, we are here to help them learn, compete, and have fun along the way.
Our promise is simple: every player leaves more confident than when they arrived.
Coaching Kids First, Athletes Always
At High Plains Lacrosse, our coaching philosophy is simple: kids learn best when they feel supported, respected, and excited to come back.
Our coaches are positive, prepared, and focused on the fundamentals. We teach age-appropriate skills, celebrate effort, and create a space where players can try new things, make mistakes, ask questions, and grow without fear of being embarrassed.
We want every athlete to become a better player, but we also care about helping them become better teammates. That means teaching communication, sportsmanship, confidence, and accountability right alongside passing, catching, ground balls, and game strategy.
Practices should be structured, productive, and fun. There may be sweat, dropped passes, and the occasional wild shot, but every session is built around one goal: every player leaves more confident than when they arrived.
Our Mission
High Plains Lacrosse exists to grow the game of lacrosse throughout southeast Wyoming by providing fun, affordable, inclusive, and high-quality instruction, leagues, and playing opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Our Vision
To become the premier youth lacrosse development organization in Wyoming, creating a sustainable pathway from first-time players to high school competition.
Meet the Coaches
John Trader
Head Coach - Boys
I started High Plains Lacrosse to help grow the game in southeast Wyoming and give kids more opportunities to learn, compete, and be part of a team. Lacrosse has given me lifelong friendships, confidence, discipline, and countless lessons that extend far beyond the field, and I want young athletes in our community to have that same experience.
I have coached players from age 3 through college and club levels, and I enjoy working with athletes of all ages, skill levels, and positions. My coaching style is patient, energetic, and fundamentals-focused, with an emphasis on building skill, confidence, lacrosse IQ, and a genuine love for the game.
Before launching High Plains Lacrosse, I coached in youth, high school, club, and college settings in Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Wyoming. As a player, I competed at Calvert Hall High School (MD), Towson University (MD - D1), Goucher College (MD - D3), and Stevenson University (MD - Club).
My goal is simple: help every player leave the field better, more confident, and excited to come back.
Jessie Silvester
Head Coach - Girls
I am a wife, mom of three, and lover of creating beautiful spaces, growing flowers, and making a house feel like home. I played competitive lacrosse for 10 years and have coached athletes in lacrosse for 6 years, helping kids develop not only their skills and confidence on the field but also a love for the game.
Whether I'm tackling a DIY project, creating something new, or cheering on my kids, I believe life's greatest joys are found in faith, family, and the little moments in between.