About The Bulldogs
Rhode Island Lacrosse.
Our pride is in our state and our game.
We are dedicated to providing a platform to educate, develop and compete at the highest level to “Grow the Game” here at home while taking our skilled players and teams to showcases and tournaments, regionally and nationally, focused on what is best for Southeastern New England. Our club competes year round with competitions throughout each season (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) to build consistent growth as each young person matures.
In addition to our internal practices, we host camps and clinics for boys and girls ages K-12 to expound upon the development that their town and high school teams afford them. For high school players we host a college Showcase with many coaches from the greater New England area in attendance.
For our RI Bulldogs alumni or any adult lacrosse player we host clinics and leagues such as the Preseason Conditioning clinic in the winter prior to collegiate season and an 18+ Men's summer league to keep playing through the year.
OUR ORIGIN
Founded as Next Level Lacrosse by Col. Steven O’Donnell (Lasalle Academy) our program holds true to our founding principles: Learn, Develop, Love & Compete. In 2012 Col. O’Donnell partnered with Coach Mike Pressler of Bryant University turning a new leaf to become known as the Rhode Island Bulldogs. Our partnership with Coach Pressler has led to access to the state of the art facilities that NCAA Division One athletes at Bryant University are afforded. We’ve been fortunate to continue onward with Coach Brad Ross and Bryant as continue to develop the next class of scholarship level lacrosse players here in Rhode Island. This partnership lends great wisdom directly from NCAA coaches so our student athletes and families, on the whole, can best understand and navigate the recruiting process to select their collegiate home.
Our mission is to grow the sport of lacrosse by helping players improve their game in every aspect, allowing them to have the opportunity to reach not only the next level but beyond. We will strive to prepare each player on and off the field, in the classroom and beyond, from youth to high school, college and life. Additionally, we will provide expert advice and guidance as player navigate the often daunting process of selecting a college.
Frequently Asked Questions about RI Bulldogs
What is the Rhode Island Bulldogs and why play club lacrosse?
The Bulldogs are a competitive lacrosse club for student-athletes across Southeastern New England, committed to providing a positive and challenging environment where players can elevate their skills, deepen their understanding of the game, and grow as leaders both on and off the field. Our program emphasizes the values of leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship, while focusing on excellence in execution and mastery of the game’s fundamentals. Every aspect of our play is rooted in integrity, hard work, and intelligence.
Club lacrosse offers athletes the chance to compete year-round against elite competition beyond the town or high school level. Our mission is to bring together top players from across the state, region, and even the country to face strong opponents at well-organized tournaments. The Bulldogs carefully select the highest-caliber youth and high school events to maximize player growth and team development. All of our high school teams participate in premier recruiting showcases, giving our athletes the opportunity to be seen by NCAA Division I, II, and III college coaches.
What can we expect from Bulldogs Coaches?
We take pride in having what we believe is the best coaching staff in the region. Our coaches bring a wealth of experience from diverse backgrounds, including current and former NCAA Division I, II, and III coaches and players, as well as top high school program coaches. They share a common approach of energy, positive mindset, encouragement, discipline, growth but yet with high expectations that push athletes to reach their full potential. We seek out like-minded, passionate coaches who bring an upbeat, engaging style to every practice and game. Our coaches go through monthly staff meetings to ensure each team and player is building in the right direction of growth. Our goal is for every player to have an outstanding experience to be their best self’s on and off the field.
How many players do you choose for each year of graduation?
We have roster caps per team and place players where they are best fit to grow, while playing at the proper playing level. We generally have two teams per grade, Black & Green. Some grad years have three teams per grade, Black, Green, White, due to the amount of talented players that tryout.
What do we look for specifically?
We are looking for players who want to be COACHED, that strive to be great and exemplify hard work, dedication and commitment.
What is the team practice and tournament commitment?
Bulldogs schedule the fall season around our multi-sport athletes and understand that conflicts may happen. Our main seasons are the spring and summer, where we ask for our players and families to commit to practices and events. Practices are where you get better to prepare for tournament play! Those that attend all, are the ones that are most prepared for success. We supply our families with a schedule per season months in advance.
How many practices and tournaments are scheduled?
We offer weekly practices during the fall and positional sessions. During the winter, we offer position specific shooting/stick work days, in house box lacrosse league, and a select travel box teams.. Our youth teams participate in a Spring Youth League that plays on Saturdays April - beginning of May in Fitchburg, MA. Summer we practice twice a week, and host positional skills sessions throughout southern New England.
Youth: We offer 2-3 tournaments October - November & 3-4 tournaments June - July.
High School: We offer 3 recruiting tournaments in the months of October - November & 4 tournaments June - July. Tournaments vary per team and what is the best fit for them.
Can players play for more than one club team?
No. Bulldogs expect all players to make a commitment to our program as we are committed to you.
What does the Bulldogs Program fee cover?
Our program fee is paid annually. Full year players tuition covers the fall season, winter sessions, spring and summer seasons.Practices, tournaments, field rental, web site administration, coaches, testing days, pop up scrimmages, utility expenses, insurance, college coaches fees and other operating expenses. All registration must be completed online and payment plans are available.
Who makes up your Coaching Staff?
Coaches are assigned to the same team as much as possible throughout the year as we believe in consistency in coaches per team helps build team chemistry to grow for the years to come. Sometimes, coaches may leave or move teams due to their full time jobs, family, etc. but we also assure our teams have qualified and dedicated coaches. Summer, we are fortunate to add many former alumni that are current college players that share their experience and tools to help our players succeed.
How do you select players per team?
Bulldogs staff and coaches are constantly evaluating and discussing player development. Rosters are formed after tryouts and place players on a team that will help their growth and development while playing at the proper playing level. A player’s development, skill, lax IQ, growth and fitness can change tremendously each year. Player’s spots on specific teams do change. Each player must earn their spot within the program as well as on your team. There are times where we may combine grades if the opportunity presents itself. Combining teams generally happens in the fall season as many of our players are multi sport athletes where conflicts do happen.
How do we help our Bulldogs with the recruiting process?
At Bulldogs, we are committed to supporting our student athletes and their families every step of the way through the college recruiting process. Our staff offers a variety of personalized resources, including individual phone calls, Zoom meetings, in-person consultations, and more, to guide players and families in understanding the process and setting clear expectations.
We have dedicated personnel assigned to our high school teams to provide recruiting support, schedule individual meetings, and answer any questions you may have. While we are heavily involved, it is important to remember that the recruiting process begins and ends with the student-athlete. This is your journey! Emails, phone calls, and campus visits should come directly from you, not from parents or coaches.
Our role is to set you up for success by placing teams in the most competitive tournaments to maximize exposure to college coaches. We also provide guidance on which camps, clinics, and prospect days best align with your goals. However, athletes must take a proactive approach. Consistently engaging with college coaches, attending events, visiting campuses, and taking ownership of their recruitment experience.
Ultimately, academic performance is the foundation of your recruiting success. Your grades and test scores open doors, and when paired with consistent training, strong character, and proactive effort, they give you the best chance to stand out among the many lacrosse players competing for opportunities.
We are here to support and guide you every step of the way, but you control the controllables! Your effort, preparation, and communication will determine your success.
