Congratulations to the Coast Guard Academy Men’s Lacrosse Team, our Diversity Champions of the Week! The Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

   The men’s lacrosse team from the Coast Guard Academy has participated in several clinics where cadets and student athletes were paired up with children from culturally diverse communities in order to make a positive impact on the local youth as they mentored them during hands-on clinics.  These clinics were hosted through the U.S. Lacrosse Building Relationships to Initiate Diversity Growth and Enrichment (BRIDGE) program. The nationally established BRIDGE program brings the sport of lacrosse to the forefront of creating positive influences and life-skill lessons to youth in communities not previously exposed to the sport.  Key leaders from the within the Coast Guard Academy Men’s Lacrosse Program and the Old Bears Alumni have coordinated fly-ins and MH-65C helicopter static displays, mobile training trailers and Tactical Operators clad to showcase the latest weapons and tactical gear in an effort to market the Coast Guard and tackle the issue of diversity head-on.

   In addition, the Coast Guard Lacrosse team recently teamed up with student athletes from Morgan State University (a Historically Black College and University) to compete in what is becoming a fall tradition between the two clubs.  The Coast Guard Academy Men’s Lacrosse program strives to further the diversity goals of the Coast Guard through the sport of lacrosse by increasing awareness of CG career and education opportunities among all minorities. By sharing the excellent Coast Guard career and education opportunities, the goal is to increase applications received from qualified minority candidates for the Coast Guard Academy and other accession sources including Coast Guard civilian, active duty and reserve officer and enlisted opportunities.  Conversely, the cadets/athletes are increasing their diversity awareness, ultimately becoming stronger and more effective leaders as they prepare to enter the fleet as junior officers and future leaders of our service.

   The leadership, mentorship, and devotion to duty displayed by the Lacrosse Team are exemplary and serve as a great example of the positive impact a small group can have on a community.  As a direct result of their efforts and outreach, the Coast Guard is making strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Diversity Strategic Plan.  Thank you for your work in championing diversity!