EJ grew up in Northport, Long Island, where his passion for lacrosse began at the age of 9. He started playing in local leagues, quickly developing his skills and love for the game. After excelling through middle school and high school programs, EJ graduated from Northport High School in 2000, having solidified himself as a standout player. He went on to play long-stick midfielder (LSM) at West Point, where his leadership and athletic ability continued to shine. During his time at West Point, EJ was part of teams that made NCAA tournament appearances in 2002, 2004, and 2005. His commitment to both academics and athletics led to his graduation in 2005.
Following his time at West Point, EJ served his country in Iraq in 2010, applying the discipline and teamwork he learned through lacrosse to his military career. His experiences overseas further strengthened his resolve to give back to the community and help shape young athletes.
Now residing in Wilmette with his wife, Sarah, and their three children—Teddy (JTL ’36), Caroline, and Grace—EJ remains deeply involved in the sport. He is dedicated to sharing his love of lacrosse with the next generation, not only as a coach but as a mentor, helping young players develop the skills, discipline, and passion that have guided his own life.
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Bob, originally from Allendale, NJ, attended Northern Highlands Regional High School, where he excelled as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He continued his education at Loyola University, where his love for sports inspired him to start coaching. Bob began his coaching journey with basketball camps at Loyola and later at DePaul University under the guidance of Doug Bruno.
In Raleigh, NC, Bob dedicated 17 years to teaching special education to 3rd and 4th graders, while also managing the sports camp program at The Raleigh School. Known for his natural rapport with kids and his passion for sports, he helped young athletes develop skills and a love for teamwork.
Returning to Illinois in 2022, Bob joined the special education department at New Trier and contributes to the Special Olympics program. His dedication to supporting athletes of all ability’s shines through his work, as he combines his enthusiasm for sports and commitment to making a difference in young lives.
Jason, originally from the Rochester area of Upstate New York, brings an impressive and extensive background in lacrosse to the program. He has been a core part of New Trier’s coaching staff since 2003. It was here that he first connected with Coach Herrala, with whom he has shared many championship victories and built a strong friendship that extends well beyond the lacrosse field. As Offensive Coordinator, Jason’s strategic insight and passion for the game have been pivotal in shaping the success of New Trier’s program.
Schoeny’s dedication and expertise have earned him two IHSA Assistant Coach of the Year awards, and he has played an integral role in securing 11 state championships with New Trier, as well as one with Glenbrook South. His influence and energy have set a high standard, making him a standout figure in Midwest lacrosse. Beyond New Trier, Jason is also the head coach of the 2025 True National team, which boasts multiple DI-committed players, and he remains actively involved in coaching both of his sons’ teams.
In 2021, Jason and his wife Lori moved to Wilmette to be closer to the community they’re passionate about, where they are raising their two sons, Casey (NT ’28) and Dylan (’32 Select Team), passing along their love for lacrosse and commitment to the game.
Peter grew up in Simsbury, CT, where he excelled as a three-sport letterwinner at the prestigious Westminster School. His time at Westminster was marked by exceptional athleticism and leadership, as he balanced commitments across various sports while developing a strong foundation in teamwork and discipline.
Peter earned a coveted spot on the Notre Dame lacrosse team, where he quickly established himself as a key player. He set a school record by participating in 63 games, including 36 starts. As a senior captain, he played a pivotal role in guiding his teammates, receiving all-conference honors for his outstanding performance on the field. His leadership was further recognized when he was awarded the Byron V. Kanaley Award, which honors Notre Dame senior student-athletes for their exemplary academics and leadership qualities.
Throughout his collegiate career, Peter amassed an impressive total of 85 points, comprised of 40 goals and 45 assists. His contributions were not limited to offense; he also made a significant impact defensively, picking up 68 ground balls and demonstrating his versatility as a player.
In 2021, Peter and his wife, Kristen, made the move to Winnetka, excited to raise their family. They are proud parents to three children: Peter Jr. (’36 Select Team), as well as Mae and Finn. Peter remains passionate about the game of lacrosse and is dedicated to instilling the same love for athletics and teamwork in his children that shaped his own upbringing.
Ryan grew up in Alexandria, VA, where he began playing lacrosse in the 3rd grade. He attended the prestigious St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, a recognized lacrosse powerhouse, where he quickly made a name for himself on defense, earning numerous awards for his outstanding play.
After high school, Ryan continued his lacrosse journey at Brown University, where he made significant contributions to the team’s success. His dedication and skill were recognized with the Whelan Junior Award, and he played a key role in helping his team secure an Ivy League Championship in 2008. Ryan graduated from Brown in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in both academics and athletics.
In 2019, Ryan moved to Winnetka with his wife, where they are raising their three children: Henry, who plays on the ’36 Select team, as well as Emerson and John. Ryan remains passionate about the sport and is committed to fostering a love for lacrosse in the next generation.
Ward attended the prestigious Landon School in the suburbs of Washington, DC, where he developed into a top-tier lacrosse talent. His collegiate career at the University of Virginia, from 2003 to 2006, was marked by outstanding achievements, including being named a USILA All-American for three consecutive years (2004, 2005, 2006). As an attackman, Ward helped lead the Virginia Cavaliers to two NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships in 2003 and 2006.
In 2006, Ward’s performance earned him the Most Outstanding Player award in the NCAA tournament. That same year, he was honored with the Tewaaraton Trophy, given to the nation’s top lacrosse player, as well as the Lt. Raymond Enners Award, recognizing him as the USILA Player of the Year.
After his standout collegiate career, Ward joined Major League Lacrosse (MLL), being drafted in the first round by the Washington Bayhawks. In his rookie year, he earned MLL Rookie of the Year honors, solidifying his place as a professional lacrosse star.
In 2018, Ward and his wife Caitlin, a New Trier High School graduate, moved to Winnetka, where they are raising their three children: Ryder, a member of the ’35 Select Team, Emerson, and McClain. Ward continues to be deeply involved in the lacrosse community, helping to guide the next generation of players.
Brett, who grew up in Libertyville, IL, and started playing lacrosse later than many of his peers, picking up the sport during his freshman year of high school. Despite this late start, his dedication and natural athletic ability allowed him to quickly make his mark. He became a three-time letterman and earned a spot on Team Illinois twice, receiving numerous conference and state accolades for his performance on the field. His high school success paved the way for him to continue his lacrosse career at Butler University, where he played for their division 1 team.
In 2016, Williamson and his wife, Maggie, relocated to Winnetka to raise their family, bringing with them their love for the game and commitment to fostering a strong community. They have three children: Thomas, Ward (’32 JTL Select Team), and Kirby. Williamson’s own experiences, from playing locally to competing at the collegiate level, have fueled his passion for helping to develop the next generation of skilled lacrosse players. He is deeply invested in nurturing young athletes in Illinois, sharing not only his expertise but also the values and dedication that shaped his own journey in the sport.
Terry, who grew up in Upstate New York, has called Wilmette home for the past 15 years. With a wealth of coaching experience, Terry has worked with various lacrosse programs, including the Westfield NJ town youth league, Lacrosse America, Team One, Evanston Youth, and is currently part of the coaching staff at True Lacrosse. His deep understanding of the game has been shaped by years of involvement in both youth and elite-level lacrosse.
Terry first connected with Coach Herrala when his son, a standout player, graduated from New Trier in 2013 as an All-American and went on to play at Division I Monmouth University in New Jersey. Terry himself played at Niagara University and remains active in the sport, recently playing on the championship team in the over-50 division at the prestigious Vail Shootout.
With his extensive background as both a player and coach, Terry brings invaluable experience and knowledge to the JTL staff, helping to develop the next generation of players with passion and expertise.
John grew up in Wilmette and began playing lacrosse with his football friends in the 1990s. He was a four-year member of both the New Trier football and lacrosse teams, playing varsity lacrosse in 2000 and 2001, during which he first met Coach Herrala. John was part of two state semi-finalist lacrosse teams.
After graduating from New Trier in 2001, John attended the University of Missouri, where he continued his passion for lacrosse by playing club lacrosse. In 2016, John and his wife returned to Wilmette to raise their two children: Milo, who plays on the ’35 Select team, and Daisy, who has just started her lacrosse career with JTL. John is dedicated to fostering a love for lacrosse in his children, drawing from his own experiences as both a player and coach.
Justin grew up in Glenview, where he began his lacrosse journey at a young age, quickly developing a passion for the sport. He attended Glenbrook South High School, where he excelled as a varsity lacrosse player and also made a name for himself as a standout football star. His athletic prowess on the field contributed to his team’s successes, and he graduated from GBS in 1996 with a strong foundation in both sports.
In 2019, Justin and his wife, Asheley, made the move to Wilmette, seeking a vibrant community to raise their family. They are proud parents of two boys: Leland, who competes on the JTL ’34 Select team, and Jensen, who is just beginning to explore the sport of lacrosse. Justin is dedicated to fostering a love for lacrosse in his children and enjoys being actively involved in their sporting endeavors.
The family cherishes their winters in Steamboat, Colorado, where they take advantage of the outdoor lifestyle and enjoy skiing together. Justin’s commitment to sports, family, and community highlights his passion for both athletics and the values of teamwork and perseverance.
After a successful 25-year tenure at New Trier, Coach Herrala has shifted his focus to the Junior Trevian Lacrosse program. Renowned as the Coach of the Year in 2019 by both the NFHS and IHSA, Coach Herrala boasts an impressive track record, leading the Trevian’s to 218 victories in his 12 seasons as Head Coach, including an outstanding 7-3 record in the State Championship game.
Throughout his coaching career, Coach Herrala’s teams have consistently ranked among the top in the Midwest. Notably, he has mentored over 130 athletes who went on to play college lacrosse, with 40 of them excelling at the D1 level. Beyond his coaching achievements, Coach Herrala takes great pride in instilling valuable life lessons in his players, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and personal growth beyond the lacrosse field.
Widely respected and admired in the lacrosse community, Coach Herrala served as the first president of the Illinois Boys Lacrosse Coaches Association and played a crucial role in its establishment. His extensive network within the lacrosse community is unparalleled.
Krakover grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he began playing lacrosse at the age of 10 with the Radnor Lacrosse Club. He quickly developed a passion for the game, playing travel lacrosse throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania before joining Radnor High School’s team. After his freshman year, Matt and his family relocated to Michigan, where he joined the Waverly Lacrosse Club. At Waverly, Matt became a three-year starter on the varsity team, earning All-State honors as an attackman in his junior year and leading his team to a Class B State Championship in his senior year.
Matt continued his involvement with lacrosse while attending Michigan State University, where he began his coaching career with the Okemos Lacrosse Club. His experience as both a player and a coach has fueled his passion for the game, and he now enjoys helping to shape the next generation of lacrosse players with JTL.
In 2015, Matt and his wife Suzanne moved to Wilmette, where they are raising their three children: Sam (’32 select), Scout, and Cate. Matt’s commitment to the sport and his community is evident as he dedicates his time to both his family and coaching, helping young players develop their skills and love for the game.
Will, a native of Summit, NJ, developed his passion for lacrosse at Delbarton High School, a renowned lacrosse powerhouse. During his time there, he distinguished himself as a key player, setting the foundation for an impressive collegiate career. Will went on to Yale University, where he became a four-year starter on defense and earned All-Ivy League honors, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier athlete. After graduating in 2009, he moved to the Chicagoland area and earned his MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.
In 2021, Will and his wife Katie relocated to Wilmette, where they are raising their three children. Hudson, their eldest, plays on the ’34 select team, while Frances is actively involved in JTL girls lacrosse. Their youngest, Will Jr., is already showing promise of following in his father’s athletic footsteps. Will’s passion for the sport and dedication to his family shine through as he helps cultivate a love for lacrosse in the next generation.
O’Neal grew up in New Canaan, CT, a lacrosse powerhouse town, where he began playing the sport in 5th grade with the New Canaan town league. By his senior year, he was part of one of the top lacrosse teams on the East Coast, helping lead his team to an impressive 22-0 season and a state championship. O’Neal’s talent earned him a spot on the Division I lacrosse team at Colgate University, where he played until his junior year, when he decided to hang up his cleats and focus on his studies.
In 2016, O’Neal and his wife Maegan moved to Wilmette, where they are raising their three children: James (’33 JTL team), Emma, and Wesley. With his experience growing up in an East Coast lacrosse powerhouse, O’Neal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to JTL. His passion for the sport and dedication to coaching helps inspire and develop the next generation of lacrosse players in the community.
Quinn, a native of Glenview, began his lacrosse journey in 5th grade with the Loyola Youth Lacrosse Program. His passion for the sport grew quickly, leading him to become a standout player at Glenbrook South (GBS), where he was a three-year varsity member. After high school, Bobby continued his lacrosse career at the University of Dayton, competing in the MCLA. His leadership qualities shone through when he was named captain of the team, which was ranked #2 in the nation during his senior year. Unfortunately, the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Bobby’s impact on the team remained significant.
Outside of his athletic achievements, Bobby has found his calling as a 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher at the Central School in Glencoe He brings not only a wealth of lacrosse knowledge but also a strong ability to engage and inspire young players. Recently, Bobby has been working with 5th and 6th graders, helping to develop their skills and love for the game. Known for his positive energy and rapport with kids, Bobby is dedicated to fostering a supportive and educational environment both in the classroom and on the field. He currently lives in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, balancing his professional and coaching responsibilities with his passion for lacrosse.
JP, a Wilmette native, started playing lacrosse in 8th grade through the Wilmette Park District. He often reflects on how he wishes programs like JTL had existed when he was growing up. Through his hard work and dedication, JP earned a spot on the varsity lacrosse team and became a key member of the 2009 and 2010 State Championship teams, where he first met Coach Herrala. During his senior year, he started at close defense. In addition to lacrosse, JP played four years of football and wrestled at New Trier. He now resides in downtown Chicago and works in the Contingent Workforce Management field.
