San Antonio’s Only Independent,
Family-Run Youth Lacrosse Team.
The Armadillos are GAL's competitive travel program — real coaching, a real curriculum, and a season built around your family, not around us. Fall 2026 tryouts are Sunday, September 13.
Register for TryoutsWhy Families Choose the Armadillos
Not all lacrosse programs in San Antonio are created equal—and choosing the right one isn't just important, it's critical to making the most out of your athletes' youth sports experience.
The San Antonio Armadillos Lacrosse Club is the only locally owned and operated club team in the city—run by San Antonio families, for San Antonio families. That means every decision we make is based on what's best for our players and our community. We're not a national chain. There's no out-of-town figurehead making decisions for our families.
We are focused on developing our own—right here in San Antonio.
For more than 15 years, our leadership and coaches have helped athletes grow from youth lacrosse to top-tier college programs. We provide proven coaching, a structured development plan, and meaningful competition that prepares players to compete at the highest levels—while never losing sight of character, leadership, and teamwork.
We're also committed to being cost-effective and family-focused. We've intentionally built a program that removes unnecessary financial and logistical barriers. With convenient practice locations, smart local scheduling, and nearby travel tournaments—including Austin—we make it easier for families to participate without sacrificing quality.
Most importantly, we care about the whole athlete. We believe the best thing for young athletes is consistency—staying with the same team and coaches year after year. When players grow together, train together, and overcome challenges together, they become stronger not just individually, but as a team.
Our experienced coaching staff is passionate about developing not just great lacrosse players, but great teammates, leaders, and people. We emphasize a positive, team-first culture built on accountability, encouragement, and respect.
If you're ready for your athlete to train harder, compete smarter, and grow in a program designed specifically for this city and its families, join the Armadillos and be part of something built to last.
Real Coaching, Real Curriculum
A proven development plan built to take your athlete from where they are to where they want to be — not a group figuring it out as they go.
Clear, Constant Communication
You'll always know what's ahead. Coach Paul is easy to reach all season.
A Local, Manageable Season
Practices stay close to home and tournament travel is centered around Austin — built for families, not just the scoreboard.
Fall 2026 Season Details
Flyer & Season Calendar
Suit Up as an Armadillo
Coach Paul grew up playing lacrosse right here in San Antonio and has spent the last 15+ years giving back to the same community that raised him. He founded the Armadillos to give local families the same thing he had — real coaching, a real team, and a program built around the players.
Why Join the SA Armadillos Team
Premiere Coaching
- Decades of successful coaching experience
- Several players developed went onto play at the NCAA DIII – DI level
- Several club tournament championships won
Clear Communication
- We communicate clearly and in advance to make logistics easy on families
- For any parent concerns or issues, there is always an open line of communication between parents and coaches
Stress-Free Experience
- We offer convenient practice times, locations, and tournaments
- With rising team dues, travel costs, and commitments, some youth teams today can become overwhelming. That's why we have designed our schedule, so you can enjoy a fun, family experience!
Unbeatable Value
- We are the only locally owned and operated club team in SA, which allows us to keep our overhead costs low without compromising on quality
Team-First Culture
- Our positive, encouraging, team-first environment creates the foundation in which to build a championship winning team
- Our goal is to have strong team chemistry where all the players love being together and playing for one another
Dedicated, Elite Level Coaching
- Looking for long term development? We are happy to work with your athlete from the youth level until recruited to play at the collegiate level
- We made it to the collegiate level from SA and we can guide your athlete to do the same!
Successful Track Record
- Over the past 15+ years, our coaching staff has developed dozens of athletes — many going on to play at the collegiate level (NCAA DI–DIII)
Represent SA Against Teams from all across the Country!
- How cool would it be to team up with other local SA players and beat teams from all over the country? That's exactly what we do every Summer/Fall!
- Let's see where San Antonio stands against the competition!
Bonus!
- Fun, up-tempo practices! No standing in line and being bored with our fast-paced practice plans!
What do You Value Most in Your Youth Sports Experience?
Development vs. Exposure
When deciding between a local or national lacrosse club, it's important to focus on where your athlete currently is in their development—not just where you want them to be. National programs can provide exposure and name recognition, but those advantages only matter if your athlete is ready to compete at that level. Too often, families invest heavily in national teams only to see their child spend most of the time on the bench or miss valuable reps, limiting both development and meaningful recruiting opportunities.
A strong local club, by contrast, offers steady coaching, consistent playing time, and a more defined path for growth. These environments help athletes build confidence, refine their skills, and prepare to stand out when they're ready for broader exposure. For most players, prioritizing development first sets the foundation—exposure will follow.
Recruiting Process
It's important to understand how NCAA recruiting rules shape the timeline for your athlete. Under current NCAA guidelines, college coaches are NOT permitted to initiate contact with an athlete until September 1 of their junior year of high school. Because of this, athletes cannot officially commit to a program before that date.
How does this recruiting window affect your athlete? It means there is no real recruiting advantage on being on a top team from 1st–8th grade because college coaches cannot communicate with players or offer opportunities, so traveling to recruiting tournaments during those years does little to impact the actual recruiting process.
Instead, those early years should be fully focused on development—building fundamental skills, learning the game, gaining confidence, and developing athleticism. This is the stage where great players are made. Consistent coaching, repetition, and meaningful playing time matter far more than exposure that cannot yet be acted on.
Once athletes reach high school—particularly 9th, 10th, and 11th grade—that's when the approach should shift. These become the key years to attend recruiting tournaments, showcases, and high-level events where college coaches are actively evaluating talent and building their recruiting boards in advance of September 1.
Overall, youth and middle school years are for development, while high school years are for exposure. Athletes who invest the early years in truly improving their skills will be far better prepared to stand out when it actually matters—when college coaches are watching and able to recruit.
Questions?
Coach Paul is here to help!
726-234-3889
Paul@GreatAmericanLacrosse.com