#United States #The St. James #Spencer Ford #Lacrosse #Springfield, Virginia

Spencer Ford Takes Charge at The St. James Academy

The lacrosse landscape is set for a transformation as Spencer Ford steps into the role of Director of Lacrosse at The St. James Academy. Renowned for his dynamic coaching and extensive experience as a former professional player, Ford is poised to elevate the institution's lacrosse programs, including its Boys Grassroots and Club initiatives. With nearly twenty years of experience in professional lacrosse, Ford's leadership promises to inspire a new generation of athletes.

Having recently served as General Manager of the Carolina Chaos, a competitor in the Premier Lacrosse League, Ford brings with him a wealth of experience from his tenure in Major League Lacrosse (MLL). His remarkable journey includes a significant stint as General Manager of the Chesapeake Bayhawks, where he brilliantly led the team to three championships in just six seasons. Furthermore, he has played pivotal roles in various coaching and front-office positions, notably with the Philadelphia Barrage and the Atlanta Blaze, showcasing his capability to build competitive teams across the league.

Not only is Spencer Ford a respected leader off the field, but he also made his mark as a player. During his eight seasons as an attackman in MLL, he competed for teams like Los Angeles, Long Island, Rochester, and later, the Chesapeake Bayhawks. His accolades include being a three-time MLL All-Star and leading the league in assists.

Elyse Graziano, The St. James' Chief Sports Officer, expressed her enthusiasm regarding Ford's appointment. She stated, "Spencer Ford's impact on the game is undeniable. His experience as a player, coach, and executive makes him uniquely qualified to develop the next generation of lacrosse talent. Under his leadership, our lacrosse program will provide elite training, competition, and a direct path for athletes to reach the collegiate and professional levels."

At The St. James, Ford's leadership will focus on comprehensive player development, encompassing every stage of learning and growth. Key program highlights will include:

• - Elite coaching and training services for various positions, blending team coaching with personalized instruction.
• - Strength, conditioning, and agility programs designed to amplify athletic performance.
• - Specialized camps and programs available year-round to enhance skills and foster growth among aspiring players.
• - Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including an indoor turf field, advanced locker rooms, and spectator accommodations.
• - A focus on player recovery, featuring advanced services like cryotherapy, cold plunge, and compression therapy at the Courted spa.
• - Nutritional support, providing tailored meal plans and supplement guidance with Vim Victor's expertise.

One of the most significant aspects of Ford's approach is establishing a clear trajectory for players aiming to reach collegiate and professional levels. His mentorship and the resources available will create pathways that empower athletes to succeed for years to come.

"I am honored to join The St. James and help build a world-class lacrosse program," Ford remarked. He further expressed his commitment by stating, "Lacrosse has given me so much, and I'm passionate about developing young athletes who aspire to play at the next level. We're going to create an environment that fosters excellence, both on and off the field."

Alongside Ford, The St. James has recently appointed a diverse team of Academy coaches, including Stephy Samaras as the Director of Girls Academy Lacrosse, alongside Tamika Dudley (Girls Basketball), Maurice Hutton (Track & Field), Josh Taylor (Squash), Darryl Overton (Football), and Steve Bumbry (Baseball).

With applications already open for the 2025–2026 academic year, prospective students are encouraged to visit www.thestjames.com/academy to learn more about the opportunities available. An Open House Evaluation Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and applications are due by March 31.

For additional updates, follow The St. James on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @thestjames. The St. James remains dedicated to providing elite athletes with unparalleled training and coaching across various sports disciplines, with facilities tailored for high-level athletic development.