Based in Howard County, Maryland, the organization evolved from Hero's, Inc. to establish Hero's Tournament Lacrosse Club in December 2000, drawing players from across the Baltimore-metropolitan area. The club highlights key milestones in its history, noting that Kristin Waagbo became its first player commit in 2003 before later serving as head coach at Virginia Tech. Club leadership includes founder PJ Kesmodel serving as Board Member Emeritus, Jim Zalucki as Treasurer, Kathy Black, Fred Kawa, and Alex Pagnotta as Board Directors, and Brent Flynn as Board Member.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US
Why families choose this club
Top national ranking
The program was evaluated as a top-5 ranked team in 2026 by US Club Lax, holding a girls #3 ranking.
Prior top ranking
According to the club, it was recognized as the #1 girls club lacrosse program in the nation by U.S. Club Lacrosse in January 2024.
College placement history
Hero's reports 100+ D1 commits, having reached its 100th total college commit by 2007.
Collegiate coaching staff
The club states that its teams are instructed by both former and current collegiate players.
Dedicated recruiting support
Families receive recruiting guidance from designated Recruiting ConsultantsTierney Ahearn and Alex Pagnotta.
Family-oriented culture
The club describes itself as a family, not an organization, emphasizing fun alongside hard work and dedication.
PROGRAMS
Programs
Hero's Lacrosse fields teams structured by graduation year from 2027 through 2036, typically organizing players into Green and White rosters. A Developmental Program operates alongside tournament teams, reflecting the club's focus on tournament lacrosse for girls as an essential pathway for college recruitment.
TUITION
Cost to play
Families may pay player fees in full for the year or choose an automatic payment plan divided into two equal installments spaced six months apart [1.1.5].The club has provided a 10% early-bird discount for members completing registration before August 31.
COACHING
Coaching
Team coaching model
Teams across graduation years 2027 through 2036 are coached by former and current collegiate players, staffed with a Head Coach and Assistant Coach for each Green and White roster.
Developmental director
Board MemberSarah McWilliams serves as Developmental Program Director as well as a 2035 Green Assistant Coach.
Program director
Organization DirectorTierney Ahearn oversees club administration, managing both Hero's of Howard County and HTLC programs.
PJ Kesmodel
Board Member Emeritus
Founded Hero's, Inc. of Howard County; serves as emeritus on both boards.
Tierney Ahearn
Organization Director
Runs both Hero's of Howard County and HTLC programs; also a Recruiting Consultant.
Alex Pagnotta
Board Director
Also serves as a Recruiting Consultant for the club.
Kathy Black
Board Director
Sarah McWilliams
Board Member
Also serves as Developmental Program Director and a 2035 Green Assistant Coach.
Brent Flynn
Board Member
Fred Kawa
Board Director
Jim Zalucki
Treasurer
CLUB HISTORY MILESTONES
Club History Milestones
Hero's Lax highlights key milestones: founded in 2000; Kristin Waagbo became its first player commit in 2003 (later Virginia Tech head coach); reached 100 total college commits by 2007; ranked #1 in the U.S. in January 2024 by U.S. Club Lacrosse.
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