Based in Palo Alto, California, Team NorCal Lacrosse is a US Club Lax–ranked youth lacrosse club established by founder Bill Glazier. The club describes itself as the first, and now the largest and oldest, travel lacrosse team in Northern California, building confident, disciplined, team-oriented players year-round. Its stated philosophy embraces lacrosse as the 'Medicine Game' to heal, nurture, and welcome athletes, operating under the motto 'Experienced. Passionate. Committed.' Across its programs, the organization focuses on developing fundamentals, building confidence, and inspiring a lifelong passion for the game while developing athletes from beginner to elite. Club administration can be reached via email at admin@teamnorcal.com.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US
Why families choose this club
Long-running regional program
The club notes that it was founded in 2008 and is the largest and oldest travel lacrosse team in Northern California.
College recruiting support
According to the club, it provides guidance and exposure for players aiming to compete at the collegiate level, including navigating recruiting.
Year-round competition
Teams practice year-round and enter local and national tournaments, including recruiting tournaments for HS Elite and recruiting-age teams.
Educator coaches
The organization states that over half of its coaches are professionally trained educators.
Full development pathway
Offerings span Camps, Fall Ball, Summer Ball, and Travel Teams to provide a complete pathway from beginner to elite.
PROGRAMS
Programs
Program offerings feature camps for all levels from beginner to advanced alongside competitive year-round teams for boys and girls, with training held in Palo Alto. The club organizes travel teams across age brackets designated as Y/MS, 12U/10U, 14U, HS. Seasonal programming includes Fall Ball leagues and skill development for all levels, alongside Summer Camps, Summer Ball for HS players, and tournament play. Travel squads practice year-round, generally Sundays during the school year and weekday afternoons in June/July, with HS teams playing 4-5 tournaments in summer and fall/winter, 14U teams playing 3-4 per season, and 12U/10U squads competing in about 3 each. Evaluations occur across the year, with travel team tryouts held April/May as well as the end of January, while travel team practices continue through winter.
FallFall Ball leagues and skill development for all levels
WinterTravel team practices continue; tryouts held end of January
SpringTravel team tryouts held April/May
SummerSummer Camps, Summer Ball for HS players, and tournament play
Primary training locations: Palo Alto
TUITION
Cost to play
The club directs families to a 'Refund Policies and Scholarship Info' resource page, though no dollar amounts are listed on the provided pages.
Founder Bill Glazier established Team NorCal in 2008 after playing at Harvard and coaching at Palo Alto High School, leading the club until passing leadership to Colleen in 2023.
Program directors
Executive Director Colleen Niklaus also serves as Director of Girls Programs, while Ryan Bolaños serves as Director of Boys Programs.
Boys program director
Director of Boys Programs Ryan Bolaños works in education in the Campbell School District and was named CCS Coach of the Year and USA Lacrosse Coach of the Year for Spring 2025.
Coaching staff structure
The club notes its leadership structure is supported by multiple named Program Coaches for both the girls and boys sides, featuring Program Coach Annie Thompson, as well as Kate McAfee, Christina Sabin Tovrea, Breda Holland, and Brent Tovrea.
Bill Glazier
Founder, Team NorCal Lacrosse
Founded the club in 2008; played at Harvard, coached at Palo Alto High School, and led Team NorCal until passing leadership to Colleen in 2023.
Colleen Niklaus
Executive Director; Director of Girls Programs
Ryan Bolaños
Director of Boys Programs
Works in education in the Campbell School District; named CCS Coach of the Year and USA Lacrosse Coach of the Year for Spring 2025.
Annie Thompson
Program Coach
Kate McAfee
Program Coach
Christina Sabin Tovrea
Program Coach
Breda Holland
Program Coach
Brent Tovrea
Program Coach
THE MEDICINE GAME
The Medicine Game
The club describes lacrosse as the 'Medicine Game,' stating it heals, nurtures, and welcomes, and that Team NorCal works to develop leaders and respectful, hard-working young athletes as part of grass-roots lacrosse in Northern California.
RUN THIS CLUB?
Claim Team Norcal
Confirm or correct what's here, add what's missing, and connect your TeamSnap — free, and it's how families know this profile is really from you.