Just because you’re not listed on the active roster doesn’t mean you’re not actively involved.

Who we are

We are a group of SOU Lacrosse alumni’s that want to ensure that the amazing experience we had only gets better and is more readily available for the next round of recruits. We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that is comprised of a President; Kyle Chrisman, Treasurer; JT Rogers, Secretary; Patrick Verdun and at large members. While we are not exclusive to alumni’s, we want to make sure that we are operating in the best interest of our mission and be an available resource to current club officers and members. Some of us can remember when we used a 7’x4’ event table for a goalie. To see how far the program has come since those days was once unimaginable. Now we want to see the entire Rogue Valley region enjoying the game of lacrosse.

Mark Brown- Executive Director

Coach Brown has been a part of lacrosse in the Rogue Valley since its inception. Now as the Executive Director of Old Souls he is the point man for establishing the game in areas beyond just the SOU campus. Mark will be traveling throughout the Rogue Valley teaching and presenting the game of lacrosse to kids of all levels and abilities. If you would like to connect with Mark and have him visit your school or event please just drop us a note.

Some of Coach Brown’s Notable Accomplishments Include:

• 4x PNCLL Coach of the Year

• 2016 PNCLL Champions

• Since 2004 Coach Brown has coached; 5 Defensive Players of the Year, 11 All Americans and over 30 All League Selections

Why we are doing it

Each year at the Alumni Game the level of camaraderie and fellowship seems to deepen. No one is forced to be there, yet the turnout is always great. Simply put, there is something special here within our SOUL family. The energy is contagious and overwhelmingly positive. Having that much positive energy must be harnessed and utilized in a good way. As the game of lacrosse has grown across the state, the game has yet to take off in the Rogue Valley. As alumni, we also recognize that the challenges of collegiate club sports are mounting and can prevent teams from focusing on what matters most: academic integrity and 100% effort on the field. Old Souls was born out of our passion and support for the program and raise the bar on what can be achieved while also increasing access and cultivating opportunities for play in Southern Oregon.

What we are trying to do is work with the current club officers and players and pass on what we have learned both during our time at SOU and after. With many of our alumni’s coaching and working in the game of lacrosse after leaving Ashland it would make sense that we put that to use to help grow the game in Southern Oregon. Combining these two goals makes sense in that the more intrest there is in lacrosse, the more opportunities that exist for the SOU Lacrosse club and its members. The choice was simple, lead or follow, and the Old Souls are here to help lead the way.

Specific goals in the short term include:

• Create On Campus Memorial for Scott Charleson- Scott had an enormous impact on the program in the early years and the Alumni base feels strongly about honoring his legacy. You can read more about Scott’s impact HERE.

• Support Coaching Staff- Supporting Coaches is key to growing the game. Lucky for us, we have Mark Brown at the helm to not only teach the game to future players but to future coaches as well. We want to make sure he has the necessary tools to succeed.

• Establish events that promote lacrosse in the Rogue Valley- Providing camps, clinics, leagues and other events in the Rogue Valley is critical to growing the game. Helping to establish relationships, and devise plans that are achievable for successful participation is key to supporting growth. Old Souls can and will help in securing resources, increasing access and awareness to the game and administering programs.

• Mentoring and Support- We aim to support and be a resource for the current SOU Lacrosse club officers and players when needed. We may draw from our professional experiences and connections to help the student athletes stay focused in the classroom and on the field while also providing guidance and support when necessary.

How we will do it

The same way we have always done it, with good people doing hard work the right way for the right reasons. We will be an outlet for the current club officers to seek support and guidance in the challenges and opportunities that arise. But we cannot do this alone. We need the support of people like you. We believe good people combined with good ideas and determination can make great things happen. Maybe you know someone who played lacrosse at SOU and are reading this because they asked. Maybe you have no affiliation whatsoever and were researching nursing homes for your aging parents. Whatever the reason, we appreciate you taking the time to learn about something that we see as vital to the Rogue Valley and the SOU experience. Whatever you can spare helps us keep this little slice of utopia alive and spread our passion. Please help us to pay it forward and continue to make an impact on and off the field.