Our Mission
Family. School. Lacrosse.
At Woodward Bears Lacrosse, our mission is to cultivate a community where the values of family, academic excellence, and the spirit of lacrosse intertwine to shape well-rounded individuals on and off the field. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment where both aspiring and elite athletes can thrive, fostering a sense of belonging, respect, and teamwork.
​
Through comprehensive training programs, we aim to develop the skills and character of our players, instilling a deep-rooted appreciation for the game of lacrosse while emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and personal growth.
With a commitment to integrity, sportsmanship, and inclusivity, we strive to empower our athletes to excel not only in lacrosse but also in their academic pursuits and within their communities. Together, we build champions—both on the field and in life.
Our team
pAUL BANICKI
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Lacrosse has many meanings and names, one of my favorites is 'The Healing Game", it has changed my life and I love watching the positive impacts it has made upon the lives of our players. Humbly, I am honored to share my passion of the game with our student-athletes.
Experience:
Woodward Bears Lacrosse Founder/Head Coach
Waterford United Varsity Coach
Grand Blanc High School Varsity Coach
Flint Powers Catholic Varsity Coach
Michigan Select East Summer Team Assistant Varsity Coach- Undefeated
U12 Team Michigan Head Coach @ UMASS
Great Lakes Lacrosse Club Founder/President/Captain MWLC
2002 Grosse Pointe South Assistant Coach
1996 Grosse Pointe Neighborhood Club Lacrosse Founder
1999-2001 Grosse Pointe Academy Lacrosse Founder/Head Coach
1996-2002 Grosse Pointe Middle School Lacrosse Founder/Head Coach
NOLS Alumi:
-Summitted Devils Tower, WY. Multi-pitch rock climbing Needles, SD. Avalanche rescue Obsurqua Mountains, WY. 6-day fast Grand Staircase-Escalante, UT. Wilderness First Responder Wind River Range, WY.
Class of 1997 D2 Grosse Pointe South Ranked #3 Semifinalist Captain
1996 Johns Hopkins University Summer Lacrosse Camp
1995 Arizona State University Winter Lacrosse Camp
1995 Johns Hopkins University Summer Lacrosse Camp
1994 Johns Hopkins University Summer Lacrosse Camp
1994 University of Notre Dame Summer Lacrosse Camp
1993 Summitted Mt. Rainier, WA - 14,411 Elevation
1993 MVP (8th Grade) The Grosse Pointe Academy, Trek & Field
-First place in every event (18 First Places), 6+ competitions: 100 m hurdle, 100 m sprint, and shot put.
Certifications:
Positive Coaching Alliance | US Lacrosse Philadelphia Clinic
NOLS | National Outdoor Leadership School Alumni
Small Business Owner
kELSY hOEMKE
GIRLS HEAD COACH
Assisted in forming and coaching the first middle school girls' program in Royal Oak and Berkley, with the Woodward Bears. I am now going onto my 4th season as the Bears Head Girls Coach.
Experience:
GVSU Women's Lacrosse; name WCLA All-American Junior and Senior season. Served as a club treasurer and president. Senior season the team finished in the 7th place throughout the league.
​
Captain and founding member of Royal Oak High School Girls Lacrosse program, 2015.
​
Kelsy works in the field of recreation as a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist and understands how sports and recreational activities create a better quality of life.
Certifications:
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist (CTRS)
CPR