Lacrosse has been a part of my soul for as long as I can remember. It’s not just a sport—it’s a brotherhood, a discipline, and for me, a spiritual calling. I’ve played the game since I was young, and over the years, I’ve realized how deeply it mirrors the path I’ve walked as a United States Marine. The stick in my hand may be different from the weapon I once carried, but the mindset is the same: stand tall, fight with honor, and never leave a teammate behind.
I served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. It was there that I learned what it truly means to be a warrior—not just in combat, but in life. The Corps taught me about sacrifice, unity, and resilience. It also instilled a spiritual strength in me: a sense that we are all here to serve something greater than ourselves. That same warrior spirit pulses through every ground ball I fight for, every hustle play I make, and every huddle I share with my teammates.
Returning home, I found that lacrosse gave me a new mission. Coaching, mentoring, and competing brought back the fire I knew in the military. On the field, I found camaraderie again. I found purpose. I found healing.
That’s why the Shootout for Soldiers means so much to me.
Shootout for Soldiers isn’t just a 24-hour lacrosse event. It’s a movement—a way to honor, support, and uplift our veterans through the game we love. The funds raised help provide mental health services, housing support, and job training for those who’ve worn the uniform. For warriors like me, who understand the quiet battles fought long after the battlefield, this mission is deeply personal.
Every dollar raised in this campaign helps a fellow veteran find the support they deserve. It helps a brother or sister stand a little taller. It brings the healing power of sport to those who need it most.
I’m asking you to stand with me.
Whether you’re a lacrosse player, a veteran, or simply someone who believes in honoring those who serve, your donation makes a real difference. Together, we can support our heroes. Together, we can play with purpose.
Join me. Donate. Share. Come to the field. Let’s play for those who’ve given so much—and remind them that they are never forgotten.
Semper Fi.
Dustin Theriault
