Welcome to Capital Lacrosse, LLC

The Patriots field both youth and high school teams and all are led by Chris Swanenburg. A former All-Ivy League goaltender at Yale University, Swanenburg brings 20 years of NCAA college coaching experience to the Patriots. The all-time winningest coach at Division I Radford University, Swanenburg has 15 years of head coaching experience at the Division I and III levels. He is widely regarded as one of the top teachers in the sport and has helped produce college All-Americans and professional lacrosse players alike.

Over the course of his career, Swanenburg has helped take programs to their highest levels. In 1986, as a high school senior, he led Dulaney High School to the Maryland state championship. Then, as a collegiate athlete, Swanenburg was a member of three Ivy League Championship squads and led the Bulldogs to their first modern-day NCAA Tournament appearance in 1988. The 1990 team, on which he was a senior, advanced to the NCAA Division I Final Four.

Swanenburg had a similarly positive effect as a Division I coach, significantly impacting the programs at both Radford and Stony Brook. While at Stony Brook, Swanenburg helped coach the Seawolves to their first-ever NCAA Division I Tournament appearance in 2002. Under his tutelage, the team was ranked among the nation's top defensive units and recorded upset wins over the likes of UMBC and Albany. At Radford, where he held his first head coaching job, the Highlanders became one of the most improved programs in the country and recorded unlikely wins over programs such as Ohio State, Stony Brook, Lehigh and Villanova. Swanenburg also successfully developed four future professional lacrosse players, including NLL Rookie of The Year Blaine Manning and perennial NLL All-Pro Lewis Ratcliff.

In addition to his time spent at the Division I level, Swanenburg helped start two Division III programs. His first coaching position was as an assistant at Goucher College while the team underwent the transition from club to varsity status. Most recently, he founded the program at nearby Christopher Newport University. While with the Captains, Swanenburg led CNU to a winning season in only its second year of play. He also directed the team to wins over numerous established programs, including Hampton Roads' rival Virginia Wesleyan. Finally, he cemented his reputation for being an excellent in-game coach, as his young CNU squads recorded an incredible 8-2 record in one goal games.

Joining Swanenburg in leading the Patriots are some of the area's top coaches. Their combination of playing and coaching experience, coupled with a true desire to develop all players, regardless of recreational program or high school affiliation, is unrivaled in all of Hampton Roads-- and ensures that the program's mission of providing elite instruction is fulfilled. Current coaches include:

Cole Chapin: Former Patriots defenseman and graduate of York HS. Played collegiately at Shenandoah for two years before transferring to Virginia Tech, where he was a member of the Division I MCLA team. Has been coaching with the Patriots since the summer of 2023.

Tim Drumtra: Born in Bogota, Columbia, was raised in Fort Washington, MD. Played for Oxon Hill HS as a midfielder before competing for four years at Tusculum. Was also a member of the Columbian National Team that participated in the 2014 Federation of International Lacrosse World Championships in Denver, CO.

Stephen Herman: Grassfield HS and Patriots graduate. Played both attack and midfield at Lewis University outside of Chicago. After graduating, returned to the area and joined the Patriots coaching staff in the summer of 2025.

Sam Jones: Head Men's Lacrosse Coach, Virginia Wesleyan. A native of Annapolis, MD and Severna Park HS graduate. Played at the United States Naval Academy where he was named Navy's Outstanding Offensive Player three times and is one of the programs all-time leaders in points scored and caused turnovers.

Andrew Knight: A high school All-American at Menchville HS and graduate of the Patriots program. Accepted a lacrosse scholarship to play defense and longstick midfield at Lander University, where he is presently a sophomore. Helps coach Patriots teams during the summer seasons when school is not in session.

Brady Long Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach, Virginia Wesleyan. A defenseman from Mount Laurel, NJ who played scholastically at Lenape HS. Enjoyed a remarkable four-year career at Bellarmine, where he was a two-time team captain, ASUN All-Conference performer and USILA Academic All-American.

Gabe Lynch: Salem, VA native and graduate of Salem HS. Attackman who began his career at Pfeiffer University before finishing his playing days at Christopher Newport University. Has been coaching with the Patriots since the summer of 2022.

Shane McKenzie: Originally from Lothian, MD, attended Southern HS. Played attack at Mary Washington where he was one of the most dominant players in school history. Graduated as one of the school's all-time-leaders in both assists and points scored. Has been coaching with the Patriots since the summer of 2021.

Whereas some travel organizations may bring on a coach to lead the same group of boys for an indefinite period of time, Patriots players graduate through the program, playing for different coaches as they advance in age. This enables them to be exposed to different voices, personalities, coaching-styles, etc. and results in a more meaningful learning experience. That being said, In the truest form of teamwork, all Patriot coaches work together and help with multiple teams. This ensures that all players are taught the same concepts and terminology and allows for a smooth transition as players advance through the program.

Finally, in addition to receiving on-the-field coaching, all Patriots benefit from the relationships that the Patriot coaching staff has with countless college, high school and club teams across the nation. High School Patriots, in particular, benefit from Coach Swanenburg's vast knowledge of the college game and recruiting process, and his personal relationship with Division I, II and III coaches. All Patriots receive knowledgeable advice on how to best prepare for the college game and are assisted in their pursuit and selection of college options -- at no additional cost.

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