Junior-A Lakers hire Trent star as defensive coach
The Peterborough Merit Precision junior-A Lakers have added Trent Excalibur standout Curtis Conley as their new defensive coach.
Hailing from Ottawa, Conley brings a wealth of experience having played his minor lacrosse with the Nepean Knights and his junior lacrosse with the Gloucester Griffins junior-B and Toronto Beaches junior-A teams.
During his time with the Excalibur, he was a four-time Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) Defensive Player of the Year, a four-time CUFLA allCanadian, and a member of the school’s only Baggataway Cup-winning team. Last week, Conley was named Trent’s first Athlete of the Year.
Conley has also played in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) with the Albany FireWolves and the New York Riptide. He currently plays for the Arena Lacrosse League’s Whitby Steelhawks.
With the Lakers, Conley replaces Jake Withers, who has stepped away for family and work commitments.
“Curtis brings a wealth of knowledge,” stated junior-A Lakers head coach Robert Hope in a press release. “He has went through the many different levels of lacrosse from junior to pro and knows what it takes to make it to the next level. He has a passion for teaching and coaching. He understands the game and has a great energy that he will bring each day to the rink.”
“When coach Hope reached out to me,” stated Conley, “I was extremely humbled and grateful. I am excited to pass on the knowledge that I have gained through my junior and NLL experiences to provide our family with the best chance to succeed at the end of August.
“With some of the best lacrosse minds in the game on the bench, I am looking to bring whatever I can to this group to help make us successful.”
Conley joins assistant coaches Turner Evans, Taylor Evans and Jeff Ralph. The Lakers’ 2024 season kicks off May 24 at the Memorial Centre against the Six Nations Arrows.
“Last year was a very frustrating year for our organization,” said Hope. “Top to bottom, we didn’t do enough to be successful. We learned a lot .”