CLA Expands with Acquisition of Carolina Miners, Unveils New Programming Structure for 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2024
Carolina Lacrosse Association Expands with Acquisition of Carolina Miners, Unveils New Programming Structure for 2024
Charlotte, NC — The Carolina Lacrosse Association (CLA), a premier provider of lacrosse programming in the Carolinas since 2001, is proud to announce the acquisition of the Carolina Miners, a well-established lacrosse program known for its legacy in player development and community impact. This acquisition will significantly expand CLA’s reach, offering enhanced opportunities for boys and girls lacrosse players across North and South Carolina.
The acquisition is a major step forward in CLA’s commitment to providing the highest level of lacrosse training, development, and competition, while maintaining the distinct identity of the Carolina Miners. Both organizations will now offer localized programming and a unified lacrosse experience for families and athletes.
“Our goal has always been to provide the best environment for young players to grow and develop, and by joining forces with CLA, we’re confident this will only get stronger. CLA's track record for success and commitment to coaching excellence aligns perfectly with what we’ve built at the Miners. We look forward to working together to create even more opportunities for the lacrosse community.” — Mike Habel, Co-Founder of Carolina Miners
New Programming Structure: CLA North and CLA Charlotte
With the acquisition of the Miners, CLA is dividing its operations into two main regions to better serve athletes across the Carolinas:
CLA North will cover areas north of Charlotte, including Huntersville, Concord, Denver, and surrounding communities.
CLA Charlotte will serve the greater Charlotte area, including Matthews, Pineville, and neighboring regions.
Both regions will offer the following comprehensive Boys and Girls Programming:
Travel Teams for competitive play
Training Programs for skill development
Leagues for structured competition
Special Events such as camps and showcases
Boys Programming Overview
CLA North:
The Carolina Miners Boys Travel Teams will continue under the leadership of Mike Habel, Chris McCartan and Alex Habel. After the summer 2025 season, both Mike and Chris will transition into advisory roles, ensuring that the Miners’ legacy continues to thrive under CLA's direction. CLA will immediately look to enhance current operations which will be outlined later this week.
“I’m beyond excited for the Miners to be joining CLA. For years, they’ve been a staple in the Charlotte lacrosse scene. Not only are the Miners players and coaches talented, but they’re incredibly hardworking, and they embody the values we cherish at CLA. We’ve had many competitive battles with the Miners over the years, which have made both clubs stronger. I believe this partnership will be a case of ‘iron sharpening iron,’ and I’m looking forward to working closely with both the boys' and girls' programs to create more opportunities for our players,” said Matt Day, VP of Operations at CLA and Director of Team Carolina.
CLA Charlotte:
Team Carolina will continue to lead boys' programming in the Charlotte area, maintaining high-level competition and development for boys across the region.
Unified Opportunities for Boys
Athletes from CLA North and CLA Charlotte will have opportunities to unite under the Southern Stars All-Star Program, providing access to elite-level tournaments. The most skilled players will have the chance to compete under Sweetlax Carolina, a prestigious program known for providing unparalleled exposure to college scouts and recruiters.
“This partnership with CLA opens up new possibilities for our players and families. We’re proud of the legacy we’ve built with the Miners and are excited about the additional resources and support that CLA brings to the table. This is a great step forward for lacrosse in the Carolinas.”— Chris McCartan, Co-Founder of Carolina Miners
Girls Programming Overview
CLA North:
The Carolina Miners Girls Travel Teams will rebrand as Style Select North (SSN) at the conclusion of their current season. Led by Kylie Lode and the current staff, Style Select North will provide localized training, with top players able to compete on Charlotte Style Elite Teams for higher level exposure.
“I am very excited that we will be joining forces and rebranding as Style Select North. With CLA, we will be able to offer even more training, competition, and recruiting opportunities that we didn’t have before. This will allow girls in our area to continue to grow on and off the field and reach their full potential. We’re excited to bring this new program to life under the CLA umbrella.” - Kylie Lode, Director of Style Select North.
CLA Charlotte:
Charlotte Style will continue as the premier girls' lacrosse program in the region, offering both Select and Elite Teams for all skill levels.
“We’ve always focused on growth—on and off the field,” said Nicole Donoghue, Director of Style Lacrosse. “The addition of Style Select North allows us to expand our reach, while maintaining the same high standards of training and player development.”
“This expansion is about creating new opportunities for athletes at all stages,” added Olivia Miles, Director of Style Lacrosse. “By working together as a unified program, we can offer even more for the girls in our community.”
Unified Opportunities for Girls
Similar to the boys' programs, top girls from CLA North and CLA Charlotte will be eligible to compete under the Southern Stars All-Star Teams, giving them access to top-tier national tournaments and events.
A Vision for Localized Development and Reducing Travel
At the heart of this acquisition is CLA’s vision for high-level, localized training for athletes across the Carolinas. By strengthening local programs, CLA aims to reduce travel time for families and make top-notch coaching and competition more accessible to all.
“We’ve always believed that a family’s lacrosse experience should be about growth and competition, not hours spent in the car,” said Ricky Reyes, Owner and President of CLA. “This partnership allows us to expand our footprint while maintaining the community-focused environment both organizations value.”
“By keeping the identities of the Carolina Miners and Team Carolina intact, and rebranding the girls' programs to Style Select North, we’re building a framework where athletes can grow and thrive locally,” continued Reyes. “We’re excited to work with Mike, Chris, Alex and Kylie to make this vision a reality.”
Next Steps
More detailed information about each specific program will be rolled out this week specifically centered around what's to come for both Carolina Miners Boys and Style Select North Girls as well as the future pathways for all players/
For questions or inquiries, contact us via email:
General Program Inquiries:
Girls North and Charlotte Programs: girls@clalax.com
Boys North Programs: north@clalax.com
Boys Charlotte Programs: charlotte@clalax.com
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About Carolina Lacrosse Association (CLA):
Since 2001, CLA has provided premier lacrosse programming in the Carolinas. Offering development for athletes of all levels, CLA’s mission is to provide the best coaching and competition across the region.
About Carolina Miners:
The Carolina Miners is a longstanding lacrosse program known for its commitment to developing skilled, well-rounded athletes. With a focus on fundamentals and character, the Miners have built a strong legacy in the lacrosse community.