Beyond the Field: Why This Trip to Cherokee Meant So Much More

Earlier this month, I took a trip up to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. On paper, it was for a sponsorship-level meeting. But in reality, that wasn’t the main reason I made the drive.

I went because two of our Georgia Swarm athletes—Lyle and Jeremy Thompson—were hosting their annual lacrosse camp in Cherokee, NC. And I knew I had to be there.

Every year, Lyle and Jeremy return to Cherokee to run a camp for youth in the community. It’s not just about teaching lacrosse it’s about giving back. It’s about honoring tradition. It’s about growing the game in the place where it all began.

This year, the camp saw over 200 kids—which is incredible. Watching them show up, gear up, and give it their all on the field was honestly the best part of the trip. The energy was contagious. There were drills, laughter, sweat, smiles, high-fives, and moments where you could literally see confidence building in real time.

Lyle and Jeremy have a way of making every kid feel seen. They don’t just coach—they connect. They tell stories, answer questions, share their culture, and show what’s possible through hard work and heart.

And while I was technically there representing the Swarm, I walked away feeling more like a witness to something really special. Of course, I still had my meeting. And yes, it’s always great to strengthen partnerships and talk about future opportunities. But what made this trip different—and what made it matter—was getting to promote and support something way bigger than just a game.

Being there reminded me of why I love working in sports. It’s not just about the wins or stats. It’s about people. Community. Culture. Legacy.

And now that I’m back, I wanted to share some of the work I created from the trip. Here’s a look at what I captured during those two unforgettable days: