Larry Underwood has been added to the 2025 Coaching staff

We are delighted to announce that Coach Larry Underwood has been added to the 2025 Australian Junior Box team, which will compete at the 2025 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Lacrosse has been a lifelong passion for Larry. As a kid, it was his escape for 60 minutes—a chance to be part of a team and to forge lasting bonds with his grandfather, schoolmates, brother, and nephew. His grandfather was a season ticket holder for the Victoria Payless, now known as the Shamrocks, and he would take the grandkids to watch games at Memorial Arena. Those nights remain some of his fondest memories—cheering for the Salmonbellies, Adanacs, Lakers, and island rivals like the Timbermen, alongside his brother and cousins.

Despite life pulling him away from the game at times, Larry always found his way back. He played from mini-tyke to bantam, and as a young teen, he joined the Esquimalt Legion. Through lacrosse, he built friendships that have lasted over 45 years. His best friend since kindergarten was a goalie, and they still stay in touch.

As an adult, he believed his playing days were over—until coaching entered his life. While living on the Pauquachin First Nation, his late neighbour Janice Henry asked if he’d consider coaching. That marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that continues to this day. He brought his brother onto the bench with him. Initially hesitant, his brother soon found his rhythm. Their coaching styles complemented each other, and together they helped players develop skills, form bonds, and most importantly, have fun. After winning several Island championships at various levels, their team became the team to beat. Players they once coached still call them "Coach." Coaching also strengthened his bond with his brother—especially meaningful since they lost their mother at a young age, it brought them even closer.

One of the greatest gifts lacrosse has given him was the opportunity to finally play together at the North American Indigenous Games. His brother was pulled up from junior to senior level, and they won bronze. They have also played together in recreational leagues in Victoria—something their age difference rarely allowed earlier in life. Although he didn’t grow up playing field lacrosse, he came to love it for different reasons—particularly defence. That long stick gave him the reach and range to be a real threat on the field.

After years of coaching box and youth field lacrosse, he eventually expanded into coaching women’s box lacrosse. Then COVID-19 struck, and everything slowed down. He wasn’t sure if he’d coach again.

However, his nephew Eli asked if he’d help coach his team with his dad, and he gladly said yes.

That decision ultimately led him to Australia’s lacrosse community. In February 2025, Larry joined the ABL All-Star Team competing for the Commonwealth Cup alongside his brother Dano and Wade Hammond.

He continued his coaching journey with Queensland in the Australian Senior Box Nationals, once again working with his brother Dano. The players enjoy working with Larry, and now, the band is headed back to Kingston, Ontario, with Larry and Wade to represent Australia at the World Championships.

In all his years of playing and coaching, Larry never imagined lacrosse would take him as far as it has. It has given him a sense of belonging and purpose—something he treasures deeply. The Australian lacrosse community welcomed him, his brother, and his nephew with open arms. Lacrosse has a powerful way of making people feel like they belong—like they matter, no matter the size of their role.

Even now, lacrosse remains a place where Larry can be himself, contribute, and connect. For that, he is truly grateful.