405 Lacrosse

On any given evening, fields across Edmond and Oklahoma City might look a little different than what most would expect. Rather than shoulder pads crashing and whistles stopping and starting play, there’s continuous action, constant motion, sticks in the air, and players sprinting the full length of the field in a rhythm that feels more like fast-paced conversation than a touch-and-go game.

That’s the draw of 405 Lacrosse, a growing local program led by head coach Brandon Newman. He stepped up in November 2024, bringing 17 years of experience to expanding the game and ensuring every local athlete who wants to play has a place to do so.

“We’ve been around three or four years,” Newman said. “When I came in, the goal was to get more kids involved.” That goal is already gaining traction. “We have about four times as many kids playing this spring as we did my first fall,” he said.

Newman started playing as a freshman in Tulsa. He went on to earn all-state honors and played four years in college. Coaching was a natural progression, as he was tasked with helping younger players develop. “Even when I was playing I was always helping coach younger kids,” Newman said.

Lacrosse’s appeal is how it blends elements from other sports into something entirely its own. “You get the physicality people love from football and hockey, but with far less risk of concussions,” Newman said. “It’s a full-field, up-and-down game like basketball, with the conditioning of soccer. And there’s a finesse side to it too.”

That mix creates opportunity for athletes of all levels. “I was a late bloomer athletically,” Newman said. “Lacrosse is one of those sports where if you’re willing to work, you can find a spot on the field and be successful.”

That mindset has clearly shaped the culture at 405 Lacrosse. The program welcomes players from beginners to college athletes home for the summer. Practices range from once a week in the off-season to multiple times a week for more committed players.

And there’s no single path. Some kids try something new, while others sharpen skills for another sport or prepare for college-level play. “We have a spot for you whether it’s your first day or your 13th year,” Newman said.

For many families, the biggest impact goes beyond the field. Newman says watching kids find confidence and community stands out. “I love getting a text from a parent when their kid finally finds their fit,” he said. “They find their people, and they fall in love with the game.”

Through donated equipment and parent involvement, 405 Lacrosse is making it easier for new players to jump in without a major upfront cost.

“When I started, I was handed used equipment,” Newman said. “We’re trying to do the same thing now so more kids can have that opportunity.”

Girls lacrosse is expanding locally through Endurance Lacrosse, which recently launched its first youth in-house league. Looking ahead, Newman hopes to see lacrosse continue to grow across Oklahoma, with long-term goals of school involvement and potential OSSAA recognition.

For now, the focus is simple. Get a stick in a kid’s hand and let the game do the rest. “First, you just help them fall in love with it,” he said. “Everything else builds from there.”

Learn more or sign up for the summer season at 405lax.com.