Capital Academy
The Capital Academy is a structured development pathway designed to elevate girls' lacrosse across the DMV region. At its foundation, Bethesda Lacrosse Club (BLC) serves as the official Capital Academy Middle School Program, offering athletes in grades 6–8 exclusive access to Capital’s elite training system.
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Beyond BLC, the Capital Academy welcomes players from all clubs in the area, and partners with other key individuals within the community to ensure consistent development, growth, and long-term success for our athletes and Capital Girls Lacrosse Club (CLC).
At the top of this pathway, the Capital Academy Premier offers the most hands-on and immersive developmental opportunity in the system—an exclusive program for 8th-grade athletes to prepare them for high school competition and integration into the Capital system.
The Capital Academy Fall and Winter Clinic Series are five-week development programs open to all 7th- and 8th-grade athletes in the DMV region, regardless of club affiliation. These clinics are designed to sharpen technical skills, elevate lacrosse IQ, and prepare players for high school competition through high-repetition drills, positional instruction, and small-sided gameplay.
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Held outdoors in the fall and indoors in the winter, the series offers consistent, structured development throughout the school year. Athletes focus on applying skills in real-time, increasing speed of play, and enhancing decision-making under pressure.
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A key benefit of the clinic series is direct access to Capital Lacrosse Club (CLC) coaches and directors. Participants learn Capital’s core principles, receive guidance from top-tier instructors, and begin building relationships that support long-term growth and a clear pathway into the Capital Academy system.
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Whether you're part of BLC or another local club, these clinics offer a high-impact opportunity to train with the region’s best and take the next step in your lacrosse journey.
The Capital Academy Premier Program (CAP) is the most immersive and comprehensive developmental experience offered by Capital Lacrosse Club. Explicitly designed for 8th-grade athletes preparing for high school competition, CAP delivers elite-level training in a small-group environment focused on:
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Advanced skill development
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Positional specialization
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Lacrosse IQ and decision-making
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Performance training and mental preparation
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Individualized feedback and mentorship from Capital alumnae
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Unlike traditional team formats, CAP does not include tournament play or travel. Instead, it prioritizes a development-first model that maximizes training time through high-repetition reps, live play breakdowns, and strategic instruction. Athletes build confidence, deepen their understanding of the game, and gain early exposure to Capital’s coaching system.
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Priority registration is reserved for BLC 8th-grade players, with remaining spots filled by Capital Directors. This ensures that BLC athletes receive first access to the program and a clear, supportive pathway into high school lacrosse and the Capital system. ​​​
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REGISTRATION FOR THESE CLINICS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR CLINICS AND SHOWCASES PAGE.
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REGISTRATION IS LIMITED AND IS AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS
THIS IS AN INVITE-ONLY PROGRAM, AND PARTICIPATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE PLACEMENT ON A CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL TEAM.
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WHILE CAP IS ​ONE OF OUR DEVELOPMENT PIPELINES, IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR MAKING ONE OF OUR CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL ROSTERS.
The Capital Academy Middle School Program is delivered through Bethesda Girls Lacrosse Club (BLC), which serves as the official middle school arm of Capital Academy. Designed for athletes in grades 6–8, the program introduces players to Capital’s developmental philosophy, focusing on building strong fundamentals, enhancing lacrosse IQ, and fostering confidence as they prepare for high school-level play.
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The curriculum follows a progressive structure by grade level. Sixth graders concentrate on foundational skills and core concepts. Seventh graders begin applying those skills in dynamic, game-like scenarios. By eighth grade, players engage with more advanced techniques and a deeper understanding of tactics to support their continued growth. Across all levels, athletes benefit from consistent coaching that reflects Capital’s broader approach to long-term player development.
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While BLC is aligned with Capital Academy’s training standards, participation in this middle school program does not guarantee placement on a Capital high school team. It is one of several development opportunities available to athletes in the region, and players can pursue high school lacrosse through various pathways.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BLC AND HOW TO REGISTER FOR ONE OF THEIR TEAMS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.BETHESDALACROSSE.ORG
The Capital Baller Showcase Series provides elite recruiting opportunities for top athletes to perform in front of college coaches, with events held twice in December and once in June. These one-day showcases feature excellent player-to-coach ratios and instruction from some of the highest-level coaches in the game, ensuring athletes receive both exposure and meaningful development.
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Each event highlights both individual skill and game impact, blending structured drills with live competition so players can showcase athletic ability, lacrosse IQ, and competitiveness against strong peers. With direct access to top coaches and personalized feedback, athletes gain valuable visibility while continuing to grow their game.
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Together, the showcases serve as a pivotal step in the Capital pathway, giving players unmatched training, high-level evaluation, and the tools to advance in the recruiting process.
REGISTRATION FOR THESE CLINICS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR CLINICS AND SHOWCASES PAGE.
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REGISTRATION IS LIMITED AND IS AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS