Today we’d like to introduce you to Dayton Gilbreath
Hi Dayton, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey with lacrosse started back in Washington, where I played at Bainbridge Island High School from 2005 to 2008, serving as Team Captain and earning the honor of Washington State All-American. After graduating in 2008, I joined the Air Force Academy (Division I), where I played all four years and was named Team Captain in 2012. During my time there, I earned 1st Team All League honors each year and was recognized as the league’s rookie of the year in 2009. Every summer, I returned home to Washington to run position-specific clinics, working with up to 100 high school players to help them prepare for the recruiting process.
After graduation, my first duty station was Okinawa Japan. My passion for growing the sport encouraged me to establish a lacrosse league for youth. After three years, the league included more than 200 US and Japanese lacrosse players. My Air Force journey continued to Los Angeles when I joined the Santa Monica Dragons in 2016 as a coach and later moved on to help build the Palisades Lacrosse Club.
In 2018, I launched the Palisades Breakers program, and in 2023, I started the Torrance Titans. My focus has always been on making lacrosse accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience. My programs don’t require tryouts, and we aim to reduce barriers to play by offering scholarships and starting programs in local areas to cut down on travel. I believe that team sports like lacrosse teach kids essential life skills – it’s a game that requires every player to contribute for the team to succeed. That’s why I’m committed to developing new players and introducing them to this incredible sport.
My future goals include expanding my current programs but also starting new programs in areas that don’t have lacrosse locally. Continuing my mission of making lacrosse a sport for all. I believe that every kid deserves the chance to experience the benefits of being part of a team, and I’m excited to keep expanding opportunities for young players across Southern California.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing is ever smooth when you first start, and building successful youth lacrosse programs has been no different. At first glance, it seems simple to get kids playing a sport, but there are so many elements involved in making it work. To ensure the success of a program, you have to juggle multiple factors, including securing field space, recruiting kids, engaging parents, ensuring quality competition, managing finances, finding dedicated coaches, and navigating youth sports politics. It’s a constant balancing act.
Every location presents its own unique challenges. For example, in some areas, finding affordable and consistent field space is a major hurdle, while in others, getting parents to commit to something new can be the biggest challenge. Financial barriers also come into play, as lacrosse gear can be expensive, and not every family can afford it, which is why offering scholarships has been a crucial part of our mission. Then there’s the need to build a competitive environment that not only challenges the players but also keeps them motivated and excited to improve.
Despite these struggles, it’s been rewarding to see the programs grow and make a positive impact in each community. I’ve learned that persistence, adaptability, and a genuine passion for developing young athletes are key to overcoming these obstacles.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Laxpoint?
Our organization, Laxpoint, serves as the umbrella for both the Palisades Breakers and Torrance Titans. We are dedicated to growing the game of lacrosse and making it accessible to as many young athletes as possible. What sets us apart is our exceptional coaching staff. All of our coaches are professionals who have played at the highest levels of lacrosse. This not only brings a high level of expertise but also ensures that our young athletes have strong role models to look up to. We believe it’s crucial for kids to learn from those who have experienced the game at its peak, as it fosters not just skill development but also values like teamwork, dedication, and resilience.
Another key differentiator is our strong emphasis on organization and clear communication with parents. We understand that youth sports can be demanding, and by keeping parents informed, we make it easier for them to get their kids to practices and games, ensuring that players can fully participate and develop.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of being known for our commitment to player development and inclusivity. We’re not just focused on creating great lacrosse players; we’re focused on building confident, well-rounded individuals. We offer programs that cater to players of all skill levels and are committed to reducing barriers to entry by providing scholarships and ensuring that everyone who wants to play has an opportunity to do so.
For readers, it’s important to know that Laxpoint isn’t just about lacrosse—it’s about building a community where every player feels valued and supported. Whether a child is picking up a lacrosse stick for the first time or is looking to compete at a higher level, we provide the environment, coaching, and opportunities they need to succeed.
What’s next?
Our primary focus for the future is to expand lacrosse programs into areas that currently don’t have access to the sport. We’re committed to finding ways to reduce barriers to play, as we believe lacrosse should be accessible to everyone. Two of the biggest challenges we face in Los Angeles are securing field space and managing the cost of playing. We’re actively seeking solutions to address these issues, whether it’s through partnerships, grants, or community outreach, to ensure that more kids can experience the game.
Another significant aspect of our future plans is offering assistance and mentoring to smaller, established programs to help them grow and thrive. We’re currently working with the El Segundo Eagles and Westchester Lions, providing guidance and support to aid their development. Our goal is to create a network of strong, sustainable programs that can collaborate, share resources, and contribute to the overall growth of youth lacrosse in the region.
We’re excited about the potential to not only introduce lacrosse to new communities but also to strengthen existing ones, making the sport more inclusive and accessible for all.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.torrancetitans.com and www.palisadeslacrosse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrance_lacrosse/ and https://www.instagram.com/palisades_lacrosse/
Image Credits
Marissa Janelle Photography
