In 1991, former UMass lacrosse player Rick Anderson teamed up with his friends, Tom Cesarz and Mark Bagnall, to launch Swampscott Youth Lacrosse (SYL). Their initial roster drew middle school players from Swampscott, Nahant, and Marblehead to ensure there were enough participants. As interest grew, Tom and Rick introduced a U12 squad in SYL’s second year, appointing Tom’s brother-in-law, Tom Driscoll, as head coach. However, most new sign-ups were coming from Marblehead, which prompted a name change to Black and Blue Youth Lacrosse (BBYL)—a nod to each town’s high school colors.
After a brief hiatus, Driscoll returned in 1998 when his oldest son joined the U9 level. He remained active in BBYL, advocating for Swampscott and Nahant players to stay together on the same teams whenever possible. Driscoll enlisted Joe DeSalvo (Swampscott) and Paul Horgan and Gary Gregory (Marblehead) to help coach. This group moved through the program together, eventually earning the nickname “D-Dogs.” By 2007, as the D-Dogs reached U15, Swampscott and Nahant accounted for 20% of BBYL. With enough players to form a full roster, Driscoll successfully requested a new team made up exclusively of Swampscott and Nahant players—thus, the “Blue Wave” was born. The team’s popularity led to a U13 Blue Wave squad in 2008.
Later that same year, Driscoll and BBYL President Steve Maxwell took the next step by establishing Swampscott Nahant Youth Lacrosse (SNYL). This move aligned with the Massachusetts Bay Youth Lacrosse League (MBYLL) goal of expanding the sport. With full board support, SNYL officially launched in 2009. Tom Silva, Sean Dignan, Steve Cormier, Bob Baldwin, Chuck Popele, Melissa Kennedy, Sean and Luz Quirk, and Mahlon Bradley joined Driscoll to found the SNYL “Big Blue” program. In its first season, SNYL fielded teams at U9, U11, U13, and U15 for players from Swampscott and Nahant.
Article April 2010
By fall of 2013, the Blue Wave had made its comeback at the U13 level, practicing weekly and competing in two fall tournaments—further proof of lacrosse’s year-round appeal in the community.
Tradition
SNYL is dedicated to teaching, honoring, and preserving the rich traditions and culture of lacrosse. Our vision is to involve people in the game so they truly appreciate its heritage.
"Tell me and I'll forget
Show me and I may not remember
Involve me and I will understand" – Native American proverb
We believe lacrosse is far more than a sport—it’s about integrity, honor, respect, and character. A true lacrosse player respects everyone involved—teammates, opponents, referees, coaches, and fans—and strives never to let teammates down. We encourage a tradition that recognizes heart and hustle, celebrates perseverance, and values teamwork—whether on the field or on the bench. We challenge our players to do what’s right in both public and private, always respecting and honoring lacrosse to the best of their ability.
While we are an established league, many of our traditions are still evolving. Our goal is to deepen the personal connection among players, coaches, parents, and fans, helping them embrace the sport’s roots and what it offers in life—commitment, competition, connection, and community.
By preserving and promoting the culture of lacrosse, we believe we will create future advocates who seek to become better players, stronger leaders, and tomorrow’s teachers.
