Lax2Live Lacrosse Program

Lax2Live is an award winning student athlete program for mental health and suicide awareness. Why Lacrosse? Brian Dagle loved lacrosse. He had a passion for teamwork both on and off the field. He was always checking in on his teammates and friends. But Brian neglected to check in on himself. It is our mission is to acknowledge the significant mental health challenges of student athletes by starting this conversation and encouraging the athletes to continue this conversation with their teammates, family, and friends. Sometimes it’s okay not to be okay.

More than ever, mental health and suicide prevention is a team sport.

Since the program began in 2016, we are truly honored to have received two awards for the LAX2LIVE Program from the Referee Association and most recently the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance.

If we have learned anything since Brian’s death it’s how important it is to have difficult but necessary conversations.

“The girls program at East Lyme High School has been involved with the LAX2LIVE game for many years. The conversations that have taken place concerning mental health have been invaluable for the players and coaches. For them to know that “it is okay not to be Okay” and that they have their teammates and other people talk to when they are not feeling their best has made a difference in their lives. Hundreds of players have experienced the impact of the messages through LAX2LIVE. Lacrosse is a close-knit community, and the Dagle Foundation has made it even closer by allowing players and coaches to talk about the importance of taking care of their mental health and taking care of each other.”

– Phil Schneider, East Lyme High School Lacrosse Coach

“Throughout my life, nothing has mattered more to me than mental health. Whether it be my friends, teammates, family, or my own, it’s always something I think about. I think there’s a large stigma around mental health, especially for both men and athletes. During my four years playing lacrosse at Waterford High School, I discovered the Brian Dagle Foundation. I had heard about it before when watching high school lacrosse games, but I never realized how big of an impact it actually had until I got to take part in it. During my senior year, I had the amazing opportunity to speak with Ann about what the Brian Dagle foundation really was. It hit home for me. I wore my “Lax2Live” shirt for every game I played in senior year, over my traditional long sleeve. It was more than just a foundation to me. It stood for something bigger. Being able to advocate for people with mental health issues, and show support for all of the people around me was something I took pride in. Now, as a freshman on the Colgate University Men’s Lacrosse team, it reinforces how important mental health is. Life in general is stressful, but add athletics on top and it’s going to be even harder. Ann’s message and how she has been able to support young athletes is nothing short of amazing and I have always been proud to represent the Brian Dagle Foundation and specifically the “Lax2Live” idea. I hope that the next generation of athletes see what Ann is doing, and realize that it’s okay to struggle, but it’s not okay to keep it contained. Reach out to friends and family, and make sure that people in your life are okay… mental health is always important!”

– Jake Kozlowski, former student athlete & Lax2Live participant

Ann and Paul Dagle receiving the 2023 CT Sports Media Alliance Bob Casey Courage Award

A note for athletes:

As you take the field, take a moment to recognize that on the field and in life, you are not alone. Dedicate a game to each other. Be there for your teammates at this moment, and in challenging moments that may come. Help us, at the Foundation to begin a difficult but important conversation on suicide and mental health. If you know someone who might be struggling, reach out and ask them if they need help. If you need help, it’s ok to ask for it. Be the one to make the change.

Be the one to make a difference.

Remember, talking about this subject reduces the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.

Start this difficult conversation and keep the conversation going.

Thank you again for listening and supporting the Brian Dagle Foundation. Play on… play for life.

For more info on the Brian Dagle Foundation visit the website at brianshealinghearts.org find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with the hashtag, #keeptheconversationgoing