Springtime at Deloitte is tax time. But for senior tax manager Dana Story ’96, ’99 MST, it’s also lax time: the start of another lacrosse season for urban youth in Boston.
Story is in his fourth season volunteering as a coach for MetroLacrosse, which serves 500 boys and girls in eight urban communities. Fielding 30 teams for students in grades five to 12, the program applies the RESPECT model of character education (responsibility, effort, sportsmanship, participation, enthusiasm, communication, teamwork).
“To teach someone lacrosse and see them appreciate it – that’s a wonderful thing,” says Story, a former Bentley midfielder who started his own lacrosse career at St. Sebastian’s School in Needham. “This was a great opportunity to give back to the community through a game I love.”
During weekly games and practices, MetroLacrosse coaches teach themes from the RESPECT model. For instance, Story has addressed the topic of responsibility and what it means for his players: arriving on time, bringing their equipment, and helping teammates on the field. The team then reviews successes of the day and identifies areas for improvement, along with discussing other ways to be responsible (e.g., doing homework, participating in class).
“I stress to the kids that this isn’t just a game,” explains Story, whose players hail from Mattapan and Hyde Park. “When you take these skills and use them off the field, they create opportunity. You can be successful.”
One shining example is a player whose history of disciplinary problems made expulsion from the team seem likely. But Story recognized that MetroLacrosse might be one of the few positive influences in the young man’s life.
After a season of guidance, the player rebounded to become part of the MetroLacrosse Scholastic Placement Program. Selected athletes gain an opportunity for placement in private school, along with guidance for transitioning to Boston public high schools.
“He listened to the life lessons and character education that we put into the program,” Story says with obvious pride. “It really works.”
Story isn’t the only Falcon on the MetroLacrosse sideline; fellow coaches include Eric Hiatt ’97, Matt Ehrlich ’98, Mark Rollins ’00 and Scott Yavarow ’03.
“Lacrosse taught me how to be part of a team and allowed me to be a leader – both skills required for the business world,” reflects Story, who joined Deloitte in 2001. “Sports have given me much more than just the experience on the field.”