Carolina Lacrosse Association Announces Expanded Girls Leadership Structure Across Charlotte and North Regions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carolina Lacrosse Association Announces Expanded Girls Leadership Structure Across Charlotte and North Regions

Charlotte, NC – Carolina Lacrosse Association (CLA) today announced a major expansion of its girls leadership team as the organization continues to scale its proven START → PLAY → TRAVEL development model and invest in long-term growth across the Carolinas.

With participation rising and competitive standards elevating year over year, CLA has added nationally respected leadership to strengthen infrastructure, elevate player development, and deepen recruiting support for families across Charlotte and North regions (Huntersville and surrounding areas).

Since 2020, more than 87 Style alumni, CLA’s girls travel program, have gone on to compete at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, reinforcing the organization’s reputation as one of the region’s most trusted player development systems.

“This is about building the right leadership structure for where we are going,” said Ricky Reyes, CEO of Carolina Lacrosse Association. “As our teams become more competitive and participation continues to grow, our families deserve elite structure, clear communication, and intentional development at every stage.”

The START → PLAY → TRAVEL Model

Carolina Lacrosse Association operates under a clearly defined development pathway designed to support athletes from their first exposure to the sport through elite competition and college placement.

START
Introductory clinics, free clinics, school partnerships and 3v3 programs designed to build confidence, fundamentals, and excitement around the game in a fun and accessible environment.

PLAY
Seasonal leagues and academies that provide structured training, game experience, and consistent coaching. PLAY serves as the primary bridge between entry-level participation and long-term commitment.

TRAVEL
Elite and Select teams — including Style Lacrosse — representing the highest level of competitive development within CLA. TRAVEL includes year-round training, high-level tournament competition, and comprehensive recruiting support.

There are no handoffs between levels. Leadership oversees the entire pathway to ensure families experience consistency, clarity, and long-term vision.

Christina Fuhrman Named Regional Director – Charlotte Girls Lacrosse

Christina Fuhrman has been appointed Regional Director for Charlotte Girls Lacrosse, overseeing the full START → PLAY → TRAVEL pathway, including Style Charlotte.

Fuhrman brings elite playing and coaching credentials to the role. A standout at Shepherd University, she remains one of the most accomplished players in program history:

  • Shepherd University Hall of Fame Inductee

  • 2013–14 Female Athlete of the Year

  • First Shepherd player selected to the prestigious IWLCA North–South All-Star Game

  • One of only four players in program history to record 200+ career points

  • 111 career goals (7th all-time)

  • 90 career assists (2nd all-time)

  • Holds single-season assist record (40)

  • Three-year team captain

  • Two-time Division II Independent First Team selection

Beyond her collegiate career, Fuhrman served as the founding Program Director for Harlem Lacrosse Philadelphia’s first middle school girls program and later rose to Managing Director of Programs. Under her leadership, Harlem Lacrosse Philadelphia maintained strong student attendance, measurable skill development, and consistent social-emotional growth outcomes.

She also brings experience from highly respected Pennsylvania club programs, providing valuable insight into elite-level club operations and recruiting standards.

“My favorite part of coaching is creating a space where girls can have fun while building meaningful relationships,” said Fuhrman. “Watching confidence grow in a sport that gave so much to me personally is incredibly rewarding.”

Christina will oversee Charlotte girls programming across all levels beginning February 2026.

“Christina understands both elite performance and sustainable program building,” said Reyes. “She has done this at the collegiate, club, and nonprofit levels. That experience matters as we continue to raise the standard in Charlotte.”

Christina can be reached at:
cfuhrman@clalax.com

Olivia Miles Promoted to Director of Recruiting – Style Lacrosse

As part of the expanded leadership structure, Olivia Miles has been promoted to Director of Recruiting for Style Lacrosse.

A UConn alum and long-time CLA leader, Miles will now oversee a comprehensive, year-round recruiting system supporting families from early high school education through NCAA placement.

Her responsibilities include:

  • Recruiting education for all high school graduation years

  • Managing IWLCA participation and outreach

  • Serving as the direct bridge between college coaches and Style athletes

  • Coordinating weekly updates with Regional Directors

  • Attending recruiting tournaments and events to advocate for CLA athletes

“Being an athlete is special,” said Miles. “You’ll have great days and tough ones, but never lose your love for the game. Show up, work hard, and control what you can. That mindset will take you further than talent alone.”

“Olivia has earned the trust of our families,” said Reyes. “This promotion allows her to focus fully on advocacy and opportunity creation for our athletes.”

This structure ensures families receive both dedicated regional leadership and focused recruiting expertise working in tandem.

Olivia can be reached at:
omiles@stylelacrosse.com

Kathleen Crum Named Regional Director – CLA North Girls

CLA also proudly announces Kathleen Crum as Regional Director for CLA North Girls.

Crum brings elite playing and coaching experience, including serving as former head coach at Gardner-Webb University and Pfeiffer University. She has coached at multiple collegiate levels, including Bloomsburg University and Piedmont University, and has extensive club leadership experience with NXT, Atlanta Storm, Lake Murray Rapids and Ultimate CLT.

As a player, Crum was:

  • A US Lacrosse All-American

  • SCHSL Midfielder of the Year

  • South Carolina National Team member

  • State record holder in multiple statistical categories

  • IWLCA Academic Honor Roll selection

  • Three-time PSAC Scholar Athlete

“Hard work pays off — it’s just a matter of when,” Crum said. “Stand out because of your work ethic and your attitude. That will take you wherever you want to go.”

Kathleen will oversee the full pathway in North — START, PLAY, and TRAVEL — working alongside Kylie Johnson, who continues in her leadership role with Style North as Lead Coordinator.

Together, Kathleen and Kylie will lead the continued growth of the girls game on the North side — expanding access, strengthening development, and building competitive opportunities for families across the region.

Kathleen can be reached at:
kcrum@clalax.com

Kylie Johnson NAMED Lead Coordinator – Style North

Kylie Johnson remains a key leader within Style North and now formally serves as Lead Coordinator under Kathleen’s regional oversight.

Originally from Maryland, Johnson played at Queen Anne’s County High School before competing at Pfeiffer University, where she was a three-time Conference Carolinas Academic Honor Roll selection and team captain. She has coached collegiately at Greensboro College and Guilford College and has served as the head coach locally at South Iredell and most recently Pine Lake Prep.

“I love helping players realize they are capable of more than they think,” Johnson said. “Confidence is built through preparation, support, and consistency.”

Kylie can be reached at:
kjohnson@clalax.com

A Long-Term Vision for Growth

Carolina Lacrosse Association currently serves athletes across multiple regions through its unified development model and continues to scale with intentional infrastructure.

The organization’s mission remains clear:

To impact 10,000 kids annually through sports by providing structured environments where athletes can learn, compete, fail, grow, and build confidence before facing the real world.

“These women represent the future of girls lacrosse in our regions,” Reyes said. “As we help drive participation growth and continuing to open doors for our athletes to pursue opportunities at the next level, our responsibility is to stay ahead of that growth. Growing our leadership team does just that.”

Additional leadership announcements, including boys programming expansions, will be shared in the coming weeks.

For more information or to express interest in any of our START - PLAY - TRAVEL programs, please fill out a general interest form HERE or email us at info@clalax.com

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