Our mission is to develop competitive box lacrosse players through real box training that strengthens and builds character, grit, confidence, and transferable skills.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO BUILDING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE:
Players develop a passion for the box game while building character, grit and confidence through authentic box lacrosse.
Coaches lead by example, creating positive, challenging environments that support both personal growth and long-term development.
Parents and families are valued partners, helping reinforce a culture of respect, accountability, and team-first values.
Cudas players represent our program with pride, competing with effort, character, and accountability on the floor and in the community.
OUR TEAM
Stephanie Blake
Co-Founder, VB Box Lacrosse
President, Barracudas
Coach Stephanie brings 20+ years of coaching experience and a lifetime of competitive sports to the Barracudas. With roots in ice hockey, she built a foundation in quick decision-making, physicality, and team play—now applied to developing box lacrosse athletes. A former collegiate athlete at Penn State, she has coached ice hockey, field and box lacrosse at multiple levels for boys and girls, including varsity and adaptive programs. Known for her positive, competitive approach, Stephanie focuses on developing skilled, confident players while building a culture that values learning, competition, and a lifelong love for the game.
Chris Blake
Co-Founder, VB Box Lacrosse
VBBL Board Chair
Coach Chris brings a lifetime of lacrosse experience and leadership to the Barracudas. He helped launch his high school lacrosse program before serving 22 years in the U.S. Navy, where he built a foundation in leadership, teamwork, and accountability. With a strong background in field and box lacrosse coaching, he has trained players across multiple levels. Coach Chris is bringing his experience in goal and behind the bench with the Tidewater Predators. Known for his steady, player-focused approach, Chris creates an environment where athletes are challenged, supported, and motivated to improve. He is dedicated to developing complete players and building a culture where athletes compete, grow, and enjoy the game.
Anthony Hardy
Co-Founder, VB Box Lacrosse
President, Tidewater Predators
Coach Anthony brings true local roots and high-level playing experience to the Barracudas. A Hampton Roads native and Maury High School alum, he went on to play at Randolph College as a face-off specialist. Now serving as Captain of the Tidewater Predators, he brings current, high-level box experience and leadership to the next generation. With years of coaching across local high school and club programs, he helps players to build skills and compete with confidence. Known for his high-energy, player-first approach, Anthony creates an environment where athletes are pushed to improve while enjoying the game. He is committed to developing well-rounded players and growing the game locally.
Hunter Francis
Advisor, Barracudas
Hunter, General Manager of the 2024 USA Women’s Box Lacrosse Team, is a former University of North Carolina player with an extensive background in box lacrosse. From helping to launch Major League Lacrosse in the early 2000s to more than 20 years leading the Baltimore Indoor Lacrosse League, he brings deep experience and insight. We’re grateful to have him serve in an advisory role, helping to guide and grow the next generation of box lacrosse players.
Tidewater Predators
The Tidewater Predators are a local semi-professional box lacrosse team competing in the North American Box Lacrosse League (NABLL). Together with the Barracudas, the two programs provide a unified box lacrosse development pathway for players in Hampton Roads from youth to adult.
Predators players bring real on-floor experience to the next generation, helping Barracudas athletes learn, grow, and progress into competitive Junior and Senior box lacrosse players -ready for the next level with the NABLL.
VALUES
Players First
Every decision is made through the lens of what best serves player development, confidence, and long-term love for the game.
Authentic Box Lacrosse
We teach the game the right way—through a box lacrosse framework with box-trained coaches and officials.
Development Over Ego
Winning matters, but growth matters more. We value reps, learning, and improvement over shortcuts and status.
Culture Before Results
Respect, integrity, accountability, and team-first mentality create sustainable success. Culture is coached, not assumed.
Opportunity & Access
Programs for boys and girls of all ages and experience.
Community
We believe players grow faster when they train, compete, and learn together—with teammates, schools, and partners aligned, serving all communities in the 757.