About Us

Top Strung Lacrosse is a youth and high school based lacrosse organization in Vermont. We pride ourselves in offering high quality coaching while maintaining an affordable price. Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that excelling in a sport does not only happen with practice and repetition, but ultimately stems from the love and passion for the game. Co-owners Kevin Hunt and Craig MacDerment bring their love and passion for lacrosse to every camp, clinic, and practice that they run. They view this organization as an opportunity for young players to learn about lacrosse, grow fundamentally, and mature not only as lacrosse players, but as respectful and driven citizens.

Lacrosse is a naturally competitive sport, but that doesn't mean players ever deserve to be talked down to or barked at by coaches. When a player puts on a Top Strung pinny or uniform, they are making a commitment to themselves to give it their all and try their best, which is all we ask for. Kevin and the rest of the Top Strung coaching staff are here to help facilitate and guide players to becoming the best they can be while always maintaining a level of fun and love for the game of lacrosse.

Owner

Kevin Pioli-Hunt

Played his high school lacrosse at Johnstown High School in New York, where he holds the records for single game goals, single game assists, and career points as well as the New York State Section II record for most points in a post season game.

Pioli-Hunt is a former two-time Captain and two-time Academic All Conference, offensive leader for the Saint Michael’s College Men's Lacrosse Program and coached the Purple Knights during their historic 2013 season. Following his stint at Saint Michael's, Pioli-Hunt was an assistant coach instrumental in helping the Champlain Valley Union High School varsity boys' lacrosse team win five straight Vermont Division I state championships between 2014 and 2018, orchestrating an offense for a program that posted a cumulative 63-11 mark in that time, including 40-4 over the final three seasons. Pioli-Hunt is currently an assistant coach for Saint Michae's College Men's Lacrosse. He is a middle school teacher at Williston Central School.

Girl's Director

Erin Malone

Meet our Coaches

Alex Smith

Coach Alex Smith comes to Top Strung with a wealth of playing and coaching experience. 2020 marks his 3rd year at the helm of the St. Michael's College Men's Lacrosse program.

The Colorado State alum jumped into coaching right out of college. While serving as the head assistant coach at the Fort Collins, Colo.-based school between August 2003 and June 2009, Smith and the Rams claimed a national title in 2006.

In addition to his college coaching duties, Smith was an assistant for the Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) in 2010 and 2011 after playing four years for the Outlaws, recording a .571 save percentage in 12 contests. While on the coaching staff, he coordinated the offense and man-up units, compiled scouting reports, aided in the game and travel planning, and assisted in public appearances by players.

As an undergraduate, Smith was part of three national champion squads at Colorado State, in 1999, 2001 and 2003. During his senior year, he was the starting goalie on the MCLA title winner, being named All-America, all-conference, all-tournament and team MVP while serving as captain and student president. As a junior, he helped the Rams finish second nationally, with Smith being named defensive MVP of the team and all-tournament.

Andrew Bracy

Coach Andrew Bracy has been a welcome addition to the Top Strung coaching staff. Bracy is a former Norwich lacrosse standout ('15), known as "The greatest face-off specialist in Norwich's history." After a successful career with the Cadets, Bracy began a two-year stint with the University of Vermont's men's lacrosse team as a volunteer assistant coach and a season spent with the Ohio Machine of Major League Lacrosse.

Bracy is back in the professional league as he was drafted as a face-off specialist for the MLL's New York Lizards.

Brian Laughlin

Top Strung is excited to announce the addition of Brian Laughlin to our coaching staff. Brian was a 3 year captain at Saint Michael's College. At the end of his career, Brian holds the record as all-time career assists leader and second in career points. Brian will be joining us at our clinics this summer, working closely with offensive players.

Andy Harris

Andy has coached boys lacrosse in VT for the past six years; coaching Essex rec in the NVTYLL league and the NVTYLL summer select teams. From his experience as a college athlete, he appreciates the true team sport of lacrosse. Andy is focused on keeping sports fun while pushing kids to maximize their potential. Andy has a structural engineering consulting practice, and enjoys mountain biking, skiing and traveling with his wife, their two sons and dog.

Dan Shepherd

Dan has been coaching lacrosse for the better part of 28 years. His career started in the early 90’s as the head coach at alma mater Hall High School in West Hartford, Connecticut. He then moved on to be the goalie coach and defensive coordinator at Whittier College in Whittier, California. During his tenure there, the Poets’ defense was ranked number one in the country. He was also the offensive coordinator at Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon in the early 2000s. While living in Eugene, he coached the University of Oregon’s club team. After moving to Vermont from Oregon, Dan started and coached the Colchester varsity program from 2006-2018.

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