Gavin Herr recently came on board as the RedHawks President, replacing Patrick Sweeney who went on to serve as the head coach of Bellarmine Prep and the offensive coordinator position at Santa Clara University. Coach Herr started playing youth Lacrosse at an early age in Livermore as a goalie. He went on to play Div. III Lacrosse at Whittier College; later assisting Coach Lorne Smith for six years as a goalie specialist at summer camps. Gavin coached an outstanding high school team at the Pacific Collegiate School (PCS) in Santa Cruz County. The team qualified for the Santa Cruz County playoffs the two years that Coach Herr led the effort as their head coach.
In addition, Coach Herr started the “Cruzian Classics,” a box Lacrosse program that he was heavily involved with for three years. Gavin has recognized the advantages of the
Canadian style play (Box Lacrosse) and the major impact that it’s had on the traditional field game at all levels; including youth, high school and collegiate teams. He intends to launch a fall box program where youth players can accelerate their growth and improve basic skills and stick work. Gavin initially became affiliated with the RedHawks while coaching our U10 boys for two years. Going forward he will be heavily involved in setting up clinics, recruitment, fund raising, coaches’ training and helping to facilitate the smooth running of the club. Currently, Coach Herr also serves as referee, officiating at high school games. In 2023 he succeeded in becoming a College Official and is set to begin his second season as a NILOA Official. Since 2022 Gavin serves as the head coach for the Live Oak High School Lacrosse program. He continues to compete as a member of the Men’s Palo Alto Ducks team and participates in regular Box tournaments. He and his wife are currently the proud parents of a really affable dog—who is really good at scouting for lost balls.
Coach Cleary was one of the founding members of the West Valley RedHawks
Lacrosse Club, along with AJ O’Brien 20 years ago. He and AJ together co-founded the Chauncey Boys in 2015 with the help of an all-volunteer coaching staff headed up by Logan Lichorowic and Zach Kowitz. Bill began his lacrosse career on Long Island,
playing for one of
Coach Cleary was one of the founding members of the West Valley RedHawks
Lacrosse Club, along with AJ O’Brien 20 years ago. He and AJ together co-founded the Chauncey Boys in 2015 with the help of an all-volunteer coaching staff headed up by Logan Lichorowic and Zach Kowitz. Bill began his lacrosse career on Long Island,
playing for one of the top high school teams at the time—the Uniondale High School Black Knights. After high school he played for Nassau College (two years) before going on to Box Lacrosse in Western New York. While attending graduate school (SUNY/Buffalo) Coach Cleary learned the box game, playing with the Seneca Indians (Golden Eagles) on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. He studied anthropology for four years at the graduate level while teaching at Lake Shore High School in Angola, New York for five years. In ’81 Bill joined Apple Computer and got involved with the local lacrosse scene in Northern California. He has coached youth lacrosse at every
level; including U9, U11, U13A and U15B as well as high school. Later on, those teams are aligned with today’s U8, U10, U12 and U14 teams as once high school teams emerged the League at the time (NCJLA} opted to forgo having high school freshmen play.
Coach Cleary’s philosophical approach is that Lacrosse is a team sport with a long and proud tradition that dates back to the 1500’s and the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Indians.
Great youth lacrosse teams require committed parents and players, along with dedicated coaches who have a passion for the game. Coach Cleary believes that the role of a youth lacrosse coach should include the emotional growth and maturation of
each player—by fostering team play, sportsmanship, leadership skills and a passion for the game. Three of Bill’s sons (Dylan, Ian and Tomas) played Lacrosse at the youth level with the Red Hawks. His stepson (Logan Lichorowic) has also been an integral
part of the family’s passion for the game. Coach Cleary has been involved with five undefeated teams as a youth coach; and two Box Lacrosse Championships at the youth
level and one second place at the high school level in tournament play. In 2018 Coach Cleary was the recipient of the “Coach of the Year” award for Santa Cruz and Monterrey counties after a successful year as the head coach for Scotts Valley High School. In
2024 Bill will continue to support the club in the ongoing education of coaches and skill development for the RedHawks players—including clinics and Fall Box Lacrosse.
Ironically, AJ O’Brien is the RedHawks coach with the longest tenure, as he coached the Palo Alto Tomahawks a year before the formation of the RedHawks. AJ grew up in Colorado when he became completely engrossed with the sport. He cofounded the RedHawks with long-time friend Bill Cleary 20-years ago, and continues to serve on the Board as
Ironically, AJ O’Brien is the RedHawks coach with the longest tenure, as he coached the Palo Alto Tomahawks a year before the formation of the RedHawks. AJ grew up in Colorado when he became completely engrossed with the sport. He cofounded the RedHawks with long-time friend Bill Cleary 20-years ago, and continues to serve on the Board as well as our team Treasurer. He later joined Coach Cleary in the formation of
the Chauncey Boys, the summer travel team that won numerous summer tournaments at the high school and youth levels. He has been involved in every aspect of the ongoing success of the club; including fund raising, player recruitment, coaching and the all-important recruitment and retention of coaches. He resides in Los Gatos with his wife Tracy, who has been a supporter of the club over the years by hosting several events.
Rob has been with the Red Hawks since the 2008 season. He served as the club’s president for several years where he managed every aspect of the program. He had 3 sons, Austin, Scotty and Carson, who were all former Red Hawks. Austin played lacrosse at Los Gatos High School and Scotty was an outstanding middy at Los Gatos
High and as a memb
Rob has been with the Red Hawks since the 2008 season. He served as the club’s president for several years where he managed every aspect of the program. He had 3 sons, Austin, Scotty and Carson, who were all former Red Hawks. Austin played lacrosse at Los Gatos High School and Scotty was an outstanding middy at Los Gatos
High and as a member of the Chauncey Boys high school team for several seasons. Rob comes from an extensive coaching background in multiple sports
including—lacrosse, football, soccer, baseball and basketball. Rob has coached Red Hawks teams from U9 through the high school level, and currently works as our boys’ director and remains heavily involved with training and guidelines for both players and
coaches. In 2014, he took the Red Hawks’ first ever U11A team to the Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association playoffs, and repeated that again in 2015—finishing the season ranked 5th in Northern California. For a couple of years, Rob ran his own South Bay Red Riders travel team that competed in major tournaments
throughout California. He has also coached with All-West Lacrosse and headed Chauncey Boys teams that
won championships in 4 of the 5 tournaments that they participated in during the inaugural season in 2015-16. When not on the field coaching, Rob is an attorney helping people affected by serious injuries. He enjoys skiing, boating, sports photography, travel and going to the beach. Rob’s coaching philosophy is to play hard, smart and tough within the rules—win with humility, lose honorably and always remember to have fun along the way.
Coach Logan Lichorowic had his start as a lacrosse player with the Red Hawks when the club was initially founded. He started out as a youth participant, and played JV and High School ball as well. As a JV player he was the top scorer on the team—once tallying 7 goals in a California Championship game (JV level). In 2008 he was the top
midd
Coach Logan Lichorowic had his start as a lacrosse player with the Red Hawks when the club was initially founded. He started out as a youth participant, and played JV and High School ball as well. As a JV player he was the top scorer on the team—once tallying 7 goals in a California Championship game (JV level). In 2008 he was the top
middie on the Red Hawks California State Championship team, which defeated the highly ranked SoCal team from Agoura Hills. Logan is well respected by youth players and coaches, and viewed as a driving force behind the success of the many teams that
he’s coached over the past decade. Head Coach Joe Vasold described him as a “natural leader both on and off of the field.” During his tenure with the club as a player, the team was ranked in the top 10 in California (2007), a designation that included all high school teams—including clubs like Bellarmine and Saint Ignatius. After graduating from Saratoga High School, Logan went on to play college ball at ASU, where he
performed impressively as a middy until side lined by a major injury in his senior year. As a head coach for the Red Hawks, Logan completed multiple outstanding seasons, and distinguished himself as one of the top U14 coaches in club history. Under his guidance numerous Red Hawk players have gone on to excel at Bellarmine Prep, Mitty,
Los Gatos and Saratoga High School. He’s been one of the club’s most dedicated coaches, and during the ’14 season was available to Red Hawks players (U14 & U12) five days a week—plus weekend games. He’s a favorite among the boys, and parents
are especially appreciative of his willingness to counsel young men when it comes to academic challenges and personal development. He’s not necessarily the first coach on
the field but generally he’s the last to leave—usually after a challenging, fun practice. His philosophical approach is that great conditioning pays major dividends—and he truly
believes that no competitor can beat one of his teams because the players are out of shape. Logan played an integral role as the head coach of our inaugural Chauncey Boys U19 season, winning four gold medals and two silver awards. He coached some of our top players, and contributed significantly to their overall development and skill level. One of his players—who he coached as a Red Hawk—went on to become a member of the very competitive Ohio State NCAA D1 lacrosse team. Chase Bunce is a player that Logan has influenced and nurtured from his initial days as a Red Hawk, through his
successful participation as a topflight player for Bellarmine Prep. In addition, Logan’ lead attack player (Morgan Koucky) was accepted to the United States Naval Academy prep school at NAPS. Coach Lichorowic will continue to help foster the growth of the
sport and RedHawks players by participating in clinics and assisting as a supporting coach when necessary. In addition, Logan has served on the RedHawks Board for the past five years.
Coach Kowitz began his Lacrosse career as a junior player with the first Redhawks lacrosse team founded in 2004 by Bill Cleary and A.J. O’Brien and headed up by Coach Joe Christie. Studying and playing defense under Coach Christie, Zack served as the team captain for the Redhawks all five years of his pre-college days, and helped lead the
Coach Kowitz began his Lacrosse career as a junior player with the first Redhawks lacrosse team founded in 2004 by Bill Cleary and A.J. O’Brien and headed up by Coach Joe Christie. Studying and playing defense under Coach Christie, Zack served as the team captain for the Redhawks all five years of his pre-college days, and helped lead the team to four consecutive seasons at the top of the NCJLA, and one year (2008) as
the California State Champions in the high school division. After the 2008 season, most area high schools—including Saratoga, Los Gatos and Palo Alto—established CIF teams, which was a major goal realized by the WVLC. While attending the University of
Washington, Coach Kowitz’s knee was injured in football and most of the 2008-9
season was spent in rehab. After making a full recovery, Zack chose to play Lacrosse for the Washington Huskies and joined the team for the 2010 season. He earned a starting spot as a defenseman in his rookie season—playing that position for the balance of his career, making it past the first round in the MCLA D1 playoffs—with notable wins against Stanford and San Diego State. After College, Zach helped coach
Junior Varsity Lacrosse for his Alma Mater, Saratoga High School, as an assistant coach. The program was led by Coach Larry Boehm and remained competitive within the division. Upon returning from another stint in Seattle, Coach Kowitz volunteered as a defensive coach for the initial Chauncey Boys U-19 Elite team headed up by former Red Hawk teammate Logan Lichorowic. That initial team was very successful, having won four tournaments in the inaugural season. Top players on that first COB U19 team came from high schools throughout the Bay Area; including Carmel, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Scotts Valley, Aptos, Bellarmine, Santa Cruz, Soquel and Mitty. Prior to the
expansion of his very successful business, Zach coached collegiate MCLA ball at UC Santa Cruz—ironically working with several players who had competed in tournaments as part of the Chauncey Boys. Coach Kowitz will be available for clinics (players and coaches) throughout the 2024 season. He’s an avid supporter of the team and serves on the RedHawks Board.
Chase has been closely associated with the RedHawks both as a coach and standout player. In addition, he played elite summer ball with the Chauncey Boys where he excelled as a top defensive player, helping COB compete at the highest level against some of the best teams in California. Chase attended Bellarmine Prep in San Jose, where he le
Chase has been closely associated with the RedHawks both as a coach and standout player. In addition, he played elite summer ball with the Chauncey Boys where he excelled as a top defensive player, helping COB compete at the highest level against some of the best teams in California. Chase attended Bellarmine Prep in San Jose, where he led his team’s defensive unit, and excelled academically, earning him a spot on the NCAA Div.1 Ohio State team. Chase will be the head coach in 2024 for the U14 Boys’ team. He brings a wealth of experience when it comes to every aspect of the game. In addition, Coach Bunce has been selected to be on the coaching staff of the newly formed tournament team, South Bay United. As part of SBU he will work with high school players who attend schools like Bellarmine Prep, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Mitty and St. Francis. Chase currently works for a Top 5 CPA firm and he hopes to continue his successful coaching commitments for many years to come.
Coach Johnston has been immersed in Lacrosse since the age of 9, when he played for the Santa Cruz Warriors where he was a stand-out goalie in both the field and box games. He led the Warriors defense to a 24-0 season at the then U15 level; and then went on to lead his box team to a Championship in Canadian style box play. At Scotts Valle
Coach Johnston has been immersed in Lacrosse since the age of 9, when he played for the Santa Cruz Warriors where he was a stand-out goalie in both the field and box games. He led the Warriors defense to a 24-0 season at the then U15 level; and then went on to lead his box team to a Championship in Canadian style box play. At Scotts Valley High School Ryan started for four years as a goalie, and led his team to the Santa Cruz and Monterrey County Championship in 2017. In 2016 the Scotts Valley
team were placed second, falling to Carmel Valley in a classic “shoot out.” Additionally, Ryan played several years with the Chauncey Boys and continued to excel as a goalie, leading the newly started elite program to several tournament Championships. He
attended Cal Poly and played Rugby at the collegiate level, and joined the Red Hawks coaching staff in ’21 and in 2022 he and Coach Cleary led the U14 RedHawks team to a 12-0 undefeated season. Ryan has returned to coach our U14 boys with Coach Bunce, so we’re excited to have him back providing his cumulative Lacrosse experience,
leadership and inspiration for our players.
Coach Freeden hails from Syracuse New York, where he started playing Lacrosse at age 12. He grew up watching Lacrosse all-time greats like Gary Gait and the amazing Powell brothers who played at the Syracuse Dome and competed in several NCAA Div. I Championship tournaments. Jared literally grew up in one of the “hottest areas” when it com
Coach Freeden hails from Syracuse New York, where he started playing Lacrosse at age 12. He grew up watching Lacrosse all-time greats like Gary Gait and the amazing Powell brothers who played at the Syracuse Dome and competed in several NCAA Div. I Championship tournaments. Jared literally grew up in one of the “hottest areas” when it comes to collegiate Lacrosse, and was exposed to some of the top coaches as a
young player. Jared went on to attend Clarkson University, an NCAA Div. III team, where he excelled as a starting defenseman. He graduated with a degree in Engineering and a minor in Technical Communications.
Additionally, while attending Liverpool High School in Central New York playing as a starting defenseman, Jared spent the off-season fine tuning his Lax skills by participating in full field tournaments like the 1812 Shootout in Sackets Harbor NY. He played throughout the summer and continued his passion for Lacrosse by playing Box Lacrosse in the fall and winter. Box Lacrosse is incredibly popular throughout Canada
and New York State, and is increasingly gaining popularity across the US, and including California. It is our hope to launch a boys’ youth program in the fall of ’24. Field players can benefit immensely given the intense nature of the game—while greatly improving skills applicable to both games like shooting accuracy, dodging, ground balls and improving stick skills. Besides coaching our RedHawks U12 boys team, Jared will serve as a coach with the newly formed South Bay United, a summer program designed to
improve skills for both youth and high school players. Currently Coach Freeden is a Senior Creative Director at LinkedIn, and he resides in Campbell with his wife Tracy and two children, Marshall and Deanna. He’s excited to be part of the RedHawks family
and the contributions that he makes to our ’24 U12 season.
Dominic discovered the game of lacrosse his freshman year at Stevenson School when he began playing for a JV team coached by Lars Tiffany, the eventual head coach at UVA and two-time Division I national champion. After moving up to the varsity team, Dominic played in the California state championship as a sophomore, and captained the team
Dominic discovered the game of lacrosse his freshman year at Stevenson School when he began playing for a JV team coached by Lars Tiffany, the eventual head coach at UVA and two-time Division I national champion. After moving up to the varsity team, Dominic played in the California state championship as a sophomore, and captained the team his senior year, but most importantly had the fortune of learning life lessons from the great Coach Jeff Young. Following graduation, Dominic went on to captain the Northern California All-Star team where he led the team to a second-place finish in the Vail Shootout. From there Dominic played for Santa Clara University, where he was a 3-time team captain, WCLL all-star, and member of the USA-West team. After college, he returned as a coach to Stevenson School for a short time, before life and career took him elsewhere. Dominic believes sports are a place with tremendous opportunity for learning, and where lasting values and lifelong relationships can be established. When not coaching, Dominic works in real estate, loves being outside, and tries to keep up with his wife, two children, and the family dog, Leia.
Drew Whyte is a Long Island native. Drew played goalie in high school at St.Paul's in Garden City, NY. Drew then went on to play Div. III college lacrosse at Castleton State University, in Vermont. Named Mayflower Conference Goalie of the year in 1994. Drew Whyte brings 23 years of coaching to the Red Hawks. 11 years at SCU. He then coach
Drew Whyte is a Long Island native. Drew played goalie in high school at St.Paul's in Garden City, NY. Drew then went on to play Div. III college lacrosse at Castleton State University, in Vermont. Named Mayflower Conference Goalie of the year in 1994. Drew Whyte brings 23 years of coaching to the Red Hawks. 11 years at SCU. He then coached women's lacrosse at Stanford University for their NCAA Div. I program. Drew coached Varsity boy's lacrosse at Archbishop Mitty. Drew has four boys, all have played for the Red Hawks. One went on to play in college, and two are still playing with the Red Hawks. Drew is bravely attempting to help coach his 9 year old this season.
Justin Wilchynski grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada, and his love for the sport originated from watching the NLL on TV. Justin has over a decade of experience coaching box lacrosse, shaping the lives of aspiring athletes with his expertise and guidance. His impact extends far beyond the sidelines, as he founded the Swift Current Lacrosse A
Justin Wilchynski grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada, and his love for the sport originated from watching the NLL on TV. Justin has over a decade of experience coaching box lacrosse, shaping the lives of aspiring athletes with his expertise and guidance. His impact extends far beyond the sidelines, as he founded the Swift Current Lacrosse Association while still a junior in high school, laying the groundwork for the sport's growth and development within his community.
As a player, Justin's achievements speak volumes about his talent and commitment. He boasts multiple PGLL championships and Saskatchewan Field Lacrosse Provincial Championships, showcasing his skill and leadership on both the box and field lacrosse arenas. Representing Saskatchewan at the prestigious Founders Cup National Championship was the pinnacle of his playing career. Justin's remarkable contributions to the sport were further recognized when he was named the 2002 Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association Athlete of the Year.
Coach Jessica Whyte grew up in Needham, Massachusetts, where she was a two-time High School All-American and League MVP. Upon graduation from high school she
enrolled at UC Davis on a NCAA Div. I scholarship, where she continued to excel at Lacrosse. Coach Whyte went on to coach at UC Davis and was honored as US Lacrosse’s WCLA Collegiate
Coach Jessica Whyte grew up in Needham, Massachusetts, where she was a two-time High School All-American and League MVP. Upon graduation from high school she
enrolled at UC Davis on a NCAA Div. I scholarship, where she continued to excel at Lacrosse. Coach Whyte went on to coach at UC Davis and was honored as US Lacrosse’s WCLA Collegiate Coach of the Year in 2011, and the WLL's Coach of the
Year. She has coached youth Lacrosse for a wide a array of Lacrosse programs in Northern California; including the Scorpions (youth boys and girls) and the U11 boys RedHawks team. Jessica has returned in ’24 and is now coaching our boys U8 team.
She’s been a major contributor to the RedHawks and currently is a dedicated teacher in the Santa Clara district. In addition to coaching for the RedHawks, Jessica is a gifted graphic designer and is responsible for the look and feel of our web site and collateral support materials. She is married to Coach Drew Whyte and they have four boys
who have been a part of the RedHawks family. Our club is fortunate to have a coach like Jessica with such impressive credentials and coaching experience.
Over the years we’ve noted that coaches are in actuality teachers, and Jess Whyte continues to prove that great teachers make extraordinary coaches. We’re looking
forward to an exciting and memorable 2024 season for our U8 boys.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.