Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Braerman.
Hi Austin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Austin Braerman and I am currently the General Manager and player of Utah’s first-ever Senior A Box Lacrosse team, the Salt Lake Storm! Last year was our inaugural season with the Interstate Box Lacrosse Association (IBLA). Due to some complications with the IBLA, we have moved our team to the Great Plains Box Lacrosse League (GPBLL).
The GPBLL has a lot of great lacrosse partnerships, including New Balance and the National Lacrosse League (NLL). The NLL is the professional box lacrosse league and has teams across the U.S. and Canada.
I would consider us still in the “infancy” stage of our organization. We have grown a lot since 2021, but we have so much more to accomplish.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since last year, it has not been a smooth road. Being a new and first organization in an entire state can be very challenging. We had a lot of trouble marketing our organization to local companies, getting sponsorships, and even just getting local venues and organizations to support us.
Another thing that is challenging is that we are still a brand new team, even with new players to the game of box lacrosse. We have a lot of great talent on the team, and we aim to work hard to be a force against the rest of the GPBLL teams!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The Salt Lake Storm is Utah’s first ever Senior A men’s (18+) box lacrosse team and organization. We wanted to bring the game of box lacrosse to Utah to help young players experience a different kind of game and skillset outside of field lacrosse.
Field and Box lacrosse are similar but different. It is basically a different sport. Players can learn different skill sets from each to really be competitive at a higher level.
There are several youth box programs in the Rocky Mountain area, but the Storm is the first men’s team. We want kids to be able to look forward to competitive play outside of high school. And playing at this level could also help them get to the professional level if that is what they seek.
How do you think about happiness?
Community wise: Making a difference in the Utah Lacrosse community. In the future, we want to strive to help kids hone in on their lacrosse skills as much as possible.
Team wise: Being together as a team, playing together, winning and losing, and learning from everyone’s different experiences and skill levels. It means a lot to have a “second family” and a type of brotherhood you normally don’t get to have. We are all very fortunate to have a team this close.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gpbll.com
- Instagram: @saltlakestorm
- Facebook: Salt Lake Storm
Image Credits
Thanh Kieu
