By Kirsten Gordon
Once a week, long before the first bell rings at Fort Mill High School, a different kind of practice begins across town at Sugar Creek Elementary. For 1–2 hours each morning, players from the Fort Mill High School boys JV and Varsity lacrosse teams trade helmets and sticks for clipboards and picture books as they step into a new role: big brothers.
Instead of sleeping in or squeezing in extra study time, these student-athletes arrive at Sugar Creek Elementary just as the car line begins to form. They stand along the sidewalk, opening doors, greeting families by name, and offering high fives and smiles to students starting their day. The simple ritual turns a hectic drop-off into a welcoming, energetic moment that many younger children look forward to all week. Teachers and parents say this visible presence from older role models sets a positive tone that carries into the classroom.
Big brothers in the classroom
After the last car door closes, the lacrosse players head inside to work directly with students and teachers. In classrooms, they sit side by side with younger children, helping with reading, math worksheets, and hands-on projects. The players quietly redirect wandering attention, explain instructions in kid-friendly language, and celebrate small victories, whether it is mastering a tough word or finishing a science activity. For many elementary students, having a “big brother” in a high school jersey leaning over their desk is both motivating and reassuring. Says senior varsity leader, Chase Barrington-Hughes, “I really look forward to these mornings where I can greet the kids by name, high five them, and hype them up for a great day ahead. Seeing them so excited by us being there, makes me excited to show up each time”.
Support for teachers
The impact is felt just as strongly by the teachers. While students work, the lacrosse players also jump in behind the scenes: grading simple assignments, organizing papers, straightening supplies, and helping reset the room between activities. Those extra sets of hands-free teachers to focus on small-group instruction and individual support that might otherwise be hard to provide in a busy classroom. Fourth grade teacher Melissa Blair shares, “My kids look forward to the lacrosse boys coming each time. They often request the players by name in the classroom. It really inspires them to become leaders when they are that age.” The partnership turns what could be routine tasks into a shared effort between educators and student-athletes.
Building character and connection
For the Fort Mill players, the experience is as formative as any practice or game. Showing up every week before their own school day demands discipline, reliability, and a sense of responsibility to others. They learn how to communicate with younger children, how to model patience, and how to carry themselves as leaders in a setting where the scoreboard does not matter. Many describe it as a reminder that their influence in the community goes far beyond the lacrosse field. This is a character mantra that their Coach Alex Tindall teaches alongside the game IQ on the field. His motto “E.A.T.”, which stands for excellence, attitude, and toughness reinforces leadership, positivity, and grit – all traits which translate from the home to the classroom, field, community, and beyond.
A community tradition in the making
What began as a service opportunity is quickly becoming a meaningful tradition that links two campuses and generations of students. Sugar Creek Elementary gains energetic mentors and extra classroom support, while Fort Mill High School sends out young men who understand that leadership is measured not only in goals and ground balls, but in the quiet moments of showing up early and consistently, listening, and helping younger kids feel seen. One morning a week, a car line and a few classrooms become the place where that lesson comes to life. Sugar Creek Elementary Principal Jenn Hendershot says, “Although our Sugar Creek students are not zoned to attend Fort Mill High School, the Fort Mill High School lacrosse team has shown us what it truly means to be part of a community. This fall, they consistently showed up to support our school. Whether it was volunteering their time or standing in the car line on the coldest mornings to open doors and welcome our Sharks with smiles. Their dedication has been incredibly heartwarming, and we are so very grateful for the leadership, kindness, and character these young men model every day. They have made such a lasting impact on our students!”
Follow the FMHS lacrosse team on Instagram @fortmillboyslacrosse
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