TPH Academy Denver Launches Lacrosse Program, Names Matt Bocklet Head of Lacrosse
TPH Academy Denver is thrilled to announce the addition of lacrosse to its athletic programming. In line with TPH Academy’s Study, Train, Play model, the lacrosse program will offer student-athletes individualized on-field training and advanced skill development from a team of professional coaches. In the classroom, lacrosse student-athletes will have access to fully accredited NCAA and CDE courses, opportunities for community service, a top-notch mentorship program led by TPH Academy COO, Francis “F.A.” Anzalone, and a hybrid learning experience within the Douglas County School District. Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 school year.
Prospective student-athletes and families are encouraged to join us for an Open House on Wednesday, November 15th from 6:00PM to 7:45PM at the Boardroom at the South Suburban Sports Complex, located at 4810 E County Line Rd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. Here, families will have an opportunity to tour the TPH Denver facility, meet the team, and ask questions.
TPH Academy is an academy-style, focused environment where dedicated student-athletes study, train, and play to new-found levels of potential. Student-athletes are empowered to pursue their academic, athletic, and life goals all at once, with no fear of school days missed or falling behind in their studies. TPH Academy tailors its athletic and academic development model to each individual student-athlete. Much of the daily experience is shaped by when, where, and how the student-athlete studies, trains, and plays at his or her best.
With a new state-of-the-art lacrosse program comes the addition of a prominent leader to head the division. TPH Denver is proud to share that Matt Bocklet has been named Head of Lacrosse.
“The launch of TPH Academy Lacrosse is a momentous occasion, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have Coach Bocklet leading the way,” shared TPH Academy Denver Director, Jay Sprague. “His vision and expertise will set the tone for what promises to be a remarkable journey.”
Matt Bocklet with the Denver Outlaws
Bocklet brings with him an impressive background, both as a player and as a coach. Drafted 15th overall during the 2008 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Draft to the Baltimore Bayhawks, he was named to the MLL All Rookie team that same season. He then spent the next 10 seasons with the Denver Outlaws, where he was a 3-time Champion, 5-time All-Star, 4-year Captain, and 2-time first team All-Pro selection. He currently ranks 11th All Time in Professional games played and 3rd All Time in ground balls (MLL & Premier Lacrosse League).
During his collegiate career, Bocklet played 2 seasons at Fairfield University and was twice named an All Conference Defender. He helped lead Fairfield to the Great West Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2005. With a grand total of 81 ground balls, he set the school’s single season ground ball record that season. In his first season at Johns Hopkins University in 2007, he was a starting defender on their National Championship winning team. During his senior season, he set the school’s ground ball record with 99, and was named an All-American.
Passing along his passion for the game to the next generation of lacrosse players, Bocklet has dedicated 12 seasons as a Varsity Head Coach in Colorado. He spent his first 6 seasons at Highlands Ranch High School, where he was named Colorado High School Coach of the Year in 2014. For the past six seasons, Bocklet has coached at Cherry Creek High School, where he won a State Championship in 2019 and earned the title of Coach of the Year in 2023. He returned to the Denver Outlaws as Defensive Coordinate during the 2019 season, and served in the same role for the Waterdogs LC (PLL) during the 2021 season.
Matt Bocklet with the Denver Outlaws
Blocket looks forward to the development of TPH Academy Denver lacrosse student-athletes. “My goal is to help our student-athletes reach their full potential as individual lacrosse players, teammates, and people,” shared Blocket. “Over the course of the year, players will go through training that will reestablish fundamentals and develop advanced skill sets. Off the field, we will build on their ability to become great teammates and leaders of their teams. We will also help them develop as student-athletes. The students that attend TPH Academy will graduate understanding that it is the combination of both education and athletics that will help them achieve their goals.”
TPH Academy Denver is excited to develop the next generation of impact players alongside Coach Blocket. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Coach Matt Bocklet to the TPH Academy family,” Sprague continued. “His passion for academic and athletic development, and proven track record of success make him an exceptional addition to our team.”
TPH Denver Lacrosse applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now open to student-athletes in grades 5-8. Student-athletes and families are welcome to join TPH Academy Denver for an Open House on Wednesday, November 15th at 6:00PM to learn more, meet the team, and tour the space. Register at no cost and secure your spot today.
TPH Academy aims to lead the world in the holistic development of student-athletes, advancing – in and beyond the game – the next generation of impact players. To learn more about TPH Academy, click here.
