From Club Players to a National Movement: The Story of ULAX
What started as a simple way for former teammates to keep playing lacrosse has evolved into the largest adult lacrosse league in the United States.
Founded in 2005 by former University of Colorado men’s club lacrosse players Neema Kassai and Tim Leonard, ULAX has grown from a local summer league into a nationwide organization serving tens of thousands of players across the country. Today, the league operates hundreds of teams in dozens of locations, providing opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels to continue competing long after their collegiate careers have ended.
A League Built by Players, for Players
Like many former lacrosse players, Kassai and Leonard faced a common problem after their competitive seasons ended: there were limited opportunities to continue playing the game they loved.
After spending time together as teammates at Colorado, the pair set out to create a league that would make organized lacrosse accessible, competitive, and enjoyable for players beyond the traditional college season.
That vision became ULAX.
What began as a grassroots effort to organize local games quickly gained traction among players looking for a reliable place to compete during the summer months. As participation increased, so did demand for additional leagues and locations.
Nationwide Growth
Over the last two decades, ULAX has expanded into a national organization with leagues spanning the country.
Since its founding in 2005, the league has grown to include approximately 800 teams across more than 60 locations, making it one of the largest organized lacrosse communities in North America.
The league’s growth reflects the increasing popularity of lacrosse and the demand for opportunities that allow athletes to continue playing after high school and college. By offering structured competition in multiple divisions, ULAX has helped bridge the gap between collegiate lacrosse and lifelong participation in the sport.
Keeping Players Connected to the Game
A key part of ULAX’s success has been its ability to welcome players from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels.
The organization offers leagues for:
Men
Women
High School Boys
High School Girls
Players can register as complete teams, join with a group of friends, or sign up individually as free agents. This flexible approach has made it easier for athletes to find competitive opportunities regardless of where they live or how many teammates they have available.
Beyond competition, the league has created a community that keeps players connected to the sport and to one another long after the final whistle of the spring season.
Building the Future of Lacrosse
As lacrosse continues to expand nationally, organizations like ULAX play an important role in growing the game at the grassroots level.
By providing accessible leagues, organized competition, and opportunities for athletes of all ages to stay involved, ULAX has become more than just a summer league. It has become a year-round home for players who want to continue competing and contributing to the sport’s growth.
What began with two former club lacrosse players looking for another place to play has become a nationwide success story—one that continues to create opportunities for the next generation of lacrosse athletes.
Summer Registration Open Nationwide
ULAX has announced that registration is now open for summer leagues across the country.
Available divisions include men's, women's, high school boys', and high school girls' leagues. Participants can register as a full team, join with a group, or sign up individually as a free agent.
For thousands of players looking to stay on the field this summer, ULAX continues to provide exactly what its founders envisioned nearly two decades ago: another place to compete.