Torrey Pines Men’s Lacrosse is known for CIF titles, national rankings, and a reputation for academic excellence; but the greatest source of pride for Head Coach Jono Zissi, his coaching staff, and players, is what the program does to help others. Giving back to the community is an integral part of the team’s culture. Zissi demands that his players be involved in something bigger than themselves, and their sport. “It’s literally the most important part of our program, without question,” says Coach Zissi.

TP Lacrosse works with a myriad of local and national philanthropies to give back to the community. During the fall semester alone, the team logged over 50 hours of philanthropy work.

This Fall the team read to local elementary school kids at Del Mar Pines School, visited wounded war veterans at the VA Hospital, set up camp for walkers in the Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk, spent time packaging foods at Feeding San Diego, adopted two military families for the holidays through Soldiers’ Angels and celebrated the holidays with young cancer patients and their families through the Friends of Jacyln Foundation.

During the Spring the team will participate in the Jose Montaño Foundation 5K to fight childhood cancer, run lacrosse clinics for inner-city kids with the Harlem Lacrosse Foundation, and support One Love, a program that raises awareness of relationship violence.

What’s made involvement in community service successful at TP Lacrosse is that rather than viewing it as a burden, players are embracing it as a rewarding experience.