New Hong Kong lacrosse coach will make ‘tough decisions’ as he eyes LA Olympics dream
Canadian Kevin Crowley has been handed the reins to the city’s men’s team, and everyone will need to fight for their spot in new era
Kevin Crowley has set his sights on helping Hong Kong’s men fulfil their Olympic lacrosse dream, saying there is “no shame in having high goals” - something he should know about given leading the team is his first experience of coaching internationally.
And the Canadian, widely considered one of the best men’s players of the modern era, is off to a good start, having guided his new charges to gold at the Asian Lacrosse Games last weekend in mainland China, despite having only met them remotely in the build-up.
Crowley acknowledged that reaching the 2028 Games in Los Angeles would be “extremely challenging” and while realistic about what lies ahead added that he “wouldn’t say it if there weren’t a small chance”.
In the short term, the 37-year-old’s immediate focus is to guide his side through a crucial Olympic qualification cycle, beginning with the Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Sixes Championships in October.
Up for grabs at the tournament on Australia’s Sunshine Coast will be five places at the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships, where as many as 16 teams will battle it out for four men’s spots at the LA Games.
“We are just worried about getting better ourselves and taking the necessary steps to be as competitive as possible,” Crowley said. “It is going to fall on the players’ commitment to improving their game. I think we can do it and we’ll be disappointed if we do not reach it. But that is what we’re shooting for right now.”