Staff

Director & Coach

Tim Jones – Program Founder, Director & High School Varsity Coach

Tim Jones is the heart behind Cave Creek Lacrosse and the reason the sport exists in this part of the Valley. When Tim first arrived in the area in 2012, Desert Foothills was just trying to get lacrosse off the ground. Recognizing the opportunity to build something special, he joined DFAC and started from scratch. Over the years, he built both the boys’ and girls’ programs from the ground up, introducing the sport to a community that had never seen it played.

Tim’s vision and tireless effort turned a one-man mission into a thriving lacrosse program serving over 300 players annually, from age 5 all the way up to high school. What began as a dream is now a full youth-to-varsity pipeline, and Tim still finds joy in seeing young players pick up a stick for the first time. Driving around Cave Creek today and seeing lacrosse goals in driveways and kids wearing local jerseys is, for Tim, the most rewarding part of the journey. Over the years, he has coached several dozen players who have gone on to play at the next level.

He brings a deep love for the game, a passion for teaching, and an unwavering commitment to growing lacrosse the right way—through fundamentals, fun, and community.

With over 25 years of coaching experience and a strong athletic background, Tim’s impact goes far beyond Cave Creek. A former All-State athlete in both football and track, he went on to play collegiate football at Valdosta State University, where he developed the leadership foundation that still shapes his coaching philosophy today.
Tim began his lacrosse coaching journey in Florida, co-founding the FishHawk Coyotes and Tampa Elite travel lacrosse programs, where he helped establish competitive lacrosse in a growing region. More than a decade ago, he brought that same vision to Arizona—launching both Cave Creek Youth Lacrosse and the Cactus Shadows boys' and girls' High School Teams, building from nothing into a complete feeder program, which was always his vision.
Known for his player-first approach, positive team culture, and ability to connect with athletes of all ages, Tim draws from his multi-sport background and decades of coaching to help kids grow both on and off the field.

Off the field, Tim has been married to his wife Lisa for over 30 years. They have three children—Savannah, Madison, and Gabriella—and remain active members of the local community

High School

Brett Treude – Junior Varsity Coach

Brett Treude brings a strong playing pedigree and proven leadership to the coaching staff. A standout at the University of Arizona, Brett was a four-year player and three-year starter for the Wildcats. He served as Team Captain during both his junior and senior seasons, helping lead the team to appearances in the National Tournament as a sophomore and the SLC Tournament as a junior. In addition to his on-field impact, Brett was also an Executive Board Member for the program during his upperclassman years.

Brett’s lacrosse journey also includes playing locally in high school at Horizon High School in Scottsdale, AZ, where he was a two-time Team Captain and earned All-State honors as a senior. He holds the school record for most goals in a single game, netting an impressive 9 goals—a performance still talked about today.

Brett brings high-level playing experience, leadership, and a passion for the game that translates directly into his coaching approach.

Youth Program

Keith Thorkelson – U8 Coach

Keith is a 1992 graduate of Fairfield Prep in Connecticut, where he was a standout defenseman and earned selection to the Connecticut State Senior All-Star Team in his final year. He went on to play Division I lacrosse at Butler University from 1992 to 1996, competing in the highly competitive Great Midwestern Lacrosse League alongside programs such as Notre Dame, Denver, Michigan State, Ohio State, and the Air Force Academy.

During Keith’s tenure, Butler achieved national recognition and was ranked in the top 20 at various points. The program continued to rise, finishing 10th in the nation shortly after his graduation. Unfortunately, Butler discontinued its men’s lacrosse program in 2008 due to Title IX scholarship balancing requirements.

After college, Keith returned to Fairfield Prep to coach JV lacrosse for a season in 1996–1997. Now, he’s back on the sidelines coaching our U8 team, passing on his knowledge and love of the game. You’ll often see his 8-year-old son Jake out on the field and passing and catching with his Dad prior to game and practice action.

John Romano – U10 Coach
John Romano grew up playing lacrosse in Central New York, one of the sport’s most competitive regions. He was one of three brothers who all went on to play college lacrosse. John was on the team at Fayetteville Manlius High School, which ranked in the top 2 in the state, and went on to play NCAA Division I lacrosse at St. Bonaventure University.

With over 40 years of experience, John has remained involved in the game as both a player and coach. He previously coached JV at Horizon High School and U10 players for the Arcadia Youth Program. He currently serves as the U10 Head Coach for the Cave Creek Lacrosse Club and has coached several club travel teams in Arizona that competed nationally.

For John, coaching is about giving back to the sport that shaped him. He focuses on fundamentals, teamwork, and developing a love for the game—whether working with future high school players or beginners.

Steven Larson – U12 Coach

Steven Larson played collegiate lacrosse at UMBC from 2014 to 2017, following a highly successful high school career at Chaparral High School (2010–2013). During his senior year, Steven earned several prestigious honors, including US Lacrosse All American, Adrenaline All American, Arizona Offensive Player of the Year, and Lake Tahoe U19 Tournament MVP. He was also a two-time All-State selection and recognized on the Warrior Top 40 list in 2012, reflecting his standout performance on the field.

Known not only as a faceoff specialist but also as a true offensive weapon, Steven was unique in that he was not just a "FOGO" (Face Off, Get Off) player—he stayed on the field and consistently contributed on the offensive end. His combination of grit, athleticism, and lacrosse IQ made him one of the best players ever to come out of the state of Arizona.

In his senior year, he recorded 161 ground balls and totaled 64 points, ranking sixth in the state in scoring. His ability to control possession, push transition, and create scoring opportunities made him an all-around force on the field.

Having reached some of the highest levels of the sport, Steven can coach and teach every aspect of the game—from faceoffs and fundamentals to offensive strategy and team play. His passion for the game and commitment to player development continue to shape his impact as a coach.

Youth Coordinator – Gavin Smith

Gavin serves as the Youth Lacrosse Coordinator, helping lead a strong, sustainable program where kids can thrive both on and off the field. His journey into lacrosse began when his son, Geoffrey, picked up a stick and instantly connected with the game. Inspired by that spark, Gavin jumped into the sport and quickly became a passionate advocate for youth development through lacrosse.

With a background in team sports and a natural knack for leadership, Gavin expertly manages the essential operational aspects that keep the program running seamlessly. He serves as a friendly bridge between coaches and parents, ensuring clear communication and fostering a supportive environment for all involved.

You’ll often find Gavin on the sidelines coaching on game day, teaching fundamentals at practice, carrying goals, chasing down missed shots—or answering questions from parents and players. He’s fully immersed in every aspect of the program. His hands-on presence and energy reflect a simple goal: to create a program where every player feels supported, included, and excited to grow.

Alan Locke – Player Development
Alan grew up in Central New York, a lacrosse hotbed, and has over 40 years of experience as a player and coach. He played under Hall of Fame coach Tom Hall at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, where his team was ranked #1 in the nation his senior year. Alan earned All-League honors, finished top five in goals, and was an All-State soccer goalkeeper holding several records that still stand today. He received Division I, II, & III recruitment interest in both sports from schools including Ohio State, Albany, Le Moyne, Towson, and Nazareth.

He attended Fredonia State, then the nation’s top-ranked Division III soccer program, playing varsity soccer and lacrosse. He led the team in goals and assists every year, set the school’s all-time scoring record, ranked top five nationally in points as a senior, earned NCLL All-American honors, served as team captain junior and senior years, and was team MVP all four years. Alan helped lead the team to the NCLL Final Four, beating Penn State before falling to Delaware.

Alan currently leads player development for Cave Creek Youth Lacrosse and is a former Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Horizon High School. He has coached numerous players who went on to play college lacrosse and has worked with many travel club teams at all levels.
Known for promoting a fast, instinct-driven style emphasizing speed and transition, his coaching prioritizes lacrosse IQ and fundamentals. He strongly supports multi-sport athletes, discouraging early specialization to foster better skill development, reduce burnout, and grow a love for sports.

He enjoys sharing the game with his son Ethan, who calls him “Coach Dad.” You’ll often find them tossing the ball before practice.

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Cave Creek Lacrosse

4730 E. Lone Mountain Road Ste 140
Cave Creek, Arizona 85331

Email Us: [email protected]
Phone : 480-488-8485

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Cave Creek Lacrosse

Director & Coach

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Youth Program

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Cave Creek Lacrosse