skip navigation

Royals Lacrosse Staff


Jason Worwa

Jason Worwa

Varsity Head Coach

Phone: 651-248-8199

Jack Velte

Jack Velte

Varsity Assistant Coach - Offense

Billy Roberts

Billy Roberts

Varsity Assistant Coach - Offense

Tom Thone

Tom Thone

Varsity Assistant Coach - Defense/Goalies

Martin Mitsch

Martin Mitsch

Junior Varsity Head Coach

Phone: 651-325-8555

Matt Potter

Matt Potter

Junior Varsity Assistant Coach

Gavin Olson

Gavin Olson

Volunteer Assistant Coach

Cole Peterson

Volunteer Assistant Coach


Jason Worwa, Varsity Head Coach

Jason Worwa

Jason Worwa - Varsity Head Coach

Position:  Varsity Head Coach
College:  1996–2001: Minnesota State University - Mankato
Bachelor of Science:  Computer Science/Management Information Systems
High School:  White Bear Lake Bears ~ Class of 1996

Coach Worwa has lead the Royals' Offense since the program's inception and now takes over as head coach.

Jason's organization, dedication and ability to instruct new players in the proper techniques of our sport have created an environment for success on the offensive end of the field.

As an Attackman for the MSU - Mankato collegiate lacrosse team playing the UMLL, Coach Worwa was one of the leading scorers in the league and helped lead the Mavericks to a UMLL Championship in 2000.


Jack Velte, Varsity Assistant Coach - Offense


Jack Velte - Varsity Assistant Coach

Position:  Varsity Assistant Coach - Offense
College:  UW - Stout, BS in Leisure Sciences Mgmt, minor in Frisbee Golf Studies
High School:  Woodbury High School ~ Class of 2017

Coach Velte has now been a fixture in WHS lacrosse for many years as a player, a fan for his 12 brothers, and now as an assistant coach. His unique style blends the latest in sports science research with puns that will keep the players laughing yet motivated.

As a UW Stout student, Coach Velte was known for his Frisbee Golf prowess. He even designed his own course on campus, complete with water hazards and a windmill obstacle. This was during his sabbatical from lacrosse.

Coach Velte's coaching style is characterized by his passion for the sport and his ability to connect with his players on a personal level. He is always looking to make practices and games more fun. He's been known to break out into spontaneous dance parties during timeouts and to give his players silly nicknames, often using cartoon characters to explain plays and incorporating wacky handshakes into pre-game rituals.

Don't let the fun side fool you. Coach Velte is a fierce competitor who will encourage his players to play with heart and determination, leaving it all out on the field!


BILLY ROBERTS, VARSITY ASSISTANT COACH - OFFENSE


Billy Roberts - Varsity Defensive Coordinator

Position:  Varsity Assistant Coach - Offense
College:  Marquette University, BS in Clown Entrepreneurship, minor in Ancient Pottery Techniques
High School:  Woodbury High School ~ Class of 2010

As a former WHS player, Coach Roberts brings a great legacy to the team. He does, however, have a flair for the unconventional...before his coaching days, he was a professional cat herder, mastering the art of corralling feline athletes. It was only his greater love for lacrosse and coaching that drew him away from cat herding and back toward WHS and lacrosse!

Coach Roberts credits his past successes on the lacrosse field to his rigorous training regimen which included unicycling and salsa dancing. As a coach, he is known for his motivational speeches, his on-field karaoke, and his good luck pirate costumes.

Despite all the fun Coach Roberts brings with him, he's a force to be reckoned with on the field!


Tom Thone, Varsity Assistant Coach - Defense/Goalies

Tom Thone

Tom Thone - Program Goalie Coach

Position:  Varsity Assistant Coach - Defense/Goalies
College:  2007–2011: University of St. Thomas
Bachelor of Science:  Entrepreneurship Major & Business Administration: Marketing Major
High School:  Woodbury High School ~ Class of 2007

Tom is a WHS Alum, and the first official Keeper that Woodbury Lacrosse had when the team was sanctioned in 2007.
 
After high school, Tom went on to play for the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul where he was a factor in helping the Tommies win two back to back MCLA Division II National Championships during the 2009-2010 seasons. He was also named the MCLA 2nd Team All-American Goalie in 2010. Tom would attempt to complete his three-peat national run during his Senior season in 2011, but was stopped short in the Championship game by the Davenport team from Iowa.
 
Tom owns and operates his own Insurance Agency, and has been doing so the last 5 years. This type of work has allowed him more time to spend with his family at home, and his family on the Lacrosse Field. With his wife's permission Tom hopes to keep coaching.
 
Tom currently resides in Woodbury with his wife, Megan, and son, Herman; they are expecting a daughter this June (2023). Tom considers himself the luckiest man in the world, but would also like to acknowledge how lucky his family is to have him in their lives.
 
Tom has been coaching with the Woodbury High School Boys Lacrosse program since the 2012 season, and is happy to be giving back to the Team where it all started for him.

MARTIN MITSCH, JUNIOR VARSITY HEAD COACH


Martin Mitsch - Junior Varsity Head Coach

Position:  Junior Varsity Head Coach
College:  Drake University, BS in Geology, Minor in Classical Music
High School:  Hudson High School ~ Class of 1973

Coach Mitsch is a man of many talents with a background as eclectic as his coaching. With his degree in Geology and a minor in Classical Music he is able to bring a unique perspective to coaching lacrosse.

As the JV Head Coach, Coach Mitsch is a passionate and intense leader who inspires his players to greatness. Off the field, he enjoys playing the tuba, the harpsichord, and the ukulele, as well as practicing the ancient Japanese art of ikebana, or flower arrangement. 

Coach Mitsch's innovative coaching techniques include using his knowledge of geology to teach his players about the geological formations of the opposing team's home field. He also leads the team in pre-game meditation sessions, which he believes help his players stay focused and calm under pressure.

Coach Mitsch also has a fun side. He is often playing practical jokes on his fellow coaches and wearing unique disguises. Try to identify him out on the sidelines! His secret weapon? The polka dot socks that he wears to every game.

Coach Mitsch's passion, creativity, and dedication have helped the team to numerous victories. His coaching philosophy has earned him the respect and admiration of his players and fellow coaches.


Matt Potter, Junior Varsity Assistant Coach

Matt Potter - Junior Varsity Assistant Coach

Matt Potter - Junior Varsity Assistant Coach

Position:  Junior Varsity Assistant Coach

College:  University of Michigan, BS in Anthropology with a minor in Drama
High School:  Andover High School ~ Class of 2016

Coach Potter has a keen eye for detail and an ability to study opponents' tactics, developing tailored strategies for his players. He encourages his team to think outside the box, incorporating unconventional exercises like juggling and improv games to build coordination and creativity.

Off the field, Coach Potter is an avid sci-fi fan and enjoys volunteering at the local animal shelter. His infectious sense of humor and love of life make him a favorite among his players and fellow coaches. He's known for showing up wearing a Viking helmet and waving a foam sword, always ready to inspire his team to greatness.

Despite his quirky personality, Coach Potter is a dedicated Coach who inspires his players to reach their full potential. He believes in the power of positivity and encourages his team to support each other both on and off the field. His passion and enthusiasm for the game of lacrosse is contagious and has helped lead his team to numerous victories.



Team Managers 2024