The Riverside Brookfield High School boys lacrosse program isn’t easing into spring. Under new varsity head coach Justin Headley, the Bulldogs are committing to a faster pace, physical play and relentless effort.
“I’ve been across programs where you’re managing college-bound athletes, communicating expectations, and making sure players feel supported,” Headley said. “I want lacrosse to be fun, but we’re going to compete at a high level every time we step on the field.”
Headley has claimed RBHS boys lacrosse’s new motto, “No Bark, All Bite,” in which BITE also stands for belief, integrity, togetherness and effort. Whether RBHS is protecting a lead or fighting from behind, he wants the Bulldogs, scrapping until the final whistle. He arrives with a deep background in the sport as both a player and a coach. A Maryland native, he played varsity lacrosse at Perry Hall School (Baltimore) as a long-stick midfielder before continuing his career locally at Concordia University in River Forest, where he played through spring 2023 before the program disbanded.
His coaching career began in 2020 with the Baltimore Swarm during the COVID-19 pandemic, an experience that forced adaptability from the start. Since then, Headley has coached at youth and high school levels, including his role as assistant coach for two seasons at Brother Rice. That staff doubled its win total, and helped send multiple players to Division II college programs.
The competitive identity will be clear from the stands. Headley describes his coaching style as “East Coast lacrosse with Midwest Grit.”
“We want to play fast, push transition, and be physical,” he said. “We’re not going to quit after the first quarter. RBHS lacrosse is going to be the most annoying team to play – not because we’re dirty, but because we never give up.”
The Bulldogs are coming off one of the most successful seasons in their history. Under former head coach Joe Urbanski, they finished 2025 with an 11-7 record and achieved a historic milestone by winning the program’s first-ever postseason game, a 19-0 victory over Brother Rice. RBHS fell 18-1 in the sectional semifinals to Downers Grove co-op, but the breakthrough win marked a turning point for the program.
Continuity remains a strength. Varsity assistant coaches Jason Kaumeyer and Richard Dosek are returning this season, providing stability and familiarity within the program as RBHS marks a new transition under Headley.
Outside of practice, Headley emphasizes fundamentals, especially wall-ball and playing the game at a fast pace.
“The power of lacrosse is how quickly things happen,” he noted. “The more reps you get on your own, the better prepared you are.”
The Bulldogs open with Oak Park and River Forest – a consistent top-30 team in the state – March 18. Games against Fenwick and Oswego follow, reflecting Headley’s belief in challenging his roster early. He believes the approach will build resilience reinforcing the Bulldogs’ competitiveness.
As the season approaches, Headley’s message to players and fans is simple.
“It’s not going to be easy,” he said, “but nothing worth doing in life is easy. Be prepared to work, grind, and be part of something bigger than yourself. The brotherhood lacrosse brings is something you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.”