About Merit Lacrosse Academy
At Merit Lacrosse Academy, we believe excellence is earned. Serving the Pittsburgh area, we provide girls with the opportunity to develop their lacrosse skills, build confidence, and grow their love for the game in a supportive and challenging environment.
Our clinics are designed for youth and adolescent athletes of all experience levels, with beginner and intermediate sessions tailored to meet each player’s individual needs. Whether an athlete is learning the fundamentals for the first time or looking to refine existing skills, we focus on building a strong foundation, improving technique, and developing the confidence to compete at the next level.
At Merit, we strive to help every athlete become a more skilled, confident, and disciplined player—both on and off the field. Through intentional instruction, personalized development, and a commitment to growth, we empower young athletes to reach their potential, one rep at a time.
A message from our founder
Kathryn Balobeck “Coach KB”
15 years of playing experience.
5+ years of coaching.
One mission: helping girls reach their potential.
Originally from Michigan, I bring over 15 years of lacrosse playing experience and more than five years of coaching experience to Merit Lacrosse Academy. I currently coach at St. Edmund’s Academy, where I have the opportunity to help young athletes develop their skills, grow their confidence, and strengthen their love for the game.
I founded Merit Lacrosse Academy out of a passion for helping girls become better players through intentional, focused skill development. I wanted to create opportunities for athletes in the Pittsburgh area to get extra repetitions, build on the fundamentals, and fine-tune their skills outside of school—without the time commitment, travel, and demands of a full club season.
Whether an athlete is picking up a stick for the first time or looking to take her game to the next level, Merit offers beginner and intermediate sessions designed to meet players where they are and help them continue to grow.
I believe that becoming a better player starts with a willingness to learn, a commitment to hard work, and the confidence to keep pushing forward. My goal is to create an environment where every athlete feels supported, challenged, and empowered to reach her potential—both on and off the field.
At Merit, we believe excellence isn't given. It's earned, one skill, one rep, and one athlete at a time.
Welcome to Merit Lacrosse Academy.