Washington College Magazine
"Maverik" On Attack
Stephen Berger '04, a three-time All-American midfielder at Washington College, shattered stereotype when the Division III player was drafted by the Long Island Lizards. His star performance on attack against former D-I players may have surprised some, but not those who know his character and commitment to the game. Now Berger is taking his rebel stance to the marketplace, repping for an upstart company selling lacrosse equipment and apparel with attitude.
The Maverik brand emerged organically from Major League All Stars John Gagliardi and Jay Jalbert, two of Berger's Long Island Lizards teammates. "Maverik is all about players making things for players," says Berger, who was named sales rep for the mid-Atlantic region in November. Instead of promoting Brine or STX equipment, the player/entrepreneurs decided to develop their own line—four lines, in fact, from pee wee to professional. The reps promote their product, along with the game, at lacrosse camps and schools around the country.
"What separates us is our own sleek look and design," says Berger. "We've taken what we know and revamped it, and have adapted some things from other sports. Our gloves, for instance, use Shark Gel technology that was developed by ski equipment manufacturers to offer better protection and shock absorption. The aerospace engineered alloy shafts are probably our best sellers."
Even if your game is off, you can dress like a pro. "We're having a lot of fun developing the 'lacrosse look'," Berger says. "It's what we would want to wear on Friday night. It has to be comfortable and it has to say something about the sport of lacrosse."
When Berger is not playing or promoting lacrosse, he's coaching. Berger joins the Sho'men assistant coaching squad this spring.
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782