About Us
First Cradle Lacrosse is a youth development program dedicated to introducing young athletes to the fundamentals of lacrosse in a fun, inclusive and empowering environment. We specialize in early-stage skill-building and confidence development for kids.
Ryan Drummond is the co-founder of First Cradle Lacrosse, a program designed to introduce the game of lacrosse to children ages 24-months to 5th grade in a fun, foundational and developmentally appropriate way. His journey to youth sports leadership began after years of working closely with college athletes as they prepared for life after competition.
A High School All-American from Wilton, Connecticut, Ryan went on to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Delaware, where he was a captain and standout close defenseman, graduating with the Class of 2004. Following college, he launched a successful career in technology recruiting in New York City, eventually working for JPMorgan Chase.
In 2017, Ryan founded The Athlete Book, a career learning and job placement platform that supported thousands of college athletes nationwide as they took their final steps in sport and transitioned into professional life. After selling the company in 2022, Ryan reflected on the critical moments that shape an athlete’s journey—and realized his next chapter would be focused on where it all begins.
Now a dedicated coach and father of three, Ryan is committed to helping young athletes take their first steps in sports with confidence, joy and the right fundamentals. Through First Cradle Lacrosse, he’s combining his love of the game, his experience mentoring athletes and his belief that the most lasting impact comes from the earliest stages of development.
Ned Bowen grew up in Chappaqua, New York playing all youth sports. Football, basketball and lacrosse became his focus in high school before playing Division I lacrosse and football at the University of Virginia. With a Master’s degree in Special Education and nearly a decade of experience teaching to students ages 6–18, Ned brings both academic depth and athletic excellence to every team and program he serves.
A standout collegiate athlete, Ned was a four-year member of the University of Virginia Varsity Men’s Lacrosse Team from 1999 to 2003. In his final season, he was named Co-Captain of the 2003 NCAA National Championship Team, which also secured the ACC Championship that year. His leadership and relentless work ethic earned him the 2003 Unsung Hero Award, and he was recognized as the Most Improved Player in 2002. In addition to lacrosse, he was also a member of the UVA Varsity Football Team in 2002.
Ned’s professional career began with being drafted by the Boston Cannons in 2003. He later joined the San Francisco Dragons in 2006, and competed on the LXM Pro Tour from 2010 to 2012, contributing to the game’s growth and visibility nationwide.
As a coach, Ned has extensive experience at the high school and club levels. He currently serves as Varsity Assistant Coach at the Westtown School (2025–Present), Assistant Coach for Fusion Lacrosse Teams (‘28 & ‘32), Defensive Assistant for the Fusion Futures 2029 and Assistant coach for Penn*Lax Box Lacrosse teams.
