Youth grows as a lacrosse star since move to Henderson

By Jared Harmon

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 | midnight

When the Eissler family moved to Henderson four years ago, a major concern in relocating was the lack of opportunities for budding lacrosse star Kieran Eissler to play the sport he loves.

But when you are talented as Kieran Eissler, the opportunities are plentiful.

He recorded 120 points — including 85 goals — last spring to lead Bob Miller Middle School to the Las Vegas Lacrosse league semifinals as a seventh grader. Then in the summer, he was asked to join a competitive under-19 squad.

It's safe to say those worries no longer exist.

"He's always played against older, bigger and usually more experienced competition and he still manages to excel," said Chris Eissler, his father and coach of the Miller lacrosse team. "As a dad you worry about whether he'll be safe but I have these coaches saying that's what he needs to challenge him."

In his native New York, Eissler took up lacrosse in the second grade and almost immediately was moved up to the sixth grade squad. After moving to Henderson, Eissler played for the Faith Lutheran eighth grade team while attending Neil C. Twitchell Elementary School.

He was drawn to lacrosse because of the combination of the constant action and physical style of play.

"I've just always been around the sport. My dad played in high school and college and we even have a photo of me as a baby with a lacrosse stick," Kieran Eissler said. "I started playing and it was like I just kept getting better and better."

Despite playing against much larger competition, Kieran Eissler rarely gets intimidated by his older opponents. Rather, he sees the mismatches as an opportunity to continue to elevate his game.

"It's always kind of scary that first time I move up into a new age group, especially the under-19 team," the younger Eissler said. "I was so much smaller than everybody. "

Kieran Eissler helped Miller finish 10-2 last year and the squad should be one of the area's best again this season.

Del Webb Middle School coach Dave Libby said Miller's team, led by Kieran Eissler and Connor Morgan, could be a difficult force to reckon with.

"Coaching against (Kieran Eissler) is real tough," Libby said. "He and (Morgan) could easily put up 250 points between the two of them. If you put everything you've got into guarding Kieran, Connor is going to capitalize."

Chris Eissler said his son's success comes from athletic ability and mental toughness.

"He's so focused. He works out everyday and puts everything into practice," Chris Eissler said. "He lives, eats and breathes lacrosse."

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or [email protected].