The Battle Lax Story Continues For Over 20 Years!

Todd Calhoun didn't grow up playing lacrosse.  However, he fell in love with the sport—the way it combined speed, skill, and strategy—but it was the sense of community it fostered that captured his heart. In 2003, that same passion would inspire him to open Battle Lax, a lacrosse store in Wilmington, NC, that would go on to touch the lives of countless players, parents, and coaches.

Named after Battleship North Carolina, Battle Lacrosse was one of the first lacrosse specialty stores on the east coast.  He started small, working tirelessly to stock his shop with top-quality gear for schools and teams.  As the popularity of lacrosse grew Todd started selling to teams across the country. He took pride in offering personalized service, ensuring that every player—whether a middle schooler trying out for the first time or a high school star—left his store with exactly what they needed to perform their best.

When he opened Battle Lax, he wasn’t an expert stringer. Determined to serve his customers better, Todd spent countless nights teaching himself the craft, experimenting with different techniques and materials. He watched videos, read manuals, and practiced until his hands ached. Over time, his reputation as a master stringer grew. Players from all over sought him out, trusting him to customize their sticks for peak performance. Todd didn’t just string sticks; he poured his heart into each one, knowing that the right stringing could make a player’s game even better.

But Battle Lax was more than just a store. It was a hub for the lacrosse community. Todd believed in meeting players and their families where they were, which often meant hitting the road during the summer months to attend tournaments. He would set up his iconic Battle Lax tent, stocked with gear, accessories, and plenty of smiles. The tent became a familiar sight at events, a place where players could not only buy equipment but also share their stories and celebrate their love of the game.

Over the years, Battle Lax became a symbol of Todd’s unwavering commitment to serving the lacrosse community. His story is one of hard work, humility, and heart. He showed that running a business isn’t just about profits; it’s about people. Todd’s example is a lesson to all business owners: when you put your customers first and pour genuine love into what you do, success follows—not just in numbers, but in the lives you touch. Todd Calhoun didn’t just build a business—he built a community, one that will remember his contributions for years to come.