The BackBone The CB7 Newsletter: Episode 1

- Written by CB7 Founder: Derek Radke ("CB" Coach Bones)

"The BackBone" Episode 1

Welcome to the first episode of "The BackBone", the CB7 newsletter. This series is all about keeping the CB7 community in the loop — sharing recent highlights, where we are now, and what’s coming next. I want to give you an inside look into my life as a lacrosse trainer and the consistent work that the CB7 athletes have been stacking. I look forward to sharing this journey, so sit back and enjoy a behind the scenes look into the backbone of our company.

Click link below for access to all CB7 links and sites

First and foremost, thank you to every player, parent, and coach I’ve had the chance to work with. From the bottom of my heart, I’m grateful for the strong relationships built along this journey. A special thank you to my brother, Dylan (also Bones), for stepping in as the first CB7 assistant coach. From 8-year-olds learning the basics to NCAA All-Americans competing at the highest level, the players are what make CB7 stand tall and keep moving forward. They are the BackBone. Here’s to the future and all the work still ahead. – CB

January-August 2025

  • ~ 210 individual Training Sessions
  • ~ 50 group training sessions
  • 10 large group camps/clinics

This year I’ve had the privilege of working with athletes of all ages and skill levels—ranging from 8-year-olds just picking up a stick to established NCAA players. Each athlete brings their own story, and together we focus on refining existing skills while building new ones.

Beyond the training sessions, we launched our first apparel line (New apparel line is live now!! see below), grew to nearly 5,000 Instagram followers, collaborated with lacrosse companies on content, built brand partnerships, and officially became an LLC.

CB7 Apparel Flash Sale!

September 5th- October 1st!!

A look Ahead!

This fall (2025) brings plenty of opportunities for training and growth with CB7. We’ll be offering 22 group training sessions open to all ages, along with five specialized skill-based clinics. Individual and small group sessions will also be available by appointment. (Details below.)

CB7 Fall Ball (22 total sessions)

Sessions will run every Tuesday and Friday from 5:30–7:00 PM at Maryville University, beginning September 19th and ending December 12th. Training is open to players in grades 4–12. Athletes will be grouped by age/skill level and put through a variety of drills, creating a high-level 90-minute training experience. CB7 Fall Ball is an excellent opportunity for player development throughout the fall.

Skill Specific Clinics (5 clinics)

This fall, CB7 will host five specialized clinics, each focused on a different core skill. Clinics are designed for athletes who want to sharpen specific areas of their game. Cost is $100 per player, per clinic. (Click link for Clinic details).

  • Saturday, September 20th, 2025 - Youth "disciplined training session" clinic
  • Saturday, October 4th, 2025 - Shooting Clinic
  • Sunday, October 19th, 2025 - Goalie Clinic
  • Saturday, November 8th, 2025 - Wall-Ball Clinic
  • Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 - Speed and Agility Clinic

Individual and Small group Sessions

Players/Parents can access my personal calendar to schedule individual and small group sessions. With field availability limited this fall, these sessions will be first come first serve. ***Pricing for the fall starting September 15th will be:***

  • Individual Sessions: $70/Session
  • Group (2-4 athletes): $60/athlete
  • Group (5+ athletes): $50/athlete

The Origin:

CB7 comes from my family nickname, “Bones.” At Maryville University, players call me “CB” or “Coach Bones,” and the “7” represents the number I wore during my college playing days. The name brings together my passion as a coach and the love I had/have for the game as a player—forming the foundation of what CB7 stands for today.

My Why:

Lacrosse is my purpose and my passion. The game has given me endless opportunities—both for myself and for my family—and I’ll always be indebted to it. Through lacrosse, I’ve built lifelong relationships, traveled across the U.S. and abroad, and found a deep sense of purpose that continues to drive me every day.

My mission with CB7 is to give athletes the same life-changing experiences that lacrosse has given me, both on and off the field. Success doesn’t come easy—it’s earned through hard work and dedication—and that’s exactly what every player will come to know through their time with CB7.

My Accolades:

  • 2024 & 2025 NCAA tournament appearance with Maryville (final 4 in 2025)
  • 2025 GLVC conference champions
  • 2023 Missouri High school state champion
  • England national team member
  • NCAA DI Senior All-Star game selection
  • 2x NCAA DI Scholar All-American
  • 2x NCAA DI Team Captain
  • 5 Year NCAA DI Starter
  • 2x High School Team Captain
  • 1x High School All-American
  • 3x High School All-State player

My Story:

I started playing lacrosse in fourth grade through the Lafayette feeder program and quickly fell in love with the game. Along the way, I also played soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and even wrestled, but lacrosse became my true passion. I finished grade school competing with Kings Lacrosse Club and Redshirts Lacrosse Club before moving on to De Smet Jesuit High School (2013–2017).

At De Smet, I was a three-sport athlete, a three-year lacrosse starter, and earned All-American honors my senior year. I traveled across the country to play both field and box lacrosse against the best competition, which ultimately led me to commit to Cleveland State University in 2017 to chase my dream of competing at the highest level.

I spent five years at Cleveland State, where I was a two-time team captain, completed my MBA, and built friendships that will last a lifetime. After graduating, I returned home to St. Louis but also had the unique opportunity to train with the British National Team (I was born in England) during the 2022–2023 camps, helping prepare their roster for the 2023 World Games.

Back in St. Louis, I served as the assistant offensive coordinator at my alma mater, De Smet Jesuit, and helped the program win the 2023 Missouri State Championship. Currently, I’m an assistant coach with Maryville University’s men’s lacrosse team, where we recently reached the NCAA Final Four in 2025. In addition to coaching at the college level, I work with youth and high school athletes year-round through individual training, group sessions, and week-long camps.

The lacrosse community carries heavy hearts with the news of the tragic passing of Noah Snyder and Scott Michaud from Marquette University Men’s Lacrosse. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with their families, teammates, and the entire Marquette program during this difficult time.

At CB7, we honor their love for the game and will continue to carry that spirit forward. Rest easy, Noah and Scott.

"The BackBone" Episode 1

That’s a wrap on Episode 1 of The BackBone. New editions will drop every six months to keep you connected and up to date on the CB7 mission. Share this with a friend, explore the links below, and keep building with us. Thank you for being part of the CB7 community—let’s get to work.

Contact CB7 with any questions: cb7training@gmail.com or 636-649-9439

CREATED BY
Derek Radke