Our Story

Great White Buffalo Lacrosse, started during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With fields shut down and organized sports on hold, Brian and Wes formed a small training group in a family’s backyard.

The goal was simple: keep a handful of local players active and improving.

As interest grew, that training group became something more.

The first official team, GWB 2028, was formed. It quickly became the foundation of the program.

From there, thanks to word of mouth from our incredible families, GWB expanded into a full club. Growth came naturally through trust, strong coaching, and consistent results.

Meet the Co-Founders

Brian Cooper

Brian Cooper attended Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, Maryland where he remains one of the most decorated players in the school's history. Upon graduating in 2010, Brian was named a US Lacrosse All-American, as well as an Under Armor All-American. Cooper was then recruited to the University of Maryland to further his lacrosse career at the D1 collegiate level. At the start of his sophomore year, he was moved to close defense where he started every game, contributing to the team's run to the National Championship in 2011. As a junior and senior, Brian moved to the defensive midfield line where he continued to be a starter for the remainder of his collegiate career. Brian was then selected as the #64 pick in the MLL draft by the Chesapeake Bayhawks.

Brian started coaching in 2009. In 2016, he became the defensive coordinator at La Costa Canyon High School. In his first season, Cooper led a defense that gave up a CIF-low of 6.7 goals per game. The Mavericks capped their historic season by winning the CIF Championship & receiving a #2 ranking in California. In 2018 he was at Concordia Univ. of Irvine and won Lacrosse Conference Coach of the Year. As of 2025, he is the Head Coach of the Cathedral Catholic Don’s Lacrosse program.

Brian lives in Encinitas with his wife Tori and puppy dog Chip.

Wes Berg

Wes Berg is a current professional player and captain with the San Diego Seals. His experience at the highest level of the sport brings real perspective to our players. He attended University of Denver, who went 56–14 in Berg's four years there, with three consecutive trips to the final four as well as one national title in his senior season. Berg finished his college career as Denver's career leader in points (255) and goals (188). He also finished his career on a 38-game active point streak and scored 39 career NCAA Tournament goals, the second most in NCAA history. He was drafted in the first round, 4th pick overall in the NLL.

Wes is an offensive legend and brings that knowledge to the GWB program.

Originally from Canada, he lives around the corner from Brian in Encinitas.