About Buku

Events built with love for the game.

Meet Our Team

At Buku Events, our team is made up of passionate leaders who have dedicated their careers to growing the game of lacrosse and creating unforgettable experiences for athletes, coaches, and families. With backgrounds ranging from professional and collegiate athletics to event management, education, mental health, and community development, each team member brings a unique blend of expertise, heart, and purpose. What unites us is a shared commitment to fun, competitive, well-run events and a genuine love for the lacrosse community. Together, we strive to elevate the sport one event, one team, and one young athlete at a time.
The Meaning of 'Buku'

“Buku” means a lot—and that meaning sits at the core of who we are. We believe lacrosse grows when players are given a lot of opportunity, a lot of meaningful competition, and a lot of reasons to stay passionate about the game. Our mission is to create events where teams find the right competitive environment—games that challenge, excite, and build confidence.

We are Buku Events because we’re more than just a tournament company. We don’t simply run tournaments—we create experiences. Organized, welcoming, competitive, and fun. Events players look forward to, families enjoy, and communities remember.

Buku represents our commitment to offering a lot—a lot of care, opportunity, and passion in everything we do.
Johnny Rodriguez, Buku Events, Buku Lax

Johnny Rodriguez

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Founder

Johnny Rodriguez began playing lacrosse in Maryland in 7th grade, starring at Mount St. Joseph High School in Baltimore before moving on to Salisbury University, where he captained the 2011 National Championship team and was named National Goalie of the Year. After college, he enjoyed an eight-year professional career in the MLL and on the LXM Pro Tour.

He moved to Southern California in 2012 to help grow the game, coaching at La Costa Canyon before leading Trabuco Hills High School. Johnny then spent ten years as head coach at Mater Dei High School, taking a 0–18 program to national recognition, including multiple Top-25 rankings and the No. 1 team in the West Region in 2022 and 2023. He continues to coach as an assistant at Mater Dei and runs a recreational program introducing lacrosse to youth in his hometown Costa Mesa, CA.

In 2023, Johnny was diagnosed with ALS. He continues to battle the disease through daily treatment, physical therapy, and his faith, which remains central to his strength and outlook. He is now an active advocate in the fight against ALS, using his platform through Athletes vs. ALS and Augie’s Quest to raise awareness, inspire hope, and push progress toward a cure.

Outside of lacrosse, Johnny enjoys life with his wife, Cristina, and their three children — Jett, Cruz, and Hope.
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35000
Players
Impacted
27
x
Years of Combined Experience
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750
Teams Per Year

Austen Lison

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Sales and Field Operations

Austen is driven by his passion for people, family, and community. He married his wife, Samantha, in 2024, and the two look forward to welcoming a new addition to their family in 2026 — a long-awaited puppy. Outside of lacrosse, Austen enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and building meaningful relationships.

Since 2022, Austen has worked part-time in an outpatient psychiatric clinic, developing strong skills in communication, conflict resolution, and supportive care, while helping improve the mental health of his patients. These strengths shape his leadership style and how he connects with athletes, coaches, and directors.

Austen grew up playing lacrosse in Northern Virginia and went on to star at Florida Southern College, earning All-America honors and graduating as Team MVP in 2019. He still holds school records in ground balls and caused turnovers and ranks top 10 all-time in NCAA Division II for both categories.

After college, he coached the defense at Concordia University Irvine for four years, helping the team win the 2023 MCLA National Championship and reach the RMAC Conference Championship in 2024. Austen joined Buku Events in 2021 and is proud to support the growth of lacrosse across California and the West Coast.
Austen Lison, Buku Events

Browse Upcoming Events

For players across the Pacific Northwest, California, Texas, and more.

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Christie Cole, Buku Events, Buku Lax

Christie Cole

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Events Coordinator

Christie brings over 13 years of event management experience, including three years working on a professional tennis tournament on the WTA Tour. Originally from New England (Go Pats!), she graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in Communication and Sports Management.

She moved to Southern California to help grow the sport of lacrosse, contributing to the planning and promotion of events, leagues, teams, and camps throughout the year. Over time, her experience has expanded well beyond lacrosse to include weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, conferences, and sports tournaments of all sizes. Her ability to blend organization, creativity, and hospitality has made her an invaluable part of every event she touches.

Now more than 10 years into her time with Buku Events, Christie has played a major role in the company’s growth and the expansion of our tournament portfolio nationwide. She is passionate about her work and deeply committed to creating fun, competitive, and meaningful experiences for athletes, coaches, and families across the country.

Outside of Buku, Christie is always on the move. She loves spending quality time with friends, exploring new places, and visiting national parks across the country—always chasing the next overlook, scenic trail, or sunrise viewpoint. She is also an avid runner, embracing the discipline, challenge, and joy that come with long-distance training. Whether she’s logging miles, discovering a new national park, or helping deliver another successful event weekend, Christie approaches everything she does with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine passion for creating memorable experiences.
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Our Event Sponsors

Who help us keep youth and high school programs competing across the Pacific Northwest, California, Texas, and more.
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