What I look for in a Student-Athlete

I look for several qualities in a Student-Athlete. I want hungry student-athletes who display a desire to work hard and have a passion for the game. You can’t teach hustle and you certainly can’t teach desire, however, it’s easy to spot. These attributes are what I look for in student-athletes that want to compete at a very high level on the field and in the classroom.

I meet with the parents to set proper expectations and explain that if they have any questions about their son’s schoolwork or anything going on in their lives, we can talk about that whenever they like. When it comes to playing time, that discussion is between me and their son. If the parent wants to get involved, I believe this conversation should still take place with their son included. It is my belief that not including their son in the conversation sets up unrealistic real-life situations and doesn’t help their son grow.

My greatest reward is seeing how happy and proud players have grown throughout the short time I am fortunate enough to work with them. It’s a pleasure to see them evolve into men and be better equipped to handle all of the challenges that life will inevitably be throw at them. I love seeing alumni who did not get much playing time on the field yet they still love the team and come back to support every year. It’s an even greater honor when those same parents see what I have done for their sons to make them into better young men.

Coaching

I care about my players physically, mentally, and emotionally. My players are whole humans, and it takes knowing them as whole humans to be able to coach each individual successfully.

Each one of my players will be taking a personality test to help me better understand/communicate/motivate them on and off the field. It also helps me understand when I see certain emotions on or off the field.

Some people may feel that I worry too much about the little things, but I’d say that’s why I’m good at what I do. It’s the little things that win games, and the obsession over becoming a master of the basics that makes a player great. Not only that, but I welcome challenges from players who wonder why we do certain drills and explain to them why this is not only necessary but why it will make them better players.

I am an empathic and caring coach, as evidenced by my previous player’s reviews of me, but you can expect the truth from me always. I am not afraid to call guys out if they are not living up to the quality and standards set by the program. They are young boys and many want to make a name for themselves in high school and college. I understand that lacrosse careers are short and life post-graduation starts directly afterwards. I’m here to develop them as better teammates, people, and members of their communities. Many of the life lessons I carry with me come from sports, and I’m looking to impress upon them those lessons that make them better men moving forward.

Staff

The coaching staff will be organized. We will talk constantly about game plans, practice plans, depth charts, alumni relations, how to help our community, and social media presence.

Assistant coaches can have certain roles (offense, defense, faceoff, goalie, box subbing, help with Alumni events).

If any of the coaches have an issue or we disagree on anything, we will have already discussed this behind closed doors away from the team. We won’t show the team these discussions so as to maintain a clear and consistent vision from all coaching staff.

I will hire coaches in collaboration with the AD, and the administration. I look to bring in those that I trust to get the job done and to help these student-athletes physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Academic

An assistant and I will be keeping up to date with teachers on a platform of the schools choosing to monitor our players’ grades. I only see them for a certain amount of time on the field and some players tend to hide their emotions or frustrations in the classroom on the field. Having open communication with the teachers and having the teachers let me know if a player missed classed, showed up late, struggling with test/papers, or misbehaved; will be sat down and talked to in a private setting. If I have to bring the parents along to get the message across, I will.

Lacrosse has a professional league and very few players are able to get drafted into it, I understand the importance of education and what it can do to help their career and in life.

Rules and guidelines:

I have rules and guidelines for the players to understand, respect, and therefore behave in a manner that the coaches and institution would expect from them.

If any players break the rules, this will be looked into and discussed with my coaches, along with the AD, to determine the proper course of action.