In this episode of the New England Lacrosse Journal's Chasing the Goal podcast, host Kyle Devitte and co-host Jack Piatelli interview Boston Cannons head coach Brian Holman. They discuss Holman's extensive coaching career, his recent neck surgery, and his experiences coaching at various levels from youth to professional lacrosse. Holman shares anecdotes about coaching his own children, the importance of building trust and culture within the team, and the unique challenges of coaching in the PLL. The episode also delves into the potential future of the PLL, including city-based teams and the need for suitable stadiums.

Topics

01:12 Welcoming the Guest: Coach Brian Holman

02:10 Coach Holman's Journey in Lacrosse

08:12 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Growth

17:26 Challenges of Coaching at Different Levels

18:53 Building Team Culture and Trust

22:10 Coaching Family and Personal Reflections

24:01 Sydney's Athletic Journey

24:42 A Tough Coaching Lesson with Marcus

26:19 Coaching Philosophy and Family Bond

28:13 Emotional Moments and Reflections

29:34 Covering Pro Lacrosse: A Personal Perspective

33:05 The Impact of Crowds on Games

35:46 Adapting to Rule Changes in Lacrosse

42:00 Future of Lacrosse: City-Based Teams

45:14 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the New England Lacrosse Journal's 'Chasing the Goal' podcast, hosts Kyle Devitte and Jack Piatelli welcome returning St. John's Prep head coach John Pynchon. The episode covers Pynchon's coaching journey, the challenges of managing a large and successful lacrosse program, and the cultural values that underpin his team's accomplishments. They delve into the significance of the 2020 Covid season, the impact of star player Jimmy Ayers, and the transitions in high school lacrosse dynamics, including the role of club teams. The discussion also touches on the perceptions and criticisms faced by successful programs and the importance of focusing on the development of students beyond the sport. The episode closes with reflections on the potential for new competitive structures in high school lacrosse.

Topics

01:23 Guest Introduction: John Pynchon

02:00 The Lightning Delay Game

05:39 Jimmy Ayers: A Star Player

10:50 Building a Successful Program

15:06 Challenges and Misconceptions

22:42 Dealing with Criticism

28:26 Addressing Animosity in Coaching

29:33 Complaints and Misconceptions

32:05 Building a Winning Program

34:27 Challenges and Growth

38:45 Proposing a Super Catholic League

43:54 Balancing Club and High School Lacrosse

50:23 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Host Kyle Devitte is joined by guest Ryan Conwell. They delve into Ryan's lacrosse journey, starting from high school in Liverpool, New York, transitioning to college experiences, and his significant involvement with box lacrosse. The episode highlights the competitive nature of senior men's lacrosse in the NABLL, the inception and evolution of the Nor'easters, and the short-lived yet memorable experience of the PBLA with the Chowder Heads. Conwell also discusses the importance of officiating in lacrosse and shares insights on his involvement with the moon bears in international tournaments like the one in Prague. The episode wraps with Devitt's gratitude towards Conwell for his contributions to the sport and his personal aspirations in lacrosse.

Topics

00:21 Guest Introduction: Ryan Conwell

00:49 High School Lacrosse Memories

01:45 College Lacrosse Journey

02:58 Lacrosse Forums and Online Community

04:05 Ranking Lacrosse Fan Bases

13:21 Transition to Box Lacrosse

19:46 Founding the Nor'easters

24:33 The Core Four Teams

25:09 The NABLL League Structure

25:31 Rebuilding and Tryouts

26:29 The Value of Summer League

30:14 The Moon Bears Journey

33:19 The PBLA Experience

40:46 The Importance of Being a Good Teammate

43:23 Referee Shortage and Challenges

52:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kyle is joined by Owen Hart, coach at Westwood High. Owen shares his journey from learning lacrosse as a high school student to becoming a coach. The duo delves into coaching experiences, emphasizing the differences between coaching varsity and JV, and the importance of teaching fundamentals. They also review and provide insights into the MIAA Division 1 and Division 2 lacrosse brackets, highlighting teams, potential upsets, and key matchups to watch. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, in-depth analysis, and a light-hearted take on the lacrosse community.

Topics

01:08 Owen Hart's Lacrosse Journey 02:44 Coaching During COVID-19 04:54 Challenges of Coaching High School Lacrosse 12:30 The Role of Video Production in Lacrosse 19:29 JV Coaching Stories 30:31 A Scrimmage Lesson 31:09 Varsity vs JV: Proving Yourself 31:43 Small Things Matter in Lacrosse 32:34 Game of Execution 33:18 Coaching Philosophy and Experience 34:11 D1 Bracket Analysis 35:36 Massachusetts Lacrosse Drama 48:30 Division 2 Bracket Insights 54:11 Concluding Thoughts and Predictions

The guest is North Andover Head Coach Steve Zella. He covers topics such as the transition of teams between divisions, the impact of influential coaches and the strategies behind preparing a young team for success. Coach Zella shares his coaching journey, style, and the challenges faced this season. The conversation highlights the significance of character-building, adapting coaching methods for younger players, and the ongoing growth and development of lacrosse at the high school level.

Topics

01:29 North Andover's Season and Division Move 02:52 Coaching Journey: From Brookline to North Andover 05:35 Coaching Philosophy and Style 11:34 Impact of Coaching on Players' Lives 16:19 Challenges and Realizations in Coaching 20:26 Adapting Coaching Methods 21:43 Season Overview and Tournament Discussion 22:40 Reflecting on Last Season's Challenges 22:56 Building a Strong Schedule 23:10 Current Season Performance 23:20 Team Composition and Key Players 23:54 Game Highlights and Key Matches 24:51 Player Development and Future Goals 25:36 Coaching Strategies and Adjustments 29:13 Offensive Tactics and Plays 34:47 Defensive Strategies and Zone Attacks 37:44 Upcoming Game Against Bedford 40:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell

The guest is Simsbury High School's head coach Jim Martocchio, who shares insights on coaching philosophies, the challenges and rewards of coaching in the town you live in, balancing coaching roles, and the dynamics of preparing teams for playoffs. Additionally, the conversation touches on nurturing player development from youth through high school, the impact of lacrosse on youth, and maintaining passion and fun in the sport despite the pressures of high stakes competition. The coach also delves into the role of community and relationships in building successful programs, highlighting the journey of senior players and discussing the potential next steps in their lacrosse careers. Chasing the Goal podcast from New England Lacrosse Journal is a Seamans Media production. Find more daily lacrosse news at New England Lacrosse Journal: https://www.laxjournal.com/ Topics 01:50 Exploring Connecticut's Lacrosse Divisions and Challenges 06:45 The Unique Bond of Lacrosse: From Plymouth to Simsbury 15:04 Cultivating a Positive Lacrosse Culture in Simsbury 19:30 The Joy of Coaching and Building a Lacrosse Community 21:01 Reflections on Coaching High School Lacrosse 23:21 The Challenges and Rewards of Coaching in Your Hometown 25:29 Evolving Coaching Strategies with Parenthood 08:34 Building a Community Through Coaching 32:03 The Impact of Coaching Philosophy on Team Dynamics 35:32 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of High School Lacrosse 38:40 Fostering Talent and Leadership in Young Athletes 44:15 Closing Thoughts: The Journey of Coaching

The guest is Ethan McDonnell, the head coach of Choate's lacrosse team. He shares insights on building a lacrosse program, balancing academics and athletics, and navigating the college recruitment process for student-athletes. The discussion covers the unique aspects of Choate, including its academic rigor and innovative approach to education, as well as the importance of finding the right fit for athletes at both the prep school and college levels. McDonnell also reflects on his journey from a student-athlete at Choate to becoming the head coach and how his experience informs his coaching and mentoring approach. The episode emphasizes the value of preparation, community, and matching one's athletic aspirations with educational goals. Chasing the Goal podcast from New England Lacrosse Journal is a Seamans Media production. Find more daily lacrosse news at New England Lacrosse Journal: https://www.laxjournal.com/

Topics

00:34 Guest Introduction: Ethan McDonnell's Journey

01:37 Season Recap and Team Dynamics

05:05 Balancing Postgrads and Developing Young Talent

09:59 Recruitment Insights for Aspiring Prep School Athletes

14:08 Coach's Personal Journey and Lacrosse in Montreal

21:50 Finding the Right Fit: College and Career Choices

22:25 Life Lessons from the Field: Preparing for Success and Failure

23:24 The Role of a Coach: Beyond the Game

24:25 Navigating the College Recruitment Process

26:03 The Importance of Experience Over Winning

34:41 Choate's Unique Approach to Education and Athletics

40:27 The Personal Touch: Coaching at Your Alma Mater

42:22 Wrapping Up: The Right Fit and Upcoming Challenges

The guest is Loomis Chaffee lacrosse coach Bill Ball, who covers a wide array of topics related to prep school lacrosse. Discussions include the anticipation of the NCAA lacrosse tournament, Cornell's prospects, the importance of early season performances, and coach Ball's experiences and coaching philosophy at Loomis Chaffee. Insights into player development, the impact of mentors, the team's playing style, and managing high-performing athletes' expectations are shared. Additionally, they touch on the importance of multi-sport participation, the changing landscape of recruiting, and the unique benefits and challenges of coaching at a boarding school like Loomis Chaffee. The conversation also delves into the competitive nature of the Founders League, the advantages of a Loomis education, and the complex dynamics of coaching different age groups. Topics

00:21 The Road to the NCAA Lacrosse Tournament

00:53 Special Guest: Insights from Loomis Chaffee's Bill Ball

04:30 Adapting to Early Offense: Loomis's Strategy

05:34 Facing Challenges and Celebrating Wins

08:07 Navigating Team Dynamics Without a Key Player

11:44 Building a Strong Team Culture at Loomis

15:32 The Unique Loomis Experience: Academics and Athletics

20:38 Advice for Aspiring Prep School Athletes

21:59 Looking Ahead: The Founders League Championship

22:51 The Thrill of Post-Season Play and School Rivalries

23:55 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation

24:30 Building Relationships with Club Teams

26:08 The Evolution of Lacrosse and Coaching

31:15 Recruiting and Evaluating Young Talent

35:57 The Unique Challenges of Coaching at Prep Schools

37:15 Loomis Chaffee's Distinctive Approach to Education and Athletics

41:19 The Future of Prep Lacrosse and Closing Thoughts

Chasing the Goal podcast from New England Lacrosse Journal is a Seamans Media production. Find more daily lacrosse news at New England Lacrosse Journal: https://www.laxjournal.com/