In this episode of the New England Lacrosse Journal's 'Chasing the Goal' podcast, host Kyle Devitte interviews Deemer Class, co-founder of First Class Lacrosse and former pro and Duke lacrosse player. They discuss Deemer's journey from youth sports to playing at a Division I powerhouse like Duke, the rigorous training that shaped his career, and the transition into professional lacrosse with MLL and PLL. Deemer shares insights into First Class Lacrosse, emphasizing the importance of intentional training, personalized coaching, and maintaining a love for the game. The conversation also touches on the evolving culture of lacrosse, the scrutiny of elite programs, and the valuable experiences at the Division II and III levels.

Topics

00:40 Deemer Class: Early Life and Lacrosse Journey

03:08 College Experience at Duke

04:58 Transition to Professional Lacrosse

07:18 Founding First Class Lacrosse

09:25 Reflections and Evolution of First Class Lacrosse

13:14 Lacrosse Culture and Training Philosophy

20:22 Developing Elite Training Events

29:26 Engaging Youth Lacrosse Coaches

30:33 The Importance of Speed and Reps

31:37 Personalizing Coaching Approaches

32:32 Challenges of Modern Coaching

36:15 Gamifying Lacrosse Drills

38:54 The Reality of College Lacrosse

47:48 Balancing Expectations and Reality

52:56 What's Next for First Class Lacrosse?

In this episode of New England Lacrosse Journal's Chasing The Gold podcast, host Kyle Devitte engages in a comprehensive conversation with Jake Bernhardt, head coach of Colby men’s lacrosse team. Kyle explores Jake’s journey from his upbringing in a football family to playing lacrosse at the University of Maryland, his professional career, and eventual transition to coaching. The discussion covers Jake’s coaching philosophy, strategies for balancing offensive and defensive play, and adapting to new environments as he moved from Florida to Vermont and then to Colby. Jake provides insights into the recruiting process within the competitive NESCAC conference and shares experiences of developing a winning team identity at Colby. Key points include managing team dynamics, the importance of setting realistic goals, and fostering relationships within the lacrosse community. The episode offers a detailed look into the challenges and rewards of collegiate lacrosse coaching, emphasizing strategies for success and continuous improvement.

Topics

00:44 Jake Bernhardt's Background and Early Life

01:06 Transition to College and Professional Lacrosse

03:45 Coaching Influences and Philosophy

09:13 Coaching at Colby and First Season Challenges

16:46 Building the Coaching Staff and Future Plans

20:43 National Recruiting Strategy

21:07 Lacrosse Popularity in New England

22:39 Welcoming Freshmen to the Program

24:24 NESCAC Admissions Process

25:43 Colby's Unique Selling Points

28:03 Building a Competitive Team

30:38 Offensive and Defensive Strategies

39:59 Setting Realistic Goals for the Season

42:01 Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this episode of New England Lacrosse Journal's Chasing the Goal podcast, Kyle welcomes Dan Rosenak, owner of Flow State Yoga Therapy and former Clark University lacrosse player. The conversation begins with Dan's introduction to lacrosse in high school and his journey through different athletic pursuits. Dan shares his transition from playing and coaching lacrosse to a career in sales and marketing with Black & Decker, eventually leading him to Hawaii. The discussion covers Dan's experiences playing and coaching lacrosse in Hawaii, his return to the East Coast, and his roles in youth development with Harlem Lacrosse. Dan talks about the life-changing impact of COVID-19, his shift to yoga practice for balancing personal health, and how it became Flow State Yoga Therapy. He provides insights into the significance of connecting body, breath, and mind, offering practical tips for physical and mental well-being. The episode also touches on societal challenges and the value of maintaining a healthy mental state amidst career and personal transitions.

Topics

00:46 Dan's Early Lacrosse Journey

02:59 College Lacrosse Experience

07:53 Post-College and Coaching

09:12 Life in Hawaii

16:55 Return to Philadelphia and Coaching

19:53 Transitioning from Coaching to Education

20:34 Volunteering with Harlem Lacrosse

22:16 Impact of COVID and Family Decisions

23:16 Discovering Yoga and Personal Balance

24:48 The Importance of Therapy and Mental Health

27:14 Yoga Practice and Its Benefits

32:54 Practical Tips for Connecting Mind and Body

40:11 Yoga Therapy: Individual and Group Work

44:10 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Show

In this episode of New England Lacrosse Journal's Chasing the Gold podcast, host Kyle Devitte goes solo and engages in an extensive conversation with contributor Dan Arestia. They discuss the evolving landscape of lacrosse journalism, the challenges and joys of covering this niche sport, and the impact of COVID-19 on their professional dynamics. They also delve into personal anecdotes about their experiences in lacrosse journalism and discuss predictions for the upcoming Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) semifinals, with in-depth analysis on team strategies, key players, and potential outcomes.

Topics

00:34 Guest Introduction: Dan Arestia

01:03 The Impact of COVID on Lacrosse

01:51 Dan's Journey into Lacrosse Writing

07:23 Balancing Passion and Profession

10:12 Challenges in Lacrosse Journalism

17:59 Covering D2 and D3 Lacrosse

23:17 Collaborative Efforts and Fun in Reporting

29:55 The Impact of AI on Writing Jobs

31:38 Challenges of Managing Social Media and Trolls

33:15 The Importance of Responding to Messages

34:29 Transition to PLL Semifinals Discussion

34:43 Analyzing the PLL Semifinals Matchups

36:22 Chaos vs. Archers: A Deep Dive

41:21 The Role of Coaches in Team Success

54:54 Predictions and Final Thoughts

56:21 Closing Remarks and Plugs

In this episode of the 'Chasing the Goal' podcast, hosts Kyle Devitte and Jack Piatelli talk with Drew Bourdeau, the new head coach of St. Anselm College's lacrosse team. Drew discusses his recent transition from coaching at Bedford High School, the exciting prospects at St. A's, and his plans to maintain and elevate the already strong lacrosse culture. He shares insights into his coaching philosophy, recruitment strategies, and the importance of tradition and culture in building a successful program. The episode also touches on the evolving dynamics of college recruiting, the significance of the New England lacrosse scene, and the challenges and opportunities presented by modern conferences and streaming arrangements.

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

01:56 Guest Introduction

02:44 Drew's Journey to Head Coach

05:54 Transforming St. Anselm's Lacrosse Program

17:21 Recruitment Strategies and Challenges

23:57 The Growth of Lacrosse Broadcasting

25:03 Epic Games and Coaching at Bedford

26:22 Spotlight on Bennett Matthews

30:40 Youth Programs and Player Development

33:24 Choosing the Right College for Lacrosse

44:12 Fall Ball and Future Plans

46:01 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the New England Lacrosse Journal’s Chasing the Goal podcast, Kyle and Jack welcome lacrosse legend Matt Hogan. Starting from his college days at Springfield College, Hogan shares his extensive coaching journey, including impactful stints at the University of Maryland and Delaware. He also discusses the evolution of the game, the advancements in equipment and rules, and the increasing challenges in the club lacrosse landscape, such as unethical practices and the pressures of recruitment. Additionally, Hogan gives insights into his successful Hogan Lacrosse enterprise and emphasizes the importance of fostering competitiveness, integrity, and a love for the game in young players.

Topics

00:36 Guest Introduction: Matt Hogan

01:15 Matt Hogan's Early Coaching Career

02:57 Coaching at University of Maryland and Delaware

06:35 Evolution of Lacrosse: Rules and Equipment

16:28 Debate on Face-Off Rules

26:54 The Unique Possession Rule in Lacrosse

27:37 The Impact of Sixes on Lacrosse Strategy

29:25 Building Hogan Lacrosse: A Personal Journey

34:09 Challenges and Growth in Youth Lacrosse

38:44 The Importance of Competitiveness and Integrity

43:56 The Role of Coaches and Parents in Player Development

49:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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