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FLG Studlete Award Winners Announced!
Each year, FLG Lacrosse annually recognizes one outstanding boy and girl student athlete who demonstrates leadership, excels academically, and participates in their community.
The Male & Female Studlete Award Winners, receives a $500 award from FLG Lacrosse. In our third year, we had the most nominations yet! With over 50 male & female studletes nominated, FLG has chosen our 2 winners.
We would like to congratulate the following studletes on winning the 2017 Studlete Award!
Male Studlete Award Winner
Tommy Whelan
2017
Defenseman, Manhasset High School
Female Studlete Award Winner
Cassidy Sollazzo
2017
Attacker, Bay Shore High School
Tommy will be attending Weseleyan University in the Fall, and Cassidy has applied to USC, UCLA, Tulane, Northwestern, & Vanderbilt. Both Studletes are exemplary candidates for the FLG Studlete Award because they showcase excellence in the classroom, in their communities, and on the field.
Tommy told us that he lives by Jay-Z’s words by “hoping for the best, but expecting the worst.” This mantra has made him the Studlete he is today. In the Spring of Tommy’s junior year, a pivotal time to be recruited, he tore his ACL. After missing the entire Spring High School and Summer Club seasons, Tommy was positive and motivated to get back on the field. At the same time, Tommy put his head in the books, maintaining over a 4.0 weighted GPA! Tommy’s persistence in the classroom set him up to get recruited by and accepted to Wesleyan University. Tommy said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to attend one of the top schools in the country.”
Cassidy’s ability to balance her extracurriculars and her school work throughout her High School career is outstanding. Throughout High School, Cassidy was able to be part of two varsity sports since her freshman year, participate in various music organizations, be involved in other clubs and service activities in her community, hold a job, and keep at 99.8 average. Cassidy says “many of these activities allow me to work with peers. I have been a captain of the field hockey team for 2 years, I am the news editor of the school newspaper, and I am first chair flute. These leadership roles have increased my ability to bring a group of people together to work towards a common goal.” Whether it’s holding people accountable for a deadline for the school paper or bringing a positive attitude to practice after a big loss, Cassidy’s leadership qualities are apparent.
As we mentioned earlier, over 50 young men and women were nominated for this year’s Studlete Award. The choice to select this year’s winners was not easy. With that said, FLG Lacrosse would like to recognize our 2nd and 3rd place candidates for this year’s award.
Male Studlete Award 2nd & 3rd Place Candidates
2nd Place – Kyle Higgins, 2017, Shoreham Wading River, New York
3rd Place – Malik Gay, 2018, Roswell, Georgia
Female Studlete Award 2nd & 3rd Place Candidates
2nd Place – Charlotte Spencer, 2017, Celebration, Florida
3rd Place – Erica Santamaria, 2018, Corning, New York
In order to be considered for this prestigious award the applicants must:
• Demonstrate leadership and service to others
• Be a Junior or Senior in High School
• Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of application
• Have been a member for at least one High School Varsity Sport
• Have participation in Extra Curricular activities: (ie) Involved in music, theatre, writing, work outside of school, charities, other projects and running clinics
• Demonstrate the ability to get along with others, modesty and sportsmanship
• Have community service involvement
See past winners of FLG’s Studlete Award by visiting our Studlete Award Webpage here!
FLG Roots
FLG Roots offers a solid grounding in lacrosse techniques, rules, and creativity. The FLG Roots Foundation training is for players just picking up a stick for the first time or for youth looking to enhance their skills in the sport they love.
At FLG Roots we teach the proper mechanics for how to catch, throw, and cradle. Using soft, pink handle balls, players have no fear and learn to catch the ball with soft hands next to their ear. After player’s graduate from our Roots Program, they move onto Box Lacrosse!
Learn more by visiting our FLG Roots web page.
Ian MacKay – 2016 America East POTY
Ian MacKay was the 2016 America East Player of the year. His game is multi-dimensional. He can create, dish, and score.
MacKay is a textbook example of a box player with a serious field game. Below are some reasons why this kid is so lethal on the field.
Athleticism – MacKay is a serious athlete. He moves well, has a great first step, can run backward, forwards, and side-ways, all while keeping his head up, eyes peeled. MacKay is big, strong, and tough.
Range – MacKay has to be respected from 13 yards & in. He can bring it from the outside, forcing defenses to slide early and turn heads constantly.
Vision – MacKay is capable of threading the needle if need be. Some say he has eyes in the back of his head (i.e. look at 35-second mark from his 2016 Season Highlights below)
Hands – ridiculous hand-eye coordination. Crazy handle when the rock is on his stick.
Poise – not fazed by stick checks, lifts, or when the defense brings body pressure.
MacKay’s game speaks for itself. His 2016 season highlights are below. Enjoy!
Looking in the Mirror
You drop a pass.
You flunk a test.
You don’t feed the cat.
It might be because you just got your pocket re-strung, or because your brother kept you up all night before the test, or because it’s not usually your responsibility.
Or
It might be because your skills aren’t good enough, you didn’t study hard enough, or because you don’t care enough.
Why did you come up short?
Was it because of something (or someone) else? or Was it because of you?
How to Impress College Lacrosse Coaches at a Showcase?
When players from our lacrosse club, FLG ‘For the Love of the Game’, approach showcase season, we always stress the importance of playing the right way. This concept is definitely easier said than done.
Showcases are tremendous opportunities and can be stages that propel athletes from one level to the next. These events can give players a chance to compete in front of hundreds of schools in a short period of time.
However, showcases can also be a very challenging environment for players to compete. For one, lacrosse recruits enter events in which they are forced to compete with and against players who have parents or guardians that preach, “Stand out. Score. This is Your time.” In addition to combating selfish play, lacrosse recruits have added pressures of playing for a new coaching staff, competing in front of college coaches, and working with players they’ve never met before.
That being said, if players know the true meaning of playing the right way and practice this style of play consistently, then they will be more likely to impress. Our hypothesis has been tested. Our player’s have proven that a team oriented approach to playing in a showcase is contagious, fun, successful, and attractive.
- Contagious – showcase participants gravitate towards a team oriented style of play, as opposed to a let me get mine mentality.
- Fun – coaches enjoy working with selfless athletes who are always looking to make the right play.
- Successful – when teams compete together at a showcase, they succeed as a team. A team that’s more competitive is more likely to showcase the individuals within it.
- Attractive – recruiters are more likely to watch good lacrosse over a more selfish, individualized game. Defensively, recruiters want to see how players can work in a unit, communicate, and think. Offensively, recruiters want to see who’s capable of sacrificing a good shot for a great one. Who can resist throwing a good pass, so his teammate can make the next great pass.
What does it mean to play the right way in lacrosse? A question we ask ourselves each week. At FLG , the goal is to consistently get our athletes to compete the right way, as a program, as a team, and as individuals. Today, I’d like to share FLG’s philosophies on playing the right way as individuals. We will cover each specific position in the game. So, next time you’re about to compete at a showcase, you too know how to play the right way.
Midfield
- Move off-ball most college coaches watch what you do off-ball. An active off-ball player is an effective one because they create space for their teammates, put themselves in a good opportunity to make a play, and it makes you very difficult to guard.
- Dodge, re-dodge coaches want to see which players can draw slides. If you dodge and fail to get the defense moving, have another go at your man. Persistence is an impressive quality in a middie.
- Move the ball after you’ve done your job, share the ball. Coaches don’t need you to dodge thru 7 guys. Do the simple things right, like moving the ball when it’s time.
- Take away the middle defensively, coaches want to see who can defend the middle of the field. Take more pride in defense than you do when playing offense. Remember, if you screw up on defense,then the ball will find it’s way in the back of your net. That looks bad for not just you, but the other 6 guys on your defensive unit.
- Get your hands on people this means getting up on your man, and making contact on defense. Don’t let your man get a 10 yard head start. Get up on them, make contact, and direct where you want them to go.
- Ground balls college coaches want to know who can get a tough ground ball! A skill, or will, that is guaranteed to get plus signs written next to your name.
Attack
- Ride, hustle, speed riding is essentially defending. Attackers that can defend in the riding game are valuable. Coaches want to see who’s willing to take pride in trying to get the ball back. Don’t leave that job up to the defense, let that job be yours too, help the defense, hustle, show your speed, ride, impress.
- Dodging to score college coaches are impressed by attackers who get to the goal, draw slides, and are tough. Don’t dodge with the intention of moving the ball to the next player. Dodge like you want to turn the corner and put the ball in the back of the net.
- Moving off-ball see midfield above!
- Timing & Patience – showcases tend to have a lot of fast-paced, out of control play. Don’t be afraid to have a long offensive possession. Take control of the offense by getting all your subs onto the field, your players set, and everyone on the same page. Time up when to go to the goal, and work for the best possible shot.
Defense
- Scope/timing your slide – Scope is an off-ball term that means always seeing your man and the ball. Coaches are impressed by defenders who are constantly aware. Recognize your player, as well as where the ball is consistently, and you will impress coaches too.
- No easy exchanges on the perimeter – Don’t even let your man catch the ball. Defenders think showcases are a time to let their man catch the ball so coaches can watch them defend. Screw it. Get on the player your defending before they receive a pass. don’t wait. Show your athleticism in open space. Make it hard for the other team to exchange the ball around the perimeter.
- Know when to throw stick check – simple rule of thumb, the closer your are to your goal, the less stick checks you throw.
- Approaches & breaking down – these are fundamental concepts that show coaches you are a polished defender. Don’t fly out at people like a thundering buffalo. Be mindful with where you approach your player, where your feet should be, and where you wish to direct the person you’re guarding.
- Switching the field & communicating – in the clearing game, make the right play. Don’t feel obligated to toe drag 3 guys, dodge three girls, or run the ball up the field yourself. If someone’s open ahead of you or across the field, move the ball to them. Is your teammate in trouble? Then talk to them. Tell them you’re open. Impress by directing traffic on the field.
Goalie
- Show your athleticism – if you have to run by an attacker after making a save, do it. If you need to leave your crease to pick-up a ground ball, go for it. Don’t hold back from showcasing your athleticism.
- Control rebounds – coaches not only want to see you save the ball, they want to see you control rebounds. Do your best to keep the ball from escaping your crease after making a big save.
- Communicate – just talk. You can be yelling in spanish, that’s better than nothing. While a goalies primary responsibility is saving the ball, a goalie who can also talk will only be more valuable to a team.
- Quick Outlets – after making a save, try and find the open player on your team quickly. Don’t hold the ball unnecessarily.
- Backing up the cage – backing up the cage after a shot showcases awareness, athleticism, and competitiveness. Show that you want the ball back for your team. A sure way for coaches to notice you and be impressed
Face-off/Draw
- Sense the slide – are you winning most of your face-offs/draws? If so, great! Now it’s time to make the right play with the ball. Don’t go to the cage every time. You might have to go backwards to your goalie, you may have to feed your attacker, you may have to run for dear life. Do what’s right, not what’s convenient.
- Get the ball out quickly – try and win draws as cleanly as you can. Coaches will be impressed by your ability to play fast, and see your quickness too.
- Use your body – if you don’t win the draw clean, use your body to shield your opponent. Box players out if necessary. Demonstrate grit. Throw your body. Earn tough ground balls.
- Track the flight of the ball – if you like to pop the ball up, forward, or back on the draw, be sure to control where that ball goes. Coaches are impressed by athletes who can control the flight of the ball and be able to track where it lands.
I hope some of this insight was helpful as you look to impress college coaches at a showcase. Playing the right way takes time, practice, and numerous repetitions. Make sure to associate yourself with players and teams that convey this same message.
It’s All About MYELIN
The Talent Code, by Daniel Coyle is something of a “How To” Book. Coyle asserts that “Talent” is not something you are born with, but something you can develop. According to Coyle, it is really all about MYELIN, the microscopic substance that insulates neural connections, making them faster and more efficient. This can make your movements and thought processes faster and more efficient.
It’s all about Myelin.
There are three key elements to developing Myelin, thereby enhancing your gifts and optimizing your performance in Sports, Math, Art, Music, etc.
DEEP PRACTICE
Highly focused with corrective repetitions, always striving for improvement, if not perfection.
IGNITION
The Motivational Force that makes someone willing to do the hard work, required to gain mastery in any given field.
MASTER COACHING (Talent Whisperers)
The Four Virtues of Master Coaches
1) The Matrix – Must possess a Multi-Layered Knowledge of the Content they are teaching.
2) Perceptiveness – The ability to “sense” things (hearing, seeing, feeling etc.), the often subtle differences between fair and excellent execution.
3) GPS Reflex – The ability to navigate the student through the process. Knowing when correction is needed. Knowing when to be demanding to get the pupil to the next level or when encouragement is necessary to prevent discouragement.
4) Theatrical Honesty – Having the Moral Authority to lead, teach or coach. If you have the first three virtues, you likely have this one. Being Empathetic and selfless allow you to truly connect with your students.
This is a terrific book for anyone interested in how to improve almost any kind of performance. Teachers, Coaches and Parents as well as their Students, Players and Children, can all gain knowledge about the Process of Practice and the Quest to Get Better.
FLG College Road Tour – Connecticut
Every Spring, my dad (Coach Wink) and I travel the country to visit colleges, club directors, and high school coaches. It’s a great opportunity for us to build relationships with quality people in the lacrosse world, and learn more about some of the lacrosse programs doing a great job. Below is a little write-up from last year’s trip to Connecticut, where we saw Wesleyan, Trinity, Sacred Heart, Quinnipiac, and Yale.
College Road Tours are great for families who are being recruited to play in college as well. Recruitable athletes can learn so much about schools that aren’t always written on a pamphlet or school website. I hope you get something out of our CT College Road Tour blog below!
Wesleyan
First stop, Wesleyan college, home of the Cardinals. Ideally situated on the Connecticut River, Wesleyan is a small New England liberal arts college that is far from traditional. Since 1831, Wesleyan has created one of the top art and science educations in the country.
With 45 majors, 14 minors, and 12 certificates, Wesleyan has plenty of opportunity for its students to discover what they love to do. The campus has a mix of modern architectural design and 19th century landmark buildings. The large central green on campus has students chillin’, readin’, and movin’ from dorm to class, and for the atheltes to practice.
The athletic facilities are superb. The Men’s Lacrosse Program contends for the NESCAC Championship each year. The Ladies Program is under new leadership, with an impressive young Head coach looking to compete with the best of the best in Division III.
Our first meeting was with the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach. John Raba has been working at Wesleyan for 20 years. In the early 21st century, Raba led the Cardinals to two consecutive NCAA Division III Final Fours. Coach Raba is well respected amongst other coaches in his conference, as well as coaches within the lacrosse community.
Coach Raba has a presence about him. He looks like an athlete and speaks like an experienced coach. Raba was a University of New Haven graduate and was an All-American lacrosse player for the Chargers in 1994. On the gridiron, Raba was a 2-time all-New England pick as a fullback an earned UNH male athlete of the year in 1991 & 1992. As a coach, John Raba has been working as Wesleyan’s full-time head coach for 20 years. Raba led Wesleyan to the final four in consecutive seasons in 2006 & 2007. Raba has built Wesleyan into being one of the most competitive Division III programs in the country
After sitting down with Coach Raba for nearly an hour, I was blown away by how competitive it is to get into the school. His lacrosse program can only get in 1 low band player per graduating class. In Wesleyan’s standards, a low band is no featherbrain. A low band typically consists of over a 3.0 GPA and 1200 SAT score. Lots of players on his roster have to get into the school on their own and then they will get the opportunity to play on his team.
A poster on Coach Raba’s wall read “Since 1831, Wesleyan has been the art and science of education.” The history of the school is just one of the many fascinating things that drives some of the most competitive student-athletes to apply each year. (For more interesting facts about Wesleyan, check out the ‘Did You Know?’ section below.)
Coach Raba’s meeting concluded around noon and he led us down the hallway to meet with first year Head Coach, Kim Williams. I had the pleasure of meeting Kim when she was an assistant at Colby College up in Waterville, ME. I was working with the Colby Men’s Lacrosse team alongside Justin Domingos and John Odierna when I met Kim. It was obvious she would one day lead a lacrosse program. Kim is composed, knowledgeable, sincere, and has a true passion for coaching. What’s most impressive about Kim is that she’s changing the culture of Wesleyan already. The roster is refined to 25 girls, all players who are committed to changing Wesleyan for the better. This number seems astronomical when compared to the Kings College Roster circa 2014/15. During that time, Assistant Coach Rachel Welch was competing 1 player down for 3 games! Welch was brought on by Williams and seems to really have a thirst for developing as a coach and learning about the game. Last year, Wesleyan finished last in their conference. After hearing this fact, Coach Wink and I began to wonder, why?
We’ve always been fascinated by the set-up of the NESCAC Conference. We think it’s so great that players get a chance to attend such an awesome school, play a high-level of lacrosse, and get the chance to study abroad. With that said, we asked Coach Williams if players going abroad for the fall had any negative effects on the team’s performance in the spring. Coach Williams responded, “I support the NESCAC set-up, allowing players to study abroad in the fall. I make it clear that you will need to work twice as hard when you get back.”
Making players work twice as hard is exactly what coach Williams has done. She got her first career win as a Head Coach for Wesleyan in her second game, beating Wheaton in overtime.Coach Williams is also doing her part for her athletes off the field. She has a women’s athlete networking event set-up for her girls in April. “It’s important for us to clearly communicate our mission to potential recruits, current players, and those at Wesleyan,” said Coach Williams, “if we continue to do this, everyone will know what to expect.”
I have no doubt Coach Williams will turn Wesleyans’ lacrosse program around and make them one of the best teams in the country. It was a pleasure getting a chance to learn more about her program and we look forward to seeing her continue to thrive as a Head Coach.
Wesleyan – Did you know?
The scallop shells in the school shield is a symbol for a pilgrimage and later came to symbolize anyone who had made long journeys or voyages to foreign countries. Decorated shields were used I medieval warfare to identify knights and their soldiers during battle. Pilgrims on their way to battle wore a scallop on their hats.
The Davidson Rare Book Room in Wesleyan’s Olin Library includes more than 125 books printed between ca. 1455, when printing with moveable type was invented in the west, and 1500
Wesleyan had a student vegetarian club as early as the 1830s. The Physiological Society, as it was called, followed the teachings of Sylvester Graham, the inventor of the graham cracker.
Woodrow Wilson (President from 1913 to 1921) taught history and political economy at Wesleyan from 1888 to 1890
On May 3, 1970, the Grateful Dead gave a free concert at Wesleyan.
Trinity College
Located in Hartford, CT, Trinity is a traditional New England college. Our first meeting at Trinity was with the Men’s Lacrosse staff: Head Coach Mike Higgins, Assistant Coach Brian Praetorius, and Assistant Coach John Carroll. FLG has built a quality relationship with the Trinity Men’s Lacrosse Staff through the years. Coach Praetorius is one of the hardest working Assistant Coaches on the recruiting trail. He is constantly moving, watching, and recruiting some of America’s top rising juniors and seniors. Coach Carrol and I played together growing up in High School. He was a quality player at Albany and always had a deep passion for the game. Coach Higgins is a stand-up guy. His moral compass aligns with ours and has proved to be very well-liked and respected by his players and peers.
The beauty of our meeting with Trinity and their coaches was the openness to discuss different topics surrounding the sport. We talked coaching philosophies, developing leadership skills, X’s & O’s, and even got a chance to talk to some of the players on the team. Coach Praetorius had 1 of his freshman stop in to talk shop while we hung out and listened. It’s amazing how much attention to detail their players have when it comes to learning the ins and outs of the game.
Coach Higgins mentioned that Trinity has a new Dean of Admissions. While he’s not entirely sure how that’s going to effect his recruiting approach, he does know for certain that Trinity is becoming a test optional school. Hopefully this gives Trinity an opportunity to get in some of those Blue Chip recruits that historically couldn’t get through admissions.
After meeting with the Men’s Lacrosse Staff, we jumped across the hall to visit the Trinity Women’s Lacrosse Coaches. The Trinity Women’s Lacrosse Program is led by a young, motivated coach from Long Island, Katy Dissinger. Alongside Coach Dissinger is Betsy Sachs, who was a two-time All-American at Bowdoin. Both coaches played at Bowdoin and are very familiar with the NESCAC Conference.
In Coach Dissinger’s first season as Head Coach, she took home the Women’s Division III National Championship. On the wall of her office is a signed poster from Coach K, congratulating the young coach on her Championship. Katy is a very impressive young coach. She is enthusiastic, positive, and has a deep knowledge for the game. To think she already has a National Championship as a late twenty something is outstanding. I’m sure this is only the beginning of her success as a college lacrosse coach.
Trinity College – Did You Know?
Trinity students represent 43 states and 63 countries
Big believers in independent thinking, Trinity strives to help students pursue whatever path piques their interest.
More than 50% of undergraduates study abroad
With a 10:1 student to faculty ratio, Trinity give the 2,200 students important access to teachers.
Trinity is in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), which also includes Amherst, Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, Connectivut, Hamilton, Middlebury, Wesleyan, Williams, and Tufts
The Trinity Women’s Lacrosse team takes 5 to 7 players per recruiting class.
“Being that there is no Fall Ball in the NESCAC, it’s important for athletes to be self-motivated. They need to push themselves and one another to be in shape, improve their skills, and come into the season ready to go!” -Katy Dissinger
Quinnipiac University
Home of the Bobcats, Quinnipiac has two of the best hockey programs in the country. The men and women Hockey teams are both top 5 in the country, with the Men winning the National Championship in 2015. A regular season ticket against in state rival, Yale, can cost an upwards of $150!
On a flawless February day, we met with the Quinnipiac Women’s lacrosse staff to discuss recruits, the recruiting process, and the Quinnipiac Program as a whole. First year Head Coach, Danie Caro and 3rd year Assistant, Katy Fairbrother, were both Quinnipiac Women’s lacrosse players. Their passion for the school and memorable experience as studletes brought them back to lead the Bobcast back to competitive greatness. Currently, the Quinnipiac ladies are in a rebuilding year. With the loss of their long-time head coach, they are in the process of finding a new identity and bringing in great young talent. Currently, they have a good amount of freshmen getting burn and plan on bringing in one of their most competitive classes to date in fall of 2016. The women’s program is fully funded with 12.6 scholarships and two-full time paid assistants. Besides bringing in talent and having a fully funded Program, the lady bobcats will be operating out of a new multi-million dollar lacrosse stadium starting in 2017. The stadium will be equipped with new locker rooms, film room, bleachers, and a turf field.
With some stability, consistency, leadership, and quality talent, the future looks very bright for the Women’s Lacrosse Program at Quinnipiac. They have 3 motivated young coaches, who’s passion for the game is evident.
Quinnipiac University – Did You Know?
There is a 3 + 1 Business Program which some players are in, and it doesn’t conflict with practice times!
Quinnipiac is a big nursing school. Nurses miss all the weekday practices.
Lots of the coaches in the Quinnipiac Athletic Department are alumni to the school.
Studletes can earn up to $24,000 is academic scholarship money. Academic money is awarded if top you’re in the top 10% of your class, get a 1200 or higher on the SAT, over have a 3.5 GPA or higher.
The University and Athletic Department offer networking events for athletes to better prepare them for life after college. .
Currently, Quinnipiac’s sports teams are not sponsored.
Coach Caro said popular questions/comments from young recruits we get on campus are:
- Are you sponsored?
- I don’t have any questions.
- Can I play here?
- Parents speaking for players.
Yale
Founded in 1701, Yale is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
For 13 years, Head Coach Andy Shay and Assistant Coach Graham Niemi have been quietly building one of the most competitive men’s lacrosse programs in the country. What’s most impressive, they’ve been doing it while recruiting some of the brightest studletes in the game of lacrosse. In 2013, when Yale played in the NCAA Quarterfinal game against the Maryland Terrapains, every player on their roster had an Academic Index that was over 200. The Academic Index, or A.I., is number given to each student based on High School GPA, testing, and where they stand in their High School class. Typically, Ivy League lacrosse programs will take athletes with a minimum of 176. A perfect A.I. is 240. So, having an entire starting line-up in a NCAA Quarter-Final game with an average A.I. of 200 is wildly impressive.
Showing up a Reese Stadium brought back memories, both good and bad. In 2008 & 2010, my college team visited Yale to play in-season Ivy contests. While we got the most of the Bulldogs in our first meeting, the score was 10-0 before we blinked our eyes in the second. This time, I was back at Resse for another reason, to meet with Assistant Coach Graham Niemi and learn more about how Yale has continued its rise to the top.
Coach Niemi first showed Coach Wink and I around the newly renovated Reese Stadium, before taking us to the historic Yale Bowl. Yale’s infamous football stadium oozes with history, filled with stories of old, sharing murals of legendary players and coaches. Coach Niemi shared some amazing stories about Grant Hill’s father, one of the greatest lacrosse players John Reesse, and stories from some of Yale’s most epic coaches.
After sharing the history of the Yale Bowl, Coach Niemi took us into the film room underneath the Reese Stadium bleachers. This is where Yale develops their lacrosse IQ. Offensive, and defensive units dissect film, enhancing their understanding for the sport, their opponent, or their position. My favorite part about the Yale Lacrosse Program is their constant focus on player development. These coaches are bringing in some of the most impressive young men in the country, born leaders, athletes, and students. Instead of relying on their player’s natural abilities, they instill a culture of becoming the best version of oneself. The Yale Lacrosse Program doesn’t just develop their athletes because they know they should, or because they know it will help them win. They do it because they enjoy it. There is an innate passion within this coaching staff that screams We love what we do. It’s refreshing. It’s contagious. It’s fun to be around.
I’m sure Yale will continue their success this season. It’s inevitable. They do it right. They train. They work. They repeat.
Yale – Did you Know?
Yale has 5,435 undergraduate students, with 6,859 graduate & professional students
Yale was renamed in honor of Welsh merchant Elihu Yale, who had donated the proceeds from the sale of nine bales of good together with 417 books and a portrait of King George I
1776, twenty-five Yale men served in the Continental Congress, and four Yale graduates signed the Declaration of Independence
1880, Yale student, Walter Camp, develops the modern game of football. Camp is now known as the father of American Football, introduced the down, the eleven-man team, and the 100 yard field marked off in a gridiron.
1920, Yale students invent the Frisbee, tossing pie plates from the Frisbie Pie Company to each other and calling “Frisbie!”
1969, the first women admitted to the college enroll in the School of the Fine Arts
2016, of all the Universities or Colleges outside of New York, Yale has the most Long Island players on their men’s lacrosse roster.
Sacred Heart
It’s 11am and the Sacred Heart Men’s Lacrosse team is practicing on the Stadium Field in preparation for a Saturday game against Providence. From the first whistle of practice to the last, everything was planned, timed, and done at full speed. You can tell the Pioneers plan their work and work their plan. Although this practice was intended to scout the players of their next opponent, the team still received a tremendous amount of skill development, lacrosse IQ development, decision-making skills, and positional work.
Players moved quickly between and through drills. There were no breaks. The coaches valued their field space as if they were paying $1,000 per hour. Their huddles were tight, players focused, and when the coaches spoke, the athletes listened.
Coach Basti has been an assistant coach for most of his career. For the first time, he’s leading a collegiate lacrosse program. If I had to choose 1 word to describe Coach Basti, I’d probably choose passionate.
“My players are like my kids,” says Basti, “ if I don’t help develop my kids into being successful young men, I’ve failed.” Basti sees himself as more than a lacrosse coach. Basti sees himself as an educator. “I love this game. The practices, the games, all that’s the fun stuff. But your lacrosse career only lasts 4 years. Teaching our kids about respect, grit, and hard work, those are the most valuable lessons that last a lifetime.” In just 2 seasons, the Pioneers Men’s lacrosse team have gone from having a 2.6 team GPA to averaging 3.3 GPA. Another proud moment came when the coaching staff found out the Sacred Heart Men’s Lacrosse team accumulated more community service hours in 2015 than any other team on campus.
These small victories have made a tremendous impact for a culture that’s changing for the better. The next step for SHU to separate themselves from the rest of the NEC is getting big time athletes. Currently, Coach Basti and Coach Miyashita only have 1 of their own recruiting classes playing for them. Next year, they reload with 16 stud 2016’s. SHU plays some of the best teams in the country. They don’t plan on being looked at as a low level Division I Program for long. After spending all day on campus with the team and coaches, I know they will be making noise very soon.
Sacred Heart – Did You Know?
Baseball Manager and Connecticut icon Bobby Valentine is the new Athletic Director at Sacred Heart.
The wife of Assistant Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Mark Miyashita, is doing a long-term study on the effects of impact. Each member of the Sacred Heart Men’s Lacrosse Program has a chip in their helmet that accumulates data on high impact hits, impact locations, and much more.
Sacred Heart is pumping millions of dollars into improving the infrastructure of the University.
If you enjoyed reading about FLG’s Connecticut College Road Tour, be sure to follow us on Twitter as we make our next stop in Boston, Massachusetts.
