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Helmets for Girls?

The New York Times Sports Sunday (October 30) section featured an article titled “New Headgear for Girls Comes on the Market and Reignites an Old Debate”, by Bill Pennington.  I read this piece with great interest, as I have been coaching Girl’s Lacrosse for many years now and am familiar with the ongoing debate.  With Cascade and now Hummingbird Sports (a start-up company out of New Jersey) launching helmets designed specifically for girls, it seems that at least a portion of the lacrosse industry, is willing to bet that the market will support their venture into this previously unclear area.  

The very next day, Cascade’s parent Company, Performance Sports Group, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection.  While it appears that the company will be “restructured” and business will go on, the timing of this seems odd, at least to me.

Like anyone else involved in Girls Lacrosse, for me, player safety, is priority number one.  I have come to love the Girls game and its distinct differences from the Boys game.  I would hate to see the game changed forever by the proliferation of Helmets.  But, what parent is going to pass up putting their daughter in a Helmet, whether mandated or not?  How do you preserve the unique and beautiful essence of the sport, while continuing to make it safer for its players? I am not sure if there is any clear cut answer.

 
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Lacrosse Recruiting Calendar Shift

Fall has become a huge season for lacrosse recruiting. Not too long ago, College Coaches only used the late Spring and Summer seasons to recruit athletes for their programs. Now, the Fall has become equally as popular for getting recruited. September and October weekends are filled with College Prospect Days, giving studletes that day in the life experience and giving colleges an opportunity to show off the autumn beauty of their schools. November weekends are consumed with large-scale team recruiting tournaments and individual showcases, bringing together some of the best young lacrosse players from around the country.

Running a successful club organization means you have to change with the times. If the recruiting landscape changes, you have to move with those changes. As our club shifted from a strictly summer season program to an all year-round one, our Fall schedule has become more thought out, in-depth, and productive.

Below are some ways we help our studletes get better and get recruited in the Fall Recruiting Season:

  1. Welcome – it’s important that the FLG Directors, Coaches, and seasoned FLG studletes welcome newcomers to the program. Making new families and players feel welcome to our program enhances team chemistry, gives FLG Director’s an opportunity to develop relationships with the new families, and gives FLG an opportunity to better manage expectations throughout the recruiting process.
  2. Connect – After our teams have been selected and the rosters are complete, our FLG Directors get the cell phone numbers of every High School studlete in our program. Connecting with the studlete is vital because we want them taking control of their recruiting process, not their parents. We want there to be constant communication. As well as, hole player’s accountable throughout the year. Staying in touch via phone is one of the best ways to do all these things.
  3. Assign – After connecting with all athletes in the program, we assign ‘To Do’s’ that help our athletes engineer a more effective recruiting process. For example, making sure every player in the program has a complete online recruiting profile. Getting each player in our program a lacrosse recruits profile is only useful if our studletes actually use the lacrosse recruits profile. To get our player’s on board, we set a date their profiles have to be filled out. Along the way, we text or have phone calls with our studletes to discuss the best ways to get a complete profile.
  4. Train – we make sure to get in team practices leading up to the November’s Recruiting Tournaments. While players may be traveling on weekends to prospect days or playing Fall Sports with their schools, it’s important to have organized team practices to reinforce team concepts. Additionally, we offer individual training for our High School studletes to develop throughout the Fall.
  5. Network – Once our studlete’s have completely filled out their lacrosse recruits profiles, we then start matching-up each player with a specific set of schools and conferences. The leg-work done throughout the match-making process makes our lives much easier as we approach our final step in the Fall recruing process, emailing coaches.
  6. Emailing Coaches – After all the players have been matched up, we then email all the colleges that fit a specific set of player’s in our program. The Email includes:
    1. The tournaments our athletes will attend in the fall
    2. Links to their recruiting profiles
    3. Graduation years
    4. Contact information for coaches to reach if the like a player they see

Please feel free to share how you improve during the fall!

 
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Fear is like Fire

fear

 
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Work Hard at Your Craft

That was some of the advice given to me by my High School Lacrosse (and Football) Coach, Bob Macaluso, when I told him I had been hired as the Assistant Women’s Lacrosse Coach at SUNY Old Westbury, last winter.  Those words have stayed with me, and resonate now more than ever, as am also working for FLG Lacrosse.  As coaches, we often tell players to always be improving, “Get Better Everyday”.  Coaches need to be doing this as well.  How do we do that?  We should be thorough and precise in our practice planning, no detail is too small to consider.  We should make some time after practices, for debriefing and critiquing, to identify what went well and what did not go well.  Then we can make corrections and adjustments to improve our practices.  Collaboration is another important component of good coaching.  Even the most knowledgeable coaches, should be learning from others.  There is no shortage of resources from which to draw upon.  Watch and listen to other coaches, from your sport or any sport.  Read books and articles that will increase your understanding not only of your sport, but of how to better deliver your messages to your players.  If you are coaching for the right reasons, you are probably doing a lot of this stuff already.  If you have passion for coaching, working hard at your craft, won’t seem like work at all.    

 
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We like to hear…

that alumni in our program:

  • landed a great job in their industry of choice
  • received captain of their collegiate team
  • volunteered their time for a cause that matters
  • is starting something new
  • failed. got back up. tried again.
  • successfully double-majored
  • graduated from their school of choice
  • is happy

That’s a win for #FLG

 
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3 Forms of Feedback

Appreciative.

Constructive.

Evaluative.

Learn to accept feedback. Regardless of the form. Take it. Remember it. Use it. Build off it. Learn from it.

That’s how you get into a growth mind set.

Never stop improving.

#FLG

 
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FLG Welcomes 6 Awesome People to Staff!

FLG Lacrosse, a Long Island based lacrosse teams, training and events company, welcomes 6 awesome people to the staff! This article takes you through each person’s bio, words from the Program Director, and the roles and responsibilities that will be taken on by our new hires.

  • Eric Dunne – Boys Director
  • Bob Schmitt – Girls Director
  • Rory Sadoff – Administrative Director
  • Stephen Jahelka – Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships
  • Chris Leahy –  Director of Camps
  • Robyn Pastuch – Girls Recruiting Coordinator

Eric Dunne – FLG Lacrosse, Boys Director

FLG Lacrosse welcomes Eric Dunne as new Boys Director!

Bio:

Eric Dunne has been coaching with FLG since 2013. Going back in Eric’s lacrosse career, he captured 3 America East Conference Championships as a studlete at Albany University. After graduating for the Danes, Eric coached for Suny Potsdam and Molloy, which are Division III and II collegiate programs. After his run as a college coach, Eric started the Hot Shotz Youth Lacrosse Club while coaching as a Varsity Assistant coach at Wantagh High School. Eric then moved on to Farmingdale, where he currently teaches and coaches Varsity Lacrosse. In 2011, Eric won a Class A New York State Championship coaching with Farmingdale. Today, Eric still coaches Varsity men’s lacrosse at Farmingdale and works for FLG’s rising Freshman team.

Why FLG Hired Eric Dunne as Boys Director

“Eric’s responsibilities with FLG have stretched beyond coaching a team.” Says FLG Program Director, Corey Winkoff. “Since Eric started coaching with us in 2013, he has helped our company in a variety of ways. Eric goes above and beyond to make FLG a reputable brand in the lacrosse community. His work ethic, creativity, and care for player development is what makes him a great candidate for a Director position. I’m really excited for the opportunity to work alongside Eric on a day to day basis. There is no better man for the job!”

Roles & Responsibilities as Boys Director

  • Outreach
  • Staffing & Management
  • Studlete Player Development
  • Curriculum Development and Implementation
  • Digital Playbook Creation and Implementation
  • Coaches Clinics
  • Recruiting Assistance

Bob Schmitt – FLG Lacrosse, Girls Director

FLG Lacrosse is excited to announce that Bob Schmitt will be a new Girls Director for FLG!

Bio:

Bob Schmitt played two seasons (1982-83) at SUNY Cortland, where he helped lead the Red Dragons to the 1983 SUNYAC Championship. Schmitt graduated from Cortland in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in history. After Cortland, Schmitt earned his master’s degree in history at Stony Brook University in 1988, and then achieved his New York State Teaching Certification in 1989 from Dowling College. In 1989, Schmitt broke into coaching as an assistant junior varsity boys lacrosse coach at Northport High School. For the past 15 years, Schmitt has been coaching lacrosse at progressing levels.  Since 2009, Schmitt has served as co-director and co-head coach for the Long Island TOGZ Girls Lacrosse Club. Schmitt has developed dozens of players that have gone on to play at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels. Today, Bob is the Assistant Women’s Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Suny Old Westbury.

Why FLG Hired Bob as Girls Director

Bob is one of the most passionate guys we know. Bob’s passion coupled with his experience in club and college girls lacrosse, creates a great combination for someone to assume the role as Girls Director at FLG. Bob brings a new perspective to our company that’s mindful, diligent, and experienced. We look forward to getting Bob on board here at FLG!” –Corey Winkoff, Program Director

Roles & Responsibilities as Girls Director

Some of Bob’s responsibilities as the new Girls Director include:

  • Outreach
  • Player Development
  • Curriculum Development and Implementation
  • Digital Playbook Creation and Implementation
  • Recruiting Assistance
  • Innovation and Methodologies
  • Staffing and Management

Rory Sadoff – FLG Lacrosse, Adminsitrative Director

FLG Lacrosse welcomes Rory Sadoff as new Administrative Director!

Rory grew up in Massapequa, NY on Long Island and graduated from Massapequa High School. A 4-year starter in lacrosse, Rory was also the captain of the Massapequa Women’s Lacrosse team her junior and senior years. In her senior year, Rory received All-County accolades. Rory is a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where she got her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology & Exercise Science. At UMASS, Rory was a 3-year member of the Varsity Women’s Lacrosse Team. During her time on the team, the UMASS Women captured 3 Atlantic-10 Conference Championships.

Why FLG Hired Rory as Administrative Director

Rory is a great addition to the FLG Team. Her ties and knowledge of the lacrosse world gives her immediate sense of what our company is about. Rory is sharp, bright, and will be great at keeping our company up to speed and organized!” –Corey Winkoff, Program Director

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Day-to-day Operations
  • Outreach
  • Website Management
  • Team Snap Manager
  • Data Analysist
  • Communication and product management

 Steven Jahelka – FLG Lacrosse, Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships

FLG Lacrosse welcomes Stephen Jahelka as new Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships!

Bio:

Stephen Jahelka currently serves as the Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships for FLG Lacrosse, Inc. Prior to FLG, Stephen was a two sport standout athlete at Garden City High School, earning 1st Team All State Honors in Football in 2009 and 2010 in addition to being a two time 1st Team Athletic and Academic All American on the Lacrosse field. His success at Garden City led him to continue his career at Harvard University, where he was elected team captain by his teammates for his Junior and Senior Seasons. He was also listed on the prestigious Tewaarton Award Watch List heading into his Senior season. Stephen graduated from Harvard with 3.6 GPA and a B.A. Degree in Economics.

Why FLG Hired Stephen as Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships

“Stephen is an impressive young man. He’s been assisting in our Program ever since he entered College. Four years later, we can tell how excited he is to expand, properly align, and elevate the FLG brand within the industry. We’re excited to have Stephen involved in our company!” –Corey Winkoff, Program Director

Roles & Responsibilities as Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships

  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Marketing and Branding
  • Outreach
  • Acquisitions
  • Business Development

Chris Leahy – FLG Lacrosse, Director of Camps

FLG Lacrosse welcomes Chris Leahy as new Director of Camps!

Bio

Chris Leahy is a business teacher at General Douglas MacArthur Senior High School. MacArthur High School’s business program is in-depth and offers students opportunities to explore future business options. Chris guides students to pursue paths in the areas of business ownership and marketing, computer programming and applications, digital media production, introduction to business, marketing principles and practices, personal money management, sports and entertainment management and web design.

Chris has been coaching lacrosse on Long Island for the past 16 years. For 12 years, he was the head coach of the MacArthur’s Junior Varsity Boy’s lacrosse team. Currently, he is the head coach of Wisdom Lane’s Middle School lacrosse team. Chris also is the assistant coach of the 7th grade football team at Salk Middle School, is the head coach of the Girl’s Varsity bowling team at MacArthur High School, and is head coach of the Boy’s volleyball team at Wisdom Lane Middle School. Chris volunteers his time as coach for the Challenger basketball team at Wisdom Lane which provides sporting activities to students with special needs.

Chris grew up in East Meadow where he played football and lacrosse at East Meadow High School.  He continued to play lacrosse in college at SUNY Oswego and at Marist College. Chris received his undergraduate degree from Marist College in Business with a concentration in Marketing. After graduating from Marist, Chris receive his Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Dowling College and a Masters Degree in administration from Stony Brook University. Chris currently lives in Bethpage with his wife Jackie and their two children Brianna and Michael.

Why FLG Hired Chris as Director of Camps

“For the past 6 years, Chris Leahy has worked at FLG’s annual Summer Boys and Girls Lacrosse Camp. Chris has been a big part in making our Camp what it is today,” said FLG Program Director, Corey Winkoff. “He has a passion for giving each camper in his group a fun, interactive, and positive experience. Now, as Director of Camps, Chris can provide that same care and attention to various campers, giving a memorable camp experience to all.”

Roles & Responsibilities as Director of Camps

  • Building leadership programs within FLG Camps
  • Outreach to local communities about FLG Camps
  • Management of Camp Staff
  • Player Development within FLG Camps
  • Concept and Content Creation for FLG Camps
  • Staffing of FLG Camps

 Robyn Pastuch – FLG Lacrosse, Girls Recruiting Coordinator

FLG Lacrosse welcomes Robyn Pastuch as new Girls Recruiting Coordinator!

Bio:

From 2001 to 2004, Robyn Pastuch had a stand out High School lacrosse career. She was a four-year starter at Calhoun High School, finishing her career with 366 points. She was the top scorer on her lacrosse team in both her junior and senior years, receiving Academic All-American in 2004. During her Sophomore, Junior, and Seniors years, Robyn receive All-county honors. After graduating from Calhoun in 2004, Robyn went on to become a four-year member of the UCONN Women’s Varsity Lacrosse Team. In her freshman year, Robyn’s team were the ECAC Champions.

After graduating from UCONN in 2008, Robyn went on to pursue a Master of Arts in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching at Adelphi University. At Adelphi, Robyn coached the Women’s Varsity Lacrosse team to a NCAA Division II National Championship. After getting her Masters, Robyn taught 2 years at the Garden School. Developing physical education curriculums for all classes within the school. After spending one-year as a Special Educaiton Paraprofessional within the Bellmore Merrick School District, Robyn went on to pursue a full-time position within FLG Lacrosse. Today, Robyn is teaching Physical Education with the Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD and Girls Recruiting Coordinator for FLG Lacrosse.

Why FLG Hired Robyn as Girls Recruiting Coordinator

“For the past two years, Robyn has worked at FLG as Girls Director. Robyn has a clear passion for helping High School aged studletes advance from High School to College. As Robyn pursues a career in teaching, we’re excited to keep her on board as the FLG Girls Recruiting Coordinator. Robyn will continue guiding all the quality girls in our as they pursue the dream of playing lacrosse in college.” –Corey Winkoff, Program Director, FLG Lacrosse

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Recruiting Assistance
  • Relationship management
  • Online recruiting implementation
  • High School player development
  • Mentorships and community activities
  • Directing the FLG Women’s League
 
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FLG is trying something NEW!

This year, FLG Lacrosse is trying something new. On the back of every FLG Select High School jersey will be a sublimated color logo of their High School.

As youth lacrosse players join club programs earlier and earlier, families put club in front of their community – missing town practices, social functions, and even community games to participate with their club lacrosse teams. High School players are losing site of who taught some of their most valuable life lessons.  This is not okay, and at FLG, we don’t want this to happen. Here are some other reasons why we sublimated that logo onto the jerseys & why you should do it to:

  • When our FLG athletes take their jerseys with them to college one day, we don’t want player’s forgetting where they were raised. That logo will allow player’s to remember the town they represented for many years.
  • The High School logo will serve as a symbol for all the great coaches, mentors, and volunteers that impacted our studletes life in one way or another.
  • College coaches recruiting and watching High School athletes at Club Recruiting tournaments want to know the High School program they play for. The logo on the back of their jersey gives college coaches an opportunity to see where our players are from without looking at the recruiting book.
  • We want all club programs to adapt this philosophy. That High School logo is a statement to the club lacrosse world, “Join our movement. Add your player’s HS logos .Don’t forget about your community!”
  • That logo shows it’s not all about club lacrosse. High School sports still plays a tremendous role in developing studletes throughout the year. Often times, High School coaches spend the most amount of time with athletes throughout the year. They play a large role in developing player IQ for the game, skill, and have their hand in the recruiting process. It’s important for player’s to respect and maintain that relationship with their High School coaches, continue to use them as a resource, and don’t forget about that #Community

We’d love to hear your thoughts on our new idea to place High School logos on the back of our FLG Select jerseys…

 
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