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.
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
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
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
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…
Fall Expectations.
The Fall is now a big season for lacrosse recruits. College Coaches take November to not just evaluate who stood out during their team’s Fall Ball Season, they utilize November to find the next big time recruit. As more studletes choose to specialize in the sport, the level of play at these Fall High School recruiting tournaments has been on the up and up.
At FLG, we promote multi-sport athletes and understand the importance of playing multiple sports in High School. That being said, players in our program are well aware what the competition will be like come November’s tournament season. College Coaches are coming to these events expecting to see quality lacrosse and a highlight level of play. Below are some expectations we set for our High School players during the Fall to ensure they stand out and succeed.
1. Wall ball must find its way into their busy schedules. Skills must stay sharp despite it being soccer or football season.
2. IQ and team Concepts must be at a high level as we prepare for HS Team Tournaments. Players should access our video library, attend our Fall practices, and know our ride, clear, offensive sets, team defense, substitution patterns, extra man play, and man down defense.
3. Players should have their lacrosse recruits online profile filled out completely. This tells us as a program who wants to get recruited. Also, it gives us an opportunity to network with College Coaches online and share specific player profiles to help both the College Program and the studletes.
4. Players should know the name of every player on their team. This makes it easier to communicate on the field, build closer ties off the field, and develop overall team chemistry.
5. Players should keep their grades up. We don’t tolerate the excuse of, “I have a hard time getting my work done without the structure of it being lacrosse season.” It’s important to figure it out! Your GPA includes every semester, not just your grades during lax season.
Feel free to share what you expect of the players within your program during the Fall!
