First Class Lacrosse Podcast

Checkout The FCL Coaches Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠1stclasslax.com/community⁠⁠Deemer Class and Matt Dunn run the two-man weave, highlighting key takeaways and reflections from season two of the college coach interview podcast series. They discuss interviews with notable college lacrosse coaches, emphasizing themes such as authenticity, the evolution of coaching, intrinsic motivation, and the significance of connecting with players. The guys also explore how coaching extends beyond the sport itself, aiming to impact athletes' lives positively. The episode underscores the importance of adapting coaching methods to modern players while maintaining core values, and employs the advantages of technology in fostering coach-player relationships.Timecodes0:00 - Intro5:45 - Coaching Changes17:30 - Creating Experiences39:00 - Building Trust45:30 - Relationships with Sports55:40 - Motivation, Passion & AuthenticityCheckout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Thought: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠On the Run: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Checkout The FCL Coaches Community: ⁠⁠⁠1stclasslax.com/community⁠⁠Deemer Class and Matt Dunn welcome Loyola University Maryland Head Coach Jen Adams. The discussion covers Adams' illustrious career in women's lacrosse, including her 18 years leading the Greyhounds to numerous championships and NCAA tournament appearances. Adams reflects on her upbringing in Australia, her experiences playing at the University of Maryland, and her shift into coaching. Key highlights include the importance of building team chemistry, balancing competitiveness with fun, and adapting to the evolving landscape of women's lacrosse. Adams also shares insights into the current state of the sport, the impact of rule changes, and her commitment to growing lacrosse in Australia.Timecodes0:00 - Background25:40 - Coaching Styles33:00 - Loyola Story40:30 - Teaching Skills50:00 - Make Practice Fun1:03:00 - State Of The Game1:12:30 - Legacy & ImpactCheckout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: ⁠⁠⁠https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠Weekly Thought: ⁠⁠⁠https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠On the Run: ⁠⁠⁠https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Checkout The FCL Coaches Community: ⁠⁠1stclasslax.com/community⁠⁠Deemer Class and Matt Dunn welcome University of Michigan men's lacrosse head coach Kevin Conry to discuss his journey and success in lacrosse. Coach Conry speaks about his career evolution from nervous beginnings at Maryland, where he honed his defensive coaching skills, to leading Michigan's program. He highlights key experiences, adapting to the challenges of coaching, and the importance of player-driven culture. The conversation delves into recruiting practices, practice habits, and the development of defensive strategies over the years. Coach Conry emphasizes the significance of authenticity in coaching and reflects on the continual growth and achievements of the Michigan lacrosse team.Timecodes0:00 - Intro & Background7:15 - Defense & Player Development38:45 - Value of Failure47:30 - Michigan's Success51:30 - Recruiting Thoughts1:00:40 - Authenticity Roller Coaster---Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: ⁠⁠https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠Weekly Thought: ⁠⁠https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠On the Run: ⁠⁠https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Checkout The FCL Coaches Community: ⁠1stclasslax.com/community⁠ In the first episode of the Class Lacrosse podcast, hosts Matt Dunn and Deemer Class interview Notre Dame head coach Kevin Corrigan. Corrigan, who has been with Notre Dame for 38 years, discusses his coaching journey, including his early influences, challenges, and philosophy. The conversation covers his successful tenure at Notre Dame, characterized by multiple championship appearances, a robust defensive identity, and a commitment to player development both on and off the field. Corrigan also talks about the origins of the team's unique bagpipe tradition, the evolving nature of coaching, including how he balances discipline with creativity, and the different ways athletes have changed over the years. He emphasizes the importance of core values such as gratitude, passion, and hard work in building a successful program. Timecodes0:00 - Intro & Bagpipes5:00 - Background15:30 - Defensive Prowess22:00 - Learning From Others26:20 - Defying Fundamentals35:40 - Coaching Hard & Impacts55:00 - College Athletics ---Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: ⁠⁠https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠Weekly Thought: ⁠⁠https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠On the Run: ⁠⁠https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

On this episode of the First Class Lacrosse podcast, hosts Deemer Class and Matt Dunn interview Cornell University's head lacrosse coach, Connor Buczek. Discussing his journey from player to coach, Buczek talks about his leadership philosophy, the importance of culture at Cornell, and how he maintains high standards for the team. He also delves into the challenges of balancing coaching responsibilities with personal life, emphasizes the cultivation of strong player-coach relationships, and offers insights into the specific skills and mindset he instills in his players. The conversation touches on his experiences and mentorship from key figures like Tom Halley, and explores the dynamic of transitioning from a top player to leadership roles alongside former teammate Jordan Stevens.Timecodes0:00 - Connor's Background5:00 - Coaching Philosophy19:00 - Skill Development30:30 - Cornell's Culture & Influences42:30 - Growth as a Coach51:30 - Transition to Leadership---Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribeWeekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribeOn the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Deemer Class and Matt Dunn interview Yale University head women's coach Erica Bamford on the First Class Lacrosse podcast. Coach Bamford, a former US national team member and the 2024 Ivy League Coach of the Year, discusses leading Yale to back-to-back Ivy League tournament titles and NCAA quarterfinal appearances. They delve into her journey, the principles driving her team's success, and how she's fostered a winning culture at Yale. The interview also covers topics like the importance of connections with players, developing leadership in athletes, skill development, and efficient practice planning. A lighthearted discussion about New Haven's best pizza spots wraps up the episode.Timecodes0:00 - Intro5:40 - Career Ladder19:15 - Persistence24:45 - Culture & History31:00 - Advice For Past Self43:00 - Skill Development59:15 - Authenticity & Pizza---Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribeWeekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribeOn the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of the First Class Lacrosse podcast, hosts Deemer Class and Matt Dunn interview Joe Alberici, head coach of Army Men's Lacrosse. Alberici, who is in his 21st season, has led the Black Knights to significant achievements including multiple Patriot League titles and a number one national ranking in 2024. The discussion explores Alberici's coaching journey from Duke to West Point, his defensive strategies, and his commitment to player development. Alberici emphasizes the importance of discipline, mentorship, and vulnerability in building a strong team culture. The conversation also touches on the evolution of lacrosse tactics and the significance of relational coaching. Alberici shares insights into his practice planning methodology, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in achieving success on the field.Timecodes0:00 - Workout Discipline8:55 - Career & Coaching Outlook21:15 - Toughness & Vulnerability37:00 - Practice Philosophy 47:00 - Defensive Mindset1:06:10 - The Modern Game1:12:50 - Army's Success---Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribeWeekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribeOn the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Matt Dunn and Deemer Class welcome University of Maryland women's head coach Cathy Reese. Celebrating her 20th season, Reese discusses her journey from a Maryland player to becoming the all-time winningest coach in Maryland's women's lacrosse history. The conversation covers her coaching philosophy, the importance of culture, player development, handling adversity, and the evolution of the sport. Reese also shares insights into her leadership style, mentorship, and personal connection to Maryland lacrosse. The episode highlights coach Reese’s unparalleled success, with a focus on her commitment to fostering individual growth and team cohesion.Timecodes0:00 - Terp To The Core11:45 - Learning To Lose17:40 - Return To Maryland30:30 - Advice &  Affirmations37:00 - Skills To Develop46:00 - Trail Of Interest54:00 - Maryland LAX Family---Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribeWeekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribeOn the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Deemer Class and Matt Dunn interview University of Richmond men's lacrosse head coach Dan Chemotti. Coach Chemotti shares his journey of building the Richmond lacrosse program from its inception in 2014 to becoming a national contender with multiple NCAA tournament appearances. He discusses the importance of assistant coach Paul Richards in the program's success, his coaching philosophy emphasizing fundamentals and skill development, and the significant influences from his father and his mentor, coach Mike Messere. The conversation also touches on the unique dynamics of coaching alongside long-time friends and mentors, the strategies for player development, and the validation of achieving the program's first NCAA tournament win. Throughout, Coach Chemotti underscores the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and the cultural aspects that drive the program's success.Timecodes0:00 - Intro6:45 - Dan's Background18:00 - Attention To Detail24:30 - Skill Development41:20 - Building Richmond52:50 - Peer Support58:30 - Playoff Validation---Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribeWeekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribeOn the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Deemer Class and Matt Dunn sit down with Navy coach Cindy Timchal. A legendary figure in women's lacrosse, Timchal shares her journey to becoming the all-time wins leader in Division I women's lacrosse, with over 578 victories and eight national titles. The conversation explores Timchal's early influences, her approach to coaching, and the key lessons she's learned. They discuss the importance of mindset, player development, and specific coaching philosophies that have contributed to Timchal's success in building successful programs at Northwestern, Maryland, and the United States Naval Academy. The episode also highlights her significant impact on the sport and her strategies for mentoring the next generation of coaches.Timecodes0:00 - Background4:45 - Why Lax12:00 - Being Demanding18:00 - Program Building28:00 - Mindset Evolutions42:45 - Continue Success51:00 - Drill Development1:01:15 - Feedback Loop1:11:00 - Coaching at Navy1:15:30 - Coaching Advice---Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribeWeekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribeOn the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe