First Class Lacrosse Podcast

AJ Larkin, a standout player for the Maryland Terrapins, shares his experiences transitioning from high school to college lacrosse. He provides insight into his demanding daily routine that balances academics and athletics. The conversation touches on Maryland's strategic gameplay in their recent victory over Syracuse, emphasizing the team's tactical preparations and film study. Additionally, they discuss the importance of resilience in young athletes and innovative strategies shaping the future of lacrosse.

The hosts dive into standout collegiate lacrosse performances from teams like Army and Syracuse. They analyze the art of reading defenses and the instinct required during gameplay. A heated discussion surrounds a controversial stick check decision that raised eyebrows. Tune in for insights on shooting mechanics that link lacrosse techniques to quarterbacking skills. Finally, they preview crucial Ivy League matchups, highlighting strategies that could define the season.

Deemer Class, Stephen Rehfuss, and Matt Dunn recap the first week of college lacrosse action and preview upcoming games on the episode. They discuss standout performances, key games, and provide insights on teams such as Georgetown, Loyola, Maryland, Utah, Syracuse and Ohio State. The episode highlights the challenges of watching games due to varying streaming services and the importance of high-quality broadcasts. It also delves into the development of younger players, offering advice on how to stand out in tryouts and improve lacrosse skills. Additionally, the hosts touch on the nuances of offensive strategies like attacking the flow of the defense and the importance of principles-based offenses. -- Are you a parent or coach? Check out our new FCL Parent & Coaches Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.1stclasslax.com/circle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to First Class Lacrosse for more highlights, breakdowns & more:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@firstclasslax?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/firstclasslacrosse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Looking for Women's Lacrosse? Check out our women's Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/firstclasswlax⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop the latest FCL Merch here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.1stclasslax.com/store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to join our FCL 2025 Summer Camp? Learn more here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.1stclasslax.com/fcl-mens-summer-camp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to FCL Emails & Texts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sa1.io/PvNZ

The hosts dive into the excitement of the new lacrosse season, highlighting crucial matchups like Hopkins vs. Denver. They analyze evolving strategies, showcasing the balance between structure and player creativity. Insights from mentorship experiences emphasize the importance of preparing for life beyond college sports. The episode explores Denver’s shifting team dynamics and how Johns Hopkins is adapting post-key player loss. The conversation also touches on the transformative influences shaping modern lacrosse, including the role of the shot clock and positionless play.

Kayla Treanor, Syracuse Women's Head Lacrosse Coach and former Team USA star, shares her inspiring journey from star player to coach. She discusses her father's influence and the challenges of her early coaching career. Kayla emphasizes the importance of maintaining player confidence and her unique observational skills. She reflects on adaptability in college lacrosse and the significance of competition in personal growth. Her relentless drive and commitment to the sport shine through as she navigates the complexities of coaching.

Kevin Warne, head coach of Georgetown's men's lacrosse team and an assistant coach for the US Men's National Lacrosse Team, shares his coaching insights. He emphasizes the significance of building trust and authentic relationships with players. Warne discusses innovative defensive strategies, adapting to players' strengths, and effective recruitment methods. He also highlights the advantages of multi-sport participation and the importance of developing a culture of commitment within the team. His passion for lacrosse and commitment to player development shine throughout the conversation.

In this engaging discussion, Jenny Levy, head coach of the University of North Carolina Women's Lacrosse team and National Lacrosse Hall of Famer, shares her inspiring journey from player to coach. She highlights her coaching philosophy, focusing on mentorship and building a competitive culture. Insights on recruiting for cultural fit bring depth to her strategies, while anecdotes from the season add humor. Levy emphasizes the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and resilience, particularly illustrated by a thrilling comeback in a semifinal match against Northwestern.

Gary Gait, often hailed as the greatest lacrosse player, shares his incredible journey as both a player and head coach at Syracuse University. He reminisces about his lacrosse roots in Victoria Island and the pivotal moments in his career. Key discussions include his innovative coaching strategies, the challenges of transitioning between coaching men’s and women’s teams, and the significance of fostering team chemistry. Gait emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and continuous learning, aiming to instill a champion's mindset in his players.

Acacia Walker-Weinstein, head coach for Boston College women's lacrosse and Team USA, shares her journey from playing at Maryland to leading BC to seven national championship games. She emphasizes the power of selflessness in building cohesive teams and the importance of mental rehearsal techniques for athletic success. Acacia discusses her vision for the future of women's lacrosse, the challenges of recruiting through the transfer portal, and how strong mentorship has shaped her coaching philosophy.

John Tillman, head coach of Maryland men's lacrosse and two-time national champion, shares his insights from an illustrious coaching career. He discusses the delicate balance of high standards and support, emphasizing player well-being and development. Tillman highlights the critical role of program culture and open communication in fostering individual growth and accountability. The conversation also delves into skill development, where foundational techniques shape players’ performance while reinforcing the importance of mentorship and inclusivity within a team.