Advertise on podcast: New England Lacrosse Journal‘s Chasing The Goal

Kyle and Owen interview Matt Chandik, the Director of Communications for Dynamic Sports Management and Social Media Director of the National Lacrosse Federation. The discussion covers Matt's journey from writing for his college newspaper to becoming a key figure in lacrosse media and event management. They explore the intricacies of handling large-scale lacrosse events, the impact of social media on the sport, and how authentic storytelling can set apart lacrosse content.    Topics 01:30 Meet Our Guest: Matt Chandik 02:21 Matt's Journey into Lacrosse Media 06:33 Challenges and Rewards of Lacrosse Event Management 13:25 The Reality of Lacrosse as a Career 24:43 The Rise of High School Sports Edits 25:58 Challenges of Social Media Content 27:04 The Importance of Quality in Sports Clips 28:15 Engagement and Follower Dynamics 30:07 The Evolution of Sports Media 31:17 The Future of Lacrosse Media 43:59 Memorable Lacrosse Moments 47:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kyle and Owen sit down with Mike Silipo, the new head coach of St. Sebastian's lacrosse team. The podcast explores Silipo’s transition from a successful tenure at Boston University to taking the helm at St. Sebastian's. They discuss the intricacies of coaching at different levels, the importance of simplicity in strategy, and the nuances of the face-off and shot clock in modern lacrosse. Silipo shares insights on team dynamics, his approach to player development, and his philosophy on coaching both on and off the field. This episode also touches on the rich lacrosse culture in Massachusetts, the relationships among rival coaches, and the unique challenges and rewards of high school coaching. Join them for an in-depth conversation about the journey of building a lacrosse program and preparing young athletes for success.   Topics 00:56 Welcome to Chasing the Goal Podcast 01:57 Interview with Mike Silipo: New Head Coach of St. Sebastian's 02:44 Coaching Philosophy and Experience 04:00 Transition to High School Coaching 06:30 Offensive Strategies and Player Development 08:39 Challenges and Adaptations in Coaching 21:00 The Importance of Face-Offs in Lacrosse 23:53 Box Lacrosse vs. Field Lacrosse 24:20 The Importance of the Ride 24:40 Differentiating Midfielders and Attackmen 25:44 Training and Player Development 27:40 Rivalries and Mental Warfare 29:26 Motivational Tactics and Coaching Stories 31:58 Balancing Relationships and Performance 40:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Kyle and Owen, along with guest Marty Bowes, discuss various aspects of coaching youth lacrosse. Marty shares his experiences working as the Director of Coach and Player Education at Mass Youth Lacrosse, his journey into the role, and the importance of coach education. The conversation covers practical strategies for coaching youth players, such as implementing a three-second rule to promote quick decision-making and off-ball movement, and the significance of rewarding unselfish play. They also address common challenges faced by youth coaches, including managing skill level differences and dealing with overzealous parents. The episode highlights the importance of maintaining positivity, creating a supportive environment for players, and embedding the rich history of lacrosse in coaching practices.   Topics 02:10 Guest Introduction: Marty Bowes 02:25 Marty's Role at Mass Youth Lacrosse 04:30 Challenges of Coaching Youth Lacrosse 05:50 Coaching Techniques and Strategies 15:20 Parental Involvement in Youth Sports 22:56 Promoting Team Play and Skill Development 29:55 Team Dynamics and Parental Expectations 30:42 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development 32:49 The Value of Assists in Lacrosse 33:42 Encouraging Team Play and Unselfishness 44:42 The Importance of Off-Ball Movement 54:06 Youth Coaching and Positive Experiences

Brooks coach Ian Speliotis joins Kyle and Owen. They discuss the challenges of logistics in off-season, the importance of family support, the excitement of college lacrosse, and the personal story behind Owen's allegiance to UNC. Speliotis shares insights into his background, his journey from being a student at Brooks to his coaching stint at Culver Academies, and his return to Brooks. They emphasize the importance of culture, commitment, and community in building a successful lacrosse program.Speliotis highlights a signature win against Rivers that marked a turning point for the team and outlines the recruiting approach focused mainly on the Northeast while welcoming talent from across the country and beyond. The conversation encapsulates the passion and dedication required to elevate a lacrosse team within the competitive landscape of the ISL.   Topics 00:54 Thanksgiving and Lacrosse Talk 01:41 UNC Fandom Origins 03:07 Guest Introduction: Coach Ian Speliotis 03:25 Coach Ian's Lacrosse Journey 05:22 Balancing Hockey and Lacrosse 08:30 Experiences at St. Michael's College 14:43 Brooks School and Community 18:59 Culver Academies Experience 23:58 Reflecting on a Season Cut Short 24:28 Learning from Experienced Coaches 25:08 Building Player Relationships 25:44 The Importance of Team Culture 26:42 Commitment and Sacrifices in Prep Schools 28:00 The Prep School Experience 29:56 Community and Support at Brooks 41:01 Signature Wins and Turning Points 46:17 Recruiting Strategies and Challenges 49:08 Looking Forward to the Season

Kyle and Owen chat with Elliott Bender, a renowned box lacrosse player and coach known from Instagram and TikTok as 'The Box Lacrosse Guy.' The discussion delves into the growing prominence of box lacrosse, its distinct differences from field lacrosse, and how Bender transitioned from a player to a content creator to fill the knowledge gap for American players. Elliott shares personal anecdotes, the challenges and techniques unique to box lacrosse, and practical drills to enhance skills. The conversation also highlights the importance of finding the right program for young players and the evolution of the sport including women's box lacrosse. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding and improving in box lacrosse.   Topics 00:31 Anecdotes and NBA vs. PLL 01:18 Guest Introduction: Elliott Bender 01:30 Elliott's Lacrosse Journey 03:35 Box Lacrosse Training and Experience 10:38 The Evolution of Box Lacrosse 12:16 Box Lacrosse vs. Field Lacrosse 19:43 Content Creation and Advocacy 27:55 The Friendly Intensity of Box Lacrosse 28:39 Women's Box Lacrosse: A Different Game 30:59 Comparing Men's and Women's Lacrosse 35:13 The Evolution of Lacrosse Gear 38:47 The Rise of Box Lacrosse Travel Teams 42:14 Essential Drills for Box Lacrosse 48:53 Conclusion and Future Plans

Kyle and Owen are joined by new Clark University men's lacrosse coach Matt Colombini. The discussion covers Colombini’s background, his coaching philosophy, and the unique experiences at Emerson College. They delve into his approach to building a competitive lacrosse culture focusing on toughness, preparation, and team-first mentality. The conversation also touches on the challenges of recruiting versatile players, the importance of not specializing too early, and the exciting prospects for Clark's lacrosse program under new leadership. The episode highlights the value of a fifth-year free program at Clark, strategic travel schedules for competitive play, and the anticipation of a dynamic new era for Clark lacrosse.   Topics 00:49 Guest Introduction: Matt Colombini 01:25 Coaching at Emerson College 02:43 Unique Experiences at Emerson 05:15 Transition to Clark University 06:59 Recruitment Strategies and Challenges 15:14 Core Values and Team Culture 17:09 Fifth Year Free Program 19:29 Recruitment Criteria and Core Values 21:12 Balancing Talent and Team Fit 22:55 Position Flexibility and Player Development 26:34 The Goalie's Journey 28:19 Building a Competitive Schedule 32:02 Alumni Support and Program Potential 35:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kyle and Owen are joined by Patrick Wallace from Goalie Gurus. The discussion covers the unique mentality and challenges of lacrosse goalies, including their psychological pressures and the evolution of goalie training techniques. Patrick shares his expertise on recruiting goalies, evaluating their performance, and the importance of mental health and leadership training. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of goaltending, the effectiveness of the 10-man ride, and the importance of athletic and quick decision-making abilities for goalies.   Visit www.goaliegurus.com   Topics 00:47 Introducing the Goalie Coach 01:25 The Mentality of a Successful Goalie 02:58 Recruiting and Training Goalies 04:57 Evolving Goalie Techniques 08:03 Challenges and Psychology in Coaching 13:42 Youth Coaching and Goalkeeping IQ 22:43 Advanced Strategies and Sub Games 25:25 The Role of LSM in Lacrosse 26:14 Specialty Positions and Their Impact 27:02 Evaluating Goalie Performance 28:20 The Importance of Game Data 28:58 Club vs. College Rules 30:07 The Evolution of Midfielders 31:58 The 10-Man Ride Strategy 34:29 Coaching Techniques for Goalies 45:01 Memorable Saves and Goalie Stories 49:15 Conclusion and Goalie Gurus Information

Kyle and Owen are joined by Carter Rice, a standout midfielder for the Redwoods in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). They discuss the end of the college lacrosse season, the transition to professional play, and Rice's experiences and challenges in the PLL. The conversation also delves into Rice's time at Syracuse University, his transition from an offensive to a defensive midfielder, and his memories of high school lacrosse rivalries. Additionally, Rice shares his thoughts on playing under coach Anthony Kelly, the emotional rollercoaster of playoffs, and his goals outside lacrosse.   Topics 00:18 Reflecting on Playoff Season 01:02 Special Guest: Carter Rice 04:20 Transition to Professional Lacrosse 10:54 College Memories and Rivalries 21:48 Recognizing Talent: Freshman Year Reflections 22:08 Deciding to Go Pro: The Aha Moment 22:54 Post-PLL Career Plans 23:44 Branding and NIL Experiences 24:59 Coaching Aspirations and Experiences 25:44 Adjusting to PLL Rules and Dynamics 27:17 Defensive Strategies and Techniques 33:40 Funny Stories and Locker Room Tales 39:13 Chasing the Championship Dream 40:34 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Kyle and Owen share their experiences from a summer packed with lacrosse tournaments and coaching. Kyle, broadcasting from a hotel in Scarborough, Maine, discusses his summer schedule, highlighting various tournaments like the New Hampshire-Vermont All-Star Game and the Legacy Tournament in Devens, Massachusetts. He also touches on the evolving dynamics of club teams and recruiting trends. Owen recounts his coaching stint with the Eastern Mass Hawks, detailing the challenges and joys of coaching 2026 players. The duo also explores the importance of fitting in the right college both academically and athletically, shares insights on handling social media in recruitment, and offers tips for parents in the recruiting process. The episode wraps up with a preview of Kyle's upcoming coaching stint at the Lake Placid tournament and news of a coaching change at Clark University.   Topics 00:42 Summer Lacrosse Tournaments Recap 01:49 New Hampshire vs Vermont All-Star Game 02:51 Coaching and Tournament Experiences 05:39 Advice for Lacrosse Parents and Players 07:21 Service Academies and Early Commitments 14:10 MIAA vs ISL All-Star Game 21:27 New England Lacrosse Showcase Insights 26:38 Parental Expectations and Player Performance 26:57 NLS Tournament Highlights 27:45 Challenges of Coaching JV Teams 28:50 Commitment Updates and Recruiting Trends 31:45 Coaching Experiences and Reflections 34:00 Club Coaching Insights and Anecdotes 36:44 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development 47:04 Upcoming Coaching Events and Final Thoughts

Kyle and Owen welcome Ralph Nelson, a key figure in Maine's lacrosse landscape. It’s a comprehensive conversation revolving around the foundation and growth of Maine's lacrosse community. The trio discusses the successful creation of a summer league for college athletes, the challenges faced in organizing it, and the overwhelming buy-in from players. Ralph shares his coaching journey, from his initial role at various schools to building the lacrosse program at Waynflete School. The discussion also touches on the logistics of maintaining a lacrosse team in smaller schools, the challenges of balancing a tight-knit player community, and exciting plans for a fall high school league future.    Chasing the Goal podcast from New England Lacrosse Journal is a Seamans Media production. Find more daily lacrosse news at New England Lacrosse Journal: https://www.laxjournal.com/    Topics 00:49 Introducing the Guest: Ralph Nelson 02:40 Maine Lacrosse Summer League: The Origin Story 04:16 Challenges and Logistics of Running the League 06:24 Community and Player Buy-In 19:35 Ralph Nelson's Lacrosse Journey 23:14 Balancing Social Life and Lacrosse 23:29 Early Coaching Career 23:52 Challenges of Coaching Lacrosse 24:41 Transition to Club Coaching 25:49 Building a Lacrosse Program 27:32 Struggles with Team Numbers 30:39 Coaching Philosophy and Challenges 41:02 Future Plans and Initiatives

The guest is Winchester High School head lacrosse coach Phil Reuland. The conversation covers several topics including the trials and tribulations of coaching, the impact of injuries, and the importance of adaptability in coaching strategies. Coach Reuland shares anecdotes from his extensive coaching career, emphasizing the need to tailor strategies to the strengths of the players, highlighting memorable wins, and discussing how the sport has evolved over the years. They also touch upon the unique challenges faced by public schools in the evolving landscape of lacrosse, particularly in contrast to private and prep schools.  Topics 01:17 Welcoming the Guest: Coach Phil Reuland 01:35 Coach's Lacrosse Journey 03:39 Transition to Coaching 05:18 Challenges and Achievements as a Coach 11:13 Impact of COVID on Lacrosse 14:41 Public vs. Private School Lacrosse Dynamics 23:18 Future of Lacrosse Divisions 26:35 Challenges of Managing Lacrosse Injuries 27:15 Impact of Injuries on Team Dynamics 33:07 Memorable Wins and Coaching Highlights 36:51 Coaching Philosophy and Strategies 45:41 Adapting to Changes in Lacrosse 52:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The guest is S.L. Price, the author of 'The American Game'. The discussion delves into the rich history and cultural significance of lacrosse, including Price's personal journey from sports outsider to deep admirer of the game. Topics covered include the recent semifinal losses experienced by the hosts, the unique traditions and spiritual connections in lacrosse, the rise of the women's game, and the sport's unique spot in American culture. Price also shares insights from his extensive research and interviews, such as the inclusive spirit of lacrosse, the Native American origins, and compelling personal stories like those of Miles and Kyle Harrison. The conversation underscores the deep passion and commitment that unite the lacrosse community.   Topics 01:41 Introducing the Guest: S.L. Price 01:53 S.L. Price on Lacrosse Culture 04:10 The Spiritual Connection to Lacrosse 07:21 Challenges and Growth in Lacrosse 12:54 Duke Lacrosse Case and Its Impact 26:00 Lacrosse's Democratic Nature 29:12 The Editing Process: Cutting Down the Manuscript 31:09 Receiving the Final Book: First Impressions 31:34 Interviewing Lacrosse Legends: Personal Experiences 32:21 Bill Tierney: A Complex Figure in Lacrosse 33:12 Covering Sports Greats: From Michael Jordan to Lacrosse 35:46 The Human Side of Lacrosse Legends 39:20 The Harrison Family: A Story of Legacy and Reconciliation 42:53 Lacrosse's Unique Cultural Significance 49:47 Writing a Lacrosse Book: Challenges and Insights 54:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kyle and Owen are joined by BC High head coach Marcus Craigwell who delves into the challenges and strategies of managing a successful high school lacrosse team. They discuss the differences between New Hampshire and Massachusetts lacrosse seasons, the impact of spring break on practice schedules, and the importance of putting in the hard work. Marcus shares his experiences with winning and losing championships, explaining how emotional and intense these games can be for both players and coaches. The episode also highlights the importance of having a strong youth program and the role of consistent coaching in building a successful lacrosse culture. Other key topics include managing player roles, handling recruitment, and integrating club and high school lacrosse priorities. The conversation ends with a discussion on improving the game, including innovative suggestions for referee involvement and fitness.   Topics 01:04 Guest Introduction: BC High Coach Marcus Craigwell 01:48 The Emotional Impact of High School Championships 08:42 Building a Winning Team and Philosophy 16:35 The Importance of Youth Programs 23:34 Building Trust and Setting Expectations 23:56 Success Stories and Trust in Coaching 24:35 The Importance of Discipline and Order 28:35 Handling Social Media and Player Recruitment 31:02 Balancing High School and Club Lacrosse 37:11 Developing Coaching Styles and Player Growth 40:03 Challenges in Scheduling and Competition 47:43 Final Thoughts and Improving the Game

Kyle and Owen engage in a lively discussion with James Foote, the assistant lacrosse coach at Flagler College. They delve into Foote's journey in coaching, from his beginnings in lacrosse sales to his current role at Flagler, a burgeoning program that has rapidly ascended the ranks of Division II lacrosse. Foote shares stories about overcoming early challenges, the significance of building relationships with players, and integrating various tactical philosophies learned from different coaching influences. They also discuss the broader landscape of Division II lacrosse, highlighting the growth and excitement surrounding the sport in recent years. The episode sheds light on the dedication and passion required to build a successful lacrosse program from the ground up.   Topics 01:25 Introducing the Guest: James Foot 01:43 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching at Flagler 03:50 Building a New Program at Flagler 11:11 Coaching Dynamics and Relationships 17:10 Moments of Success and Reflection 23:04 Family and Coaching Balance 23:20 Early Coaching Struggles 25:49 Transition to Sales 27:31 Recruitment and D2 Lacrosse 34:22 Coaching Philosophies and Tactics 40:08 The Growth of D2 Lacrosse 43:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kyle welcomes guest Dan Arestia to discuss the Connecticut high school lacrosse scene for the 2023 season. They cover the class structure and the top teams. The episode delves into key players, team strengths, and potential state title contenders. They also touch on the PLL draft and the likely number one pick.   Topics 00:40 Connecticut Lacrosse Overview 03:29 Fairfield Prep Team Analysis 06:06 Cheshire Team Analysis 09:04 Darien Team Analysis 13:23 Ridgefield Team Analysis 15:31 Staples Team Analysis 16:52 New Canaan Team Analysis 17:21 Michigan's Defensive Powerhouse 19:17 Wilton's Rising Stars 20:45 Daniel Hand's Challenges 21:49 New Fairfield's Dominance 23:01 Joel Barlow's Strong Lineup 25:49 Simsbury and St. Joe's Contenders 27:47 Final Four Predictions 29:34 Top Pick in the Draft 31:20 Where to Find More Content