New England Lacrosse Journal‘s Chasing The Goal

Nashoba Regional Coach Matt Biggs

The guest is Nashoba head lacrosse coach Matt Biggs, who delves into coaching philosophies, the growth of lacrosse in New England, and the impact of positive youth programs. Discussions highlight the balance between instructional and positive feedback in coaching, the evolution of player skills and mindset, and the necessity for challenging traditional play styles. Coach Biggs shares his personal journey from a player to a coach, his role in building a strong lacrosse culture at Nashoba, and the importance of adapting coaching strategies to player strengths. The conversation also touches on the challenges and benefits of divisional realignments and power rankings in Massachusetts lacrosse, aiming to enhance the competitiveness and integration of teams across regions.
Topics:
00:14 Coaching Styles and Communication on the Field
01:22 Introducing Coach Matt Biggs: A Lacrosse Legacy
02:29 Building a Program: The Nashoba Lacrosse Story
05:42 The Impact of Mentors in Lacrosse Coaching 06:15 The Challenge of Refereeing in Lacrosse
11:47 Cultivating Talent and Team Culture at Nashoba
12:29 The Evolution of a Coach: Offensive Strategy and Team Dynamics
19:40 The Importance of Practice and Developing Young Talent
26:18 Exploring Team Dynamics and Coaching Philosophy
26:35 The Importance of Fun and Culture in Team Sports
28:48 Adapting Coaching Strategies for Youth and High School Sports
31:11 Encouraging Creativity and Individuality in Players
41:23 Navigating Divisional Realignment and Its Impact on Teams
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/

Severn School Asst. Coach Corey Bulken

Lacrosse legend Corey Bulken, an assistant coach at Severn School, shares insights on his playing career, coaching philosophy, and transition to coaching high school and college levels. He delves into the evolution of lacrosse, mentoring relationships, recruiting strategies, and the fulfilling experience of impacting players beyond the field.

Harford Coach Aaron Verardi

Aaron Verardi is in his 10th season as head coach of the Harford Community College lacrosse program. In 2023, Verardi led the Fighting Owls to the Program's first NJCAA national championship. The team also finished the season undefeated for the first time with a 12-0 record.

Bishop Feehan Coach Tom Sheerin

Bishop Feehan High lacrosse coach Tom Sheerin is the guest. Sheerin has been on the coaching staff since the school introduced the game as a varsity sport in 2005. Sheerin also has 21 years of coaching experience with the Attleboro Titans youth lacrosse program.

Thayer Coach Bill Daye

Thayer Coach Bill Daye, who played collegiately at the University of North Carolina, took over the program in 2023.

ISL Season Preview

Mike Zhe joins Kyle and Jack to preview the upcoming ISL season.

New Attleboro Coach Jim Black

New Attleboro High School lacrosse coach Jim Black joins the show to talk about topics including strategies, coaching philosophies, and team dynamics. Coach Black discusses the challenges of taking on a coaching role in a competitive league like the Hockomock, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team culture and focusing on skill development.
Jim also covers the significance of establishing connections with players and families in the community, acknowledging the historical prominence of football in Attleboro and the need to cultivate lacrosse talent. Coach Black outlines his approach to coaching, drawing on experiences from his own playing days and mentorship from influential figures in his life.
The conversation also delves into specific drills and training methods, with Coach Black and the hosts sharing their favorite drills for improving skills such as ground balls, passing, and shooting. 

New Taft Coach Max Rosner

The guest is new Taft School Coach Max Rosner. He was a head coach for NXT Lacrosse Club (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), assistant coach of the 2017 Under Armor Underclass Tournament team (Towson, Maryland), and assistant coach for the 2021s, 2027s and 2030s Next Level Lacrosse teams (Bethesda, Maryland).

Tyrone Croom of Cushing Academy and CroART

Tyrone Croom is the Associate Director of Student Affairs at Cushing Academy and owner of CroART Inc., a "one stop shop for adult leagues." CroART offers adult players a chance to play Lacrosse or Flag Football at a competitive level. Youth players can attend clinics, participate on travel teams, or learn how to play. 
More at https://www.croartsports.com/

Quinton & Mark Champagne of The Champagne Project

In 2021 Mark Champagne lost the mother to his son Quinton after a long battle with dementia. Quinton and Mark dealt with a very difficult and very real disease that turned their world upside down. Quinton experienced depression and suicidal ideations at a young age, and his father Mark struggled with the task of taking care of his sick wife. They join the show to discuss their experiences and hardships to try and inspire others to talk about theirs.