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 Columbini. The discussion covers Columbini’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 Columbini

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