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Deemer Class and Matt Dunn launch the next wave of the First Class Lacrosse Podcast, focusing on player development and strategic insights for the upcoming spring season. They reflect on past episodes featuring coach interviews and set the stage for new discussions on a variety of topics, including lacrosse techniques, recruiting, and leadership. The guys delve into the importance of shot selection, introducing the 'gold medal shot' analogy to improve scoring efficiency. They also explore the concept of Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in training, emphasizing the importance of creating drills that solve specific tactical problems. Deemer and Matt discuss the challenges of developing defensive skills and the importance of adaptable, game-speed scenarios in practice. The episode concludes with practical advice for players preparing for tryouts, highlighting the importance of mindset, off-ball contributions, and maintaining perspective.

Timecodes

0:00 - The Future Of The Podcast

6:30 - Gold Medal Shots

36:45 - Designing Drills

1:04:00 - Approaching Tryouts

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⁠⁠Deemer 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.

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

5:45 - Coaching Changes

17:30 - Creating Experiences

39:00 - Building Trust

45:30 - Relationships with Sports

55:40 - Motivation, Passion & Authenticity

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Deemer 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.

Timecodes

0:00 - Background

25:40 - Coaching Styles

33:00 - Loyola Story

40:30 - Teaching Skills

50:00 - Make Practice Fun

1:03:00 - State Of The Game

1:12:30 - Legacy & Impact

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Deemer 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.

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro & Background

7:15 - Defense & Player Development

38:45 - Value of Failure

47:30 - Michigan's Success

51:30 - Recruiting Thoughts

1:00:40 - Authenticity Roller Coaster

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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.

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro & Bagpipes

5:00 - Background

15:30 - Defensive Prowess

22:00 - Learning From Others

26:20 - Defying Fundamentals

35:40 - Coaching Hard & Impacts

55:00 - College Athletics

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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.

Timecodes

0:00 - Connor's Background

5:00 - Coaching Philosophy

19:00 - Skill Development

30:30 - Cornell's Culture & Influences

42:30 - Growth as a Coach

51:30 - Transition to Leadership

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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.

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

5:40 - Career Ladder

19:15 - Persistence

24:45 - Culture & History

31:00 - Advice For Past Self

43:00 - Skill Development

59:15 - Authenticity & Pizza

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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.

Timecodes

0:00 - Workout Discipline

8:55 - Career & Coaching Outlook

21:15 - Toughness & Vulnerability

37:00 - Practice Philosophy

47:00 - Defensive Mindset

1:06:10 - The Modern Game

1:12:50 - Army's Success

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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.

Timecodes
0:00 - Terp To The Core
11:45 - Learning To Lose
17:40 - Return To Maryland
30:30 - Advice &  Affirmations
37:00 - Skills To Develop
46:00 - Trail Of Interest
54:00 - Maryland LAX Family

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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.

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

6:45 - Dan's Background

18:00 - Attention To Detail

24:30 - Skill Development

41:20 - Building Richmond

52:50 - Peer Support

58:30 - Playoff Validation

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