2/29 ILPreps: Torrey Pines’ Zissi and Haverford’s Dawson

Torrey Pines  coach Jono Zissi joins IL’s Dan Kaplan to discuss the preseason and upcoming game against St. Ignatius (Calif.). He reflects on the turning point in last year's season and the culture change he brought to the Torrey Pines’ program. Zissi also highlights the young talent in the pipeline and the trajectory of former player Mason Kohn, now a face-off specialist at Syracuse.

He shares the inspiring recovery story of Ryland Roach, who underwent brain surgery prior to the 2023 season, then discusses the instrumental players on the team, including Andrew Cook in goal and Matthew Mannarino on offense. He emphasizes the importance of balancing player and life development and shares his expectations for the season.

For the second half of the episode, the Haverford School (Pa.) coach Brendan Dawson joins to discuss the importance of senior leadership and the team's focus on the process of improvement. Dawson also discusses the challenging schedule and the way that some of the 2023 season unfolded. Zooming in on the 2024 Fords, he emphasizes the strength of the midfield group with players like Conner Nolen, Jack Long and William Burfeind, as well the impact that future Navy Midshipman Aydan DiRocco has on the offense.

Timestamps

Jono Zissi

2:20 Introduction and Preseason

04:31 Turning Point in Last Year's Season

06:39 Changing the Culture of Torrey Pines Program

08:31 Upcoming Game Against St. Ignatius

10:37 Young Talent in the Pipeline

12:21 Mason Kohn's Trajectory

13:44 Ryland Roach's Recovery Story

17:58 Instrumental Players in Torrey Pines Team

20:32 Matthew Mannarino’s Role on Offense

21:37 John Pryor's Fit as an Army Midfielder

22:47 Balancing Player and Life Development

24:34 Expectations for the Season

Brendan Dawson

26:10  Introduction and Preseason

27:17 Dawson's Background

32:36 Review of the 2023 Season

33:36 Winning Close Games and Focusing on the Process

36:10 Challenging Schedule and Facing Top Teams

39:50 Face-off-Rich Team and Senior Leadership

47:20 Goalie Room and Competition

49:54 Impact of Aydan DiRocco on Offense

52:03 Junior Class of Defenders

54:56 Uncommitted Players to Watch

56:32 Setting Goals for the Season