In this episode, Jake from True Lacrosse shares the origins of the company and its unwavering commitment to player development over the past 18 years. He explains how True prioritizes coaching, training, and fundamentals rather than chasing wins at tournaments—a philosophy that stands in contrast to many youth sports trends today.

Brett and Jake dive into strategies for player development in lacrosse, discussing the balance between universal skills and giving coaches the freedom to be creative. They highlight the importance of teaching fundamentals, building game IQ, and fostering decision-making, referencing Tim McCormack’s principles-based approach at Hopkins.

The conversation also tackles the challenges in youth sports, from parental expectations and early recruitment pressure to the need for transparency with families. Jake and Brett stress the importance of making the game fun, supporting athletes at all levels, and promoting multi-sport participation to build well-rounded players.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, this episode offers powerful insights into how to prioritize long-term growth, skill development, and love for the game over short-term wins.