Lacrosse All Stars Podcast Network

What's it like to play at BYU? How did they go 19-0 and win their 6th national championship? Quint visited an early morning (6am) practice last week while in town to cover the BYU football game.

In this engaging episode, Coach Joe Breschi of UNC’s lacrosse program joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a coach, his family life, and the importance of nurturing young talent. Reflecting on his team’s growth and resilience, Coach Breschi shares insights into building a strong team culture, balancing academics with athletics, and guiding his players through both victories and challenges. He also delves into his own family’s experiences, offering advice on supporting young athletes and the value of letting them carve their own paths.

This podcast episode features Grant Ament, a professional lacrosse player for the Archers in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), discussing his experiences and accomplishments. Grant reflects on his recent success, mentioning his journey from Penn State and Haverford, achieving league and PLL championships, and being named an All-Pro midfielder. The conversation highlights his transition to a versatile "positionless" player, embodying the modern lacrosse style.

Grant shares insights from his discussions with teammate Tom Schreiber, who encouraged him to see himself as an offensive "weapon" rather than strictly an attacker or midfielder. This episode dives into Grant’s mindset, his adaptability in his playing role, and his achievements within the league, underscoring his unique place in the sport.

In this episode, Quint Kessenich catches up with Kyle Hartzell, Texas Longhorns MCLA head coach and former pro lacrosse player, to discuss his journey from player to coach. Kyle shares insights on the growing lacrosse scene in Texas, his recent hunting trip, and the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and team culture. They also dive into the state of MCLA lacrosse, the importance of multi-sport athletes, and how Kyle's coaching approach is inspired by his own experiences as a professional player.

In this podcast, Chad Surman, head coach of Iona University's lacrosse team, discusses the challenges and excitement of building the program from the ground up. He highlights the team's preparation for their first competitive season in 2025, emphasizing the hard work required to be ready for their opening game. Surman reflects on his past coaching experiences, including his time at Mercer, and the importance of establishing a strong foundation for Iona's lacrosse program. The conversation also touches on the broader landscape of Division I lacrosse and the role of media in supporting and promoting the sport.

In this episode, TJ Malone, former Penn State lacrosse standout and current pro with the Maryland Whipsnakes, shares his journey transitioning from college lacrosse to the professional stage. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his collegiate career, overcoming injuries, and the honor of representing Team USA. TJ discusses his experiences with the fast-paced world of pro lacrosse and how he's preparing for future opportunities on the international stage. The episode offers insights into the mindset of a rising lacrosse star balancing personal growth and professional success.

In this episode, PLL Championship MVP Brett Dobson, goaltender for the Utah Archers, reflects on his back-to-back championship victories and the team’s journey through the 2024 season. Dobson shares insights into the celebration, the ups and downs of the season, and the importance of team culture. He emphasizes the value of championships over individual accolades and discusses his preparation, mindset, and standout performances during the playoffs. Dobson also touches on his transition from outdoor to indoor lacrosse, his experiences at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships, and his thoughts on the U.S. team's potential as they close the gap with Canada. Finally, he shares his passion for the sport's future, including sixes and the upcoming 2028 Olympics.

In this episode, Chris Bates, head coach of the PLL champion Utah Archers, reflects on the journey to winning the championship. He discusses the emotional and physical toll of the 16-week season, especially with the choppy rhythm caused by bye weeks and the All-Star break. Bates highlights the sacrifices made by both players and their families to stay committed throughout the summer. Despite the challenges, he expresses immense pride in his team's collective effort and the satisfaction of reaching the pinnacle once again. The episode offers insights into the demanding nature of professional lacrosse and the resilience required to achieve success.

In this podcast, Charlie Hayes, newly appointed head coach of Detroit Mercy's men's lacrosse team, reflects on his transition from a player and assistant coach to head coach. The discussion begins with his thoughts on the PLL Championship, praising Utah's strong defense and goalie Brett Dobson's performance. Hayes emphasizes the importance of culture and discipline as key elements for rebuilding Detroit Mercy, which struggled in recent seasons. He highlights his background as a multi-sport athlete and how this influences his recruiting focus on well-rounded athletes. The conversation touches on the program's facilities, academic strengths, and his vision for the team's defensive-minded style, aiming for improved fundamentals and mental toughness. Hayes is optimistic about Detroit Mercy's future, excited about the move to the NEC conference and the talent he's recruiting from key areas like Michigan, Ohio, and Minnesota.