Today I’m joined by PJ Kavanagh, a staple in the lacrosse world with decades of experience across every level of the game. He’s coaches at North Canton-Hoover High School, &  the Burning River Lacrosse Club, 

Coach Kavanagh has been the head coach at the college level for College of Wooster and Mount Union, and Plattsburgh State His journey also includes time with the Ohio Machine, a seven-year run at , and time at  top NEPSAC school. 

In our conversation, Coach P and I dove deep into the game’s foundations—why lacrosse fundamentals still matter most, even as strategies and gear evolve. We talked about developing smarter players through game intelligence, unselfish play, and the value of celebrating not just goals, but “Gretzky assists.”

We explored player development strategies, from small-sided games that teach off-ball awareness to building a team-first culture. We also tackled the state of lacrosse in regional programs like Ohio and New England, the rise of youth sports specialization, and how families can better balance college recruitment pressures with staying grounded in values like character, classroom, community, and competition.

This episode is packed with insight for coaches, players, and parents alike