Tom Mariano, Head Coach at Pace University, joins The Ride to talk the importance of skill development, practice planning as he delves into his extensive experience and innovative methods. Learn about his journey, from coaching college teams to international squads like Korea, and gain insights into motivational strategies, practice drills, and how to foster a love for the game. Whether you're a coach, player, or enthusiast, this episode is packed with invaluable advice and real-world anecdotes that highlight the nuances of developing successful and passionate lacrosse athletes.

Tom Mariano Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/tom_marianocoach/

Anthony Kelly, Head Coach of the California Redwoods, discusses various aspects of coaching, team building, and league dynamics. He shares insights on the importance of feedback, and rolling out new initiatives like reading 'The Energy Bus' by Jon Gordon for team motivation. Kelly emphasizes a focus on culture, especially for a team with both seasoned players and rookies, and highlights the importance of close communication, team bonding activities, and strategic decisions in achieving success. Additionally, Kelly touches on topics such as Ohio State's lacrosse achievements, the impact of the NIL on college recruiting, and the benefits of box lacrosse for player development. The conversation ends with insights into the faceoff position and a notable incident involving an in-game interview.

In this episode of The Ride, we sit down with former UVA associate head coach, Kip Turner. Topics include, what are the Top Traits of Great Goalies, UVA's rise and struggle in 2025, modern day recruiting, and more!

Timestamps00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:39 Life After Coaching at UVA06:29 Advice for Aspiring Athletes and Parents09:03 Recruitment Insights and Challenges16:12 Managing Team Dynamics and Player Development21:09 Reflections on the 2025 Virginia Season28:26 Coaching Strategies for Goalies30:49 Mindset: The Key to Success33:28 Traits of an Ideal Goalie41:21 Zone Defense: Pros and Cons43:29 Back-to-Back Championships50:24 Transition Play and Team Mentality52:28 Face-Off Guy vs. Great Goalie53:49 Thoughts on the PLL

Connect with Us:   

- Instagram: [@theride.talk](⁠https://www.instagram.com/theride.talk/⁠)  

- YouTube: [@TheRideTalk](⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TheRideTalk⁠)  

- Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!

Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow lacrosse fan and help us grow the community! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

In this episode of The Ride, we sit down with Terry Foy CEO of Inside Lacrosse to discuss Terry’s journey and his role in shaping the sport’s media landscape. If you're a fan of lacrosse or passionate about sports storytelling, this episode is a must-listen!

Topics Discussed:  

- Terry Foy’s background and journey in the lacrosse world  

- The role of media in the evolution of lacrosse  

- Challenges and opportunities in sports journalism  

- The growing influence of analytics in lacrosse  

- The future of the sport and where it’s headed  

- Advice for young athletes and aspiring sports journalists  

Timestamps

00:00  Coming Up in this Episode

00:44 Welcome Back to The Ride

02:06 Interview with Terry Foy Begins

02:37 Discussing Lacrosse Seasons and Challenges

06:51 Growth and Coverage of Lacrosse

10:24 Youth Participation and Future Growth

23:05 Role of US Lacrosse and Local Growth

27:13 Inside Lacrosse History and Personal Journey

34:25 Reflecting on Loyola's Pride

34:58 Journey to Inside Lacrosse

35:55 Economic Challenges and Company Evolution

37:58 Staffing and Growth Strategies

40:06 Impact of the Pandemic on Lacrosse

47:41 Podcasting and Audience Engagement

50:15 The Rise of Lacrosse Podcasts

56:01 College Lacrosse Insights

01:01:31 High School Lacrosse Highlights

Key Quotes from the Episode:  

- "Lacrosse isn’t just a game; it’s a community that shapes people in ways they never expect." - Terry Foy  

- "The future of sports media is about more than just coverage—it’s about storytelling and engagement." - Terry Foy  

- "Athletes today have more opportunities than ever, but it’s about how you leverage them that makes the difference." - Terry Foy  

Resources Mentioned:  

- *Inside Lacrosse* - [Website](https://www.insidelacrosse.com) - A leading source for lacrosse news, analysis, and community engagement.  

- *Terry Foy’s Twitter* - [@TerenceFoy](https://twitter.com/TerenceFoy) - Follow Terry for the latest insights into the lacrosse world.  

Connect with Us:   

- Instagram: [@theride.talk](https://www.instagram.com/theride.talk/)  

- YouTube: [@TheRideTalk](https://www.youtube.com/@TheRideTalk)  

- Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!

Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow lacrosse fan and help us grow the community! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

In this episode, Spencer Ford, the newly appointed GM of the Chaos Lacrosse Club, discusses his transition to the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and his strategies for building a championship-caliber team. Ford delves into his approach to constructing a balanced roster, emphasizing both talent and chemistry. The conversation covers his past experiences in professional lacrosse and how they've shaped his ethos as a GM. Ford provides insights into the differences between the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the PLL and shares his thoughts on the growth of professional lacrosse. Additionally, he discusses his coaching philosophy, focusing on ball movement and spacing, as well as life lessons from his playing days. The episode concludes with Ford’s perspectives on the future of the game, his relationship with the fans, and some personal anecdotes from his lacrosse journey.

00:00 Introduction and New Role Announcement

00:21 Roster Construction and Initial Moves

03:57 Connecting with Fans and Regional Impact

06:03 Comparing MLL and PLL

08:33 Future Strategies for PLL

12:50 College Lacrosse Insights

16:58 Personal Reflections and Coaching Experiences

20:00 The Art of Assisting in Lacrosse

22:38 Scouting and Defensive Strategies

23:27 Techniques for Effective Feeding

28:18 Offensive Principles and Ball Movement

30:44 Challenges in Professional Lacrosse

36:33 Insights from a Pro Career

41:45 Favorite Drills and Game Strategies

In this episode of “The Ride”, host Zach Quezada sits down with lacrosse legend Tom Marechek. They dive into Tom’s journey from his early days playing box lacrosse in Canada to his collegiate success at Syracuse and his professional career with the Philadelphia Wings. Tom shares his insights on deception in shooting, the importance of self-practice, and reflections on some of the most memorable games of his career. They also discuss Syracuse's current lacrosse season, the evolution of the game, and what makes a winning team.  

Topics Discussed  

- Tom Marechek’s Early Lacrosse Journey – Growing up playing box lacrosse in Canada and learning the fundamentals.  

- The Art of Deception in Shooting – Techniques for manipulating goalies and improving shot placement.  

- The Importance of Self-Practice – How individual work outside of team practices can elevate a player’s skills.  

- Syracuse Lacrosse – A deep dive into the team’s current season, standout players, and what’s needed for success.  

- Memorable Championship Moments – Breaking down Syracuse’s 1989 and 1990 championship seasons, including key matchups and rivalries.  

- Transition to the Professional Level – Marechek’s time with the Philadelphia Wings and his experience in the NLL.  

- International Rivalries – Competing for Team Canada and the legendary USA vs. Canada matchups.  

- The Culture of Winning – What separates great teams from the rest, and how team dynamics contribute to championships.  

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Self-Practice

00:43 Welcome to The Ride with Zach Quezada

02:15 Interview with Lacrosse Legend Tom Marecek

04:28 Tom Marecek's Early Lacrosse Journey

07:06 Mastering Deception and Shooting Techniques

18:00 Syracuse Lacrosse: Current Season Analysis

28:53 Tom Marecek's Syracuse Experience

33:25 The Importance of Riding in Lacrosse

33:46 Memorable Moments from the 89 and 90 Seasons

34:07 Facing Johns Hopkins: A Freshman's Perspective

36:35 Championship Game Highlights

39:26 Unheralded Heroes of the Team

45:26 The 90 Championship Game: A Different Experience

47:31 Transition to Professional Lacrosse

53:58 Winning Culture and Team Dynamics

57:05 International Lacrosse Rivalries

01:01:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Key Quotes from the Episode 

"If you really wanna raise the bar for yourself, you have to get in the backyard, get out there, wall ball, and just put in the extra reps." – Tom Marechek  

"Deception is showing where the ball is, but not giving it away to the goalie. You move your head, shoulders, and body—not just your stick." – Tom Marechek  

"We had a winning culture at Syracuse. Everyone bought in. Everyone knew their role. That’s what made us great." – Tom Marechek

Connect with Us  

📧 Email: [email protected]  

🎧 Subscribe to "The Ride: Lacrosse Podcast" on your favorite podcast platform.  

📱 Follow us on social media for episode updates and behind-the-scenes content.  

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theride.talk/

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a fellow lacrosse fan! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and let us know who you’d love to hear on a future episode of "The Ride"! 

We sit with Mark Millon, former MLL and NLL legend, to discuss his journey from college to professional lacrosse, the evolution of player development, and insights into the modern game. Mark shares stories from his career, lessons on training the next generation of athletes, and his perspective on the current and future landscape of the sport. Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways on skill development, mindset, and the beauty of lacrosse.  

Topics Discussed  

- Winning a championship with the Philadelphia Wings and the lessons learned from that journey  

- The evolution of player development and the importance of self-driven training  

- Specialization vs. versatility in lacrosse and how young athletes should approach the game  

- The significance of playing multiple sports to build athleticism  

- The role of club teams and camps in a player's growth  

- The necessity of being a two-handed player and how it impacts the modern game  

- The transition from college to professional lacrosse and adapting to the box game  

- Riding, transition play, and what makes an elite offensive player  

- Coaching philosophies, favorite drills, and game strategies  

- The PLL’s growth and what’s next for professional lacrosse  

Timestamps

00:00 Winning the Championship Against All Odds

00:53 Discussing UVA Scrimmages and Team Performance

02:02 Player Development and Specialization in Lacrosse

05:18 The Importance of Being a Two-Handed Player

10:02 Balancing Lacrosse and Other Sports for Young Athletes

12:16 The Role of Clubs and Camps in Player Development

17:42 Insights on the 2025 Lacrosse Season

21:21 Transitioning from College to Professional Lacrosse

30:16 Mastering Ambidexterity in Lacrosse

31:44 The Hardest Skill in Lacrosse

33:54 Offensive Techniques and Strategies

38:39 The Importance of Off-Ball Movement

39:24 The Pick Game and Offensive Variability

45:12 Transition Game and Riding

49:16 Mark's Lacrosse Journey and Business

56:45 Coaching Insights and Favorite Drills

59:23 Final Thoughts and Game Strategies

Key Quotes from the Episode

"A champion is made in his yard. It’s not even with a trainer. It’s just doing the work on your own. That’s where the great ones are made." – Mark Millon  

"If you’re growing up in the U.S. and not playing box 200 times a year, you should probably focus on being two-handed. It gives you a massive advantage." – Mark Millon  

“Transition goals are huge – they’re easier, they fire up the crowd, and they make a difference in tight games." – Mark Millon  

Resources Mentioned  

-Millon Lacrosse Camps - https://www.instagram.com/millonlacrossecamps  

- Millon Events – https://www.instagram.com/millonevents

- Project 9 Lacrosse – A high-level training experience for elite high school players  

- The PLL (Premier Lacrosse League) – https://www.premierlacrosseleague.com

Connect with Us 

Follow *The Ride Podcast* on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:  

📷 The Ride Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theride.talk  

📷 Mark Millon Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markmillon 

Listener Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow lacrosse fans! Join the conversation—what are your thoughts on player development and the modern game? Let us know in the comments or on social media! 

In this episode, we sit down with Zach Thomas, Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach at Christopher Newport University. We discuss the evolution of CNU's lacrosse program, innovative coaching strategies, and the principles that define their success. From breaking down a 10-man ride to emphasizing reads in offense. Zach shares a wealth of knowledge applicable to both players and coaches.

Topics Discussed  

• The journey of transforming CNU into a top-tier Division III lacrosse program.  
• Implementing the 10-man ride and its tactical benefits.  
• Principles of offense: possession, ball movement, spacing, and deception.  
• The role of film study in player and team development.  
• Recruitment strategies and the importance of versatility in players.  
• Navigating overtime strategies and high-pressure scenarios.  
• How sub-games and matchup changes create offensive opportunities.  

Key Quotes from the Episode  

• "We want our guys to be as dangerous as possible and always a threat on offense." – Zach Thomas  
• "The 10-man ride is about trust—it starts with elite communication and believing in the system." – Zach Thomas  
• "Deception is the number one thing we're working on for personal development right now." – Zach Thomas  

Resources Mentioned  

- ScoreBreak: https://www.scorebreak.io 

  A platform for film study and direct player feedback.  

- Jamie Munroe's Lacrosse Teachings 

Connect with Us

• Follow us onInstagram for updates.
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• Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe to the podcast, and leave us a review! Got thoughts or questions about this episode?

In this episode of The Ride, host Zach Quezada sits down with Zack Capozzi, the mind behind Lax Reference, to discuss the growing role of data and analytics in lacrosse. They explore trends in the 2025 season, the importance of shooting efficiency, and how coaches and players can use stats to their advantage. Zack also shares insights into how his platform is changing the way teams approach the game.

Topics Discussed:

Timestamps:

00:00 Sneek Peek

00:47 Welcome to the 2025 Season

01:07 Introducing Lax Reference

02:12 Exciting Start to the Season

03:14 Deep Dive into 2025 Season Trends

06:25 Recap of 2024 Highlights

10:51 Challenges in Lacrosse Data

17:24 Lax Reference: Tools and Insights

21:25 Adoption and Growth of Lax Reference

25:54 High School Lacrosse Data

29:01 Overrated Stats in Lacrosse

32:09 Underrated Stats in Lacrosse

32:42 Shooting Efficiency and Its Impact

34:15 Turnover Rate: A Deeper Look

34:52 Total Numbers vs. Ratios

38:44 Player Engagement and Aggressiveness

40:12 The Role of Data in Game Plans

46:18 The Evolution of Lacrosse with the Shot Clock

47:42 Specialty Stats: Faceoffs and EMO

54:41 The Importance of True Faceoff Win Rate

56:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Quotes from the Episode:

"Friends don't let friends cite goals per game. What you really should be focusing on is increasing the chances of scoring on any possession." – Zack

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Us:

If you found this episode insightful, share it with your teammates, coaches, or fellow fans! Don’t forget to subscribe to The Ride for more deep dives into the world of lacrosse. Join the conversation on social media and let us know your favorite takeaways from this episode!

Jack Posey, is a current defender for the Chaos LC in the PLL. Jack shares his journey from being undrafted to making an impact in professional lacrosse, delving deep into the nuances of defensive techniques, training philosophies, and his role at the Lacrosse Barn—a premier training facility in Texas. This episode is packed with insights on player development, the importance of angles, and actionable advice for aspiring athletes.

Topics Discussed:

Key Quotes from the Episode:

Timestamps:

00:00 Sneak Peek

00:42 Welcome to The Ride

02:14 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Lacrosse Skill Sessions

03:03 Overview of the Lacrosse Barn

04:03 Defensive Training Philosophy and Techniques

05:47 The Importance of Proper Technique and Training

07:22 Dallas Lacrosse Scene and Community

11:12 Influence of Jack Rowlett and Training Insights

13:50 Advanced Defensive Techniques and Training Methods

26:35 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

32:11 Understanding Offensive and Defensive Angles

33:45 Session Structure and Failure Management

35:20 Encouraging Self-Analysis in Players

36:50 Advanced Defensive Techniques and Approaches

49:05 Navigating the Back of the Cage

52:54 Lessons from Coaches and Teammates

59:34 Looking Forward to the Upcoming Season

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Us:

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