Ep. 116 From D2 to Down Under: Rethinking Lacrosse Pathways

What happens when U.S. college-level lacrosse experience meets Australia’s grassroots sports culture? In this episode, host Trent sits down with Chad Ronk, a former NCAA Division II athlete turned youth coach in Melbourne, to unpack how international insights are reshaping the future of junior lacrosse in Australia.Chad shares his journey from the intensity of D2 college lacrosse to building up the next generation of players here at home. With firsthand experience in both systems, he breaks down the key differences in training, pathways, and mindset—and what Australian lacrosse can learn (or do differently) to compete on a global stage.From travel teams and recruitment pipelines in the U.S. to community clubs and multi-sport balance in Australia, Trent and Chad dive deep into the development models driving youth lacrosse—and where the biggest opportunities lie.If you’re a coach, parent, or player looking to better understand what it takes to build high-performing young athletes, this episode is packed with insight, comparisons, and a roadmap for smarter development.Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/coursesBoost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected] access "A Parent's Guide to Overcoming the Top 3 Challenges Facing Young Athletes Today!