Erica Bamford: Yale's Championship Culture & The Power of Persistence

Deemer Class and Matt Dunn interview Yale University head women's coach Erica Bamford on the First Class Lacrosse podcast. Coach Bamford, a former US national team member and the 2024 Ivy League Coach of the Year, discusses leading Yale to back-to-back Ivy League tournament titles and NCAA quarterfinal appearances. They delve into her journey, the principles driving her team's success, and how she's fostered a winning culture at Yale. The interview also covers topics like the importance of connections with players, developing leadership in athletes, skill development, and efficient practice planning. A lighthearted discussion about New Haven's best pizza spots wraps up the episode.Timecodes0:00 - Intro5:40 - Career Ladder19:15 - Persistence24:45 - Culture & History31:00 - Advice For Past Self43:00 - Skill Development59:15 - Authenticity & Pizza---Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribeWeekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribeOn the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe