Clear The Crease: A Lacrosse Podcast

In this conversation I am joined by Bill Ball, head coach at Loomis Chaffee and one of the most respected minds in the game. We dive into the evolution of lacrosse, what it really takes to develop players and teams in today’s environment, and the principles behind building a winning, sustainable program. Whether you’re a coach, player, or parent, this one is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Mike Marich to talk lacrosse, coaching, and building programs the right way. We dig into Mike’s journey, from picking up a stick after growing up as a basketball player, to building a successful program at Gunn School, and now coaching and training in Nashville. We talk culture over wins, why joy and creativity matter in player development, and how coaching has evolved over the years. Mike shares his defensive principles, his belief in questioning and self-correction, and why helping players think the game is more important than just running drills. This conversation is all about relationships, adaptability, and growing the game the right way.

preceptionaction.comInstagram - @robgray29Today’s guest is Dr. Rob Gray, Associate Professor of Human Systems Engineering at Arizona State University and the mind behind the Perception Action Podcast. Rob is one of the leading voices in ecological dynamics and the constraints-led approach, helping coaches design practices that look and feel like the game. We dig into how to build “representative” sessions when you only have one or two athletes, why variability is the lowest-hanging fruit in skill acquisition, the power of external cues, and practical ways to add the right constraints to your small-sided games. Rob also shares where he sees the field going—AI-assisted coaching, motion tracking, and how smarter training can reduce injuries. If you coach lacrosse—or any invasion sport—you’ll come away with plug-and-play ideas for tomorrow’s practice.

In this episode, Brett and Connor talk lacrosse, from rebuilding programs and developing “lacrosse-first” athletes to the evolving strategies shaping today’s game. They discuss recruiting, player development through small-sided games, and the importance of decision-making over rigid systems.Connor Mooney, who currently serves as the Head Lacrosse Coach at The Frederick Gunn School, shares his journey from his roots in Western Massachusetts to becoming one of the region’s most respected young coaches. A former standout player at UMass and in Major League Lacrosse, Connor has coached across NCAA and club levels, bringing a player-first, principles-based approach that blends competitiveness with character development. His philosophy emphasizes developing smart, creative players who understand the “why” behind the game.Together, Brett and Connor dive into modern offensive and defensive tactics, the role of film and analytics, and how to build a team culture centered on growth, creativity, and love for the game.

Move Together - @movetogetherincPT Day of Service - @ptdayofserviceFFITT - @ffitthealthEfosa Guobadia’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, and this conversation with Brett is a must-listen for anyone passionate about health, wellness, and leadership. From his early inspiration through his mother’s nursing career to building global initiatives like FIT Health and Move Together, Efosa has dedicated his life to using movement as a force for good.He shares the evolution of PT Day of Service from a handful of clinicians to a worldwide effort across 90 countries, along with personal stories that shaped his calling—from daily Mass at the University of Scranton to guidance from mentors like Coach Greg Canella and Father Tim. Efosa also introduces his PAC model for rethinking athletic performance and explains how honoring individual movement patterns helps athletes—whether it’s runners or lacrosse players—unlock their full potential, prevent injuries, and thrive through their unique styles of play.More than a conversation about physical therapy, this episode is a testament to vision, resilience, and global impact. Efosa’s story will leave you motivated to lead with purpose, move with intention, and embrace wellness as a force for change.

Alturos Athletics is a boutique athletics group dedicated to helping student-athletes and their families unlock opportunities and maximize success. Backed by over 50 years of combined experience in education and intercollegiate athletics, the team provides a holistic, data-driven approach to recruitment, academic planning, and athletic development.Co-founders Kevin Warnock and Drew Ginsberg, Ph.D. bring complementary expertise to the table—Kevin with a deep background in academic program development, mentorship, and guiding student-athletes through recruitment and life beyond sports, and Drew with a Ph.D. in Human Performance and extensive experience in coaching, research, and program innovation. Together, they offer a trusted partnership for families seeking clarity and confidence in the ever-evolving world of college athletics.In our conversation, we  had a thoughtful conversation about growing the lacrosse community and supporting young athletes and their families through the often-overwhelming recruiting process. They emphasized the importance of building trust with parents and players, creating open conversations about recruiting strategies, and educating families on the realities of college athletics. The group discussed the value of planning schedules for events, balancing the financial and physical demands of recruiting, and helping athletes focus on finding the right academic, social, and athletic fit—not just chasing the highest level of play. They also explored how the recruiting landscape has changed with the rise of the transfer portal and early commitments, stressing the need for families to be well-informed and intentional in their decisions.We also share coaching philosophy and vision for youth and high school lacrosse. We talk about having a goal is to make practice engaging and fun through small-sided games and principles-based teaching, while still offering a flexible, collaborative resource that coaches can adapt to their teams. The conversation reinforced their shared mission of growing the sport, creating opportunities for athletes, and ensuring that lacrosse remains a positive, developmental experience for players and families alike. Without further delay, please enjoy my conversation with Kevin and Drew. 

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

Today’s guest is Will Manny — one of the most accomplished players and coaches in the game. A UMass graduate and former First Team All-American, Will finished his career as the program’s fifth all-time leading scorer. He went on to play six seasons in the MLL, serving as a three-time captain for the Boston Cannons, earning back-to-back Offensive Player of the Year awards, and being named league MVP in 2016.Since the PLL’s launch, Will has been a consistent top-10 scorer and an eight-time All-Star - He still holds the single-game record for most points with 11.Off the field, Will has built an impressive coaching résumé — starting at Wagner College, where his offenses set records while he completed his MBA, and later joining the University of Utah staff as both Offensive and Defensive Coordinator. He’s also led the growth of lacrosse in Utah through his club programs, shaping players from youth all the way to college recruits.In our conversation, we talk about player development strategies at the foundational level and how to give young athletes a path to growth, the evolving climate of college lacrosse, and how Will has built an elite and growing program in Utah and the Midwest.

In this episode, Jake from True Lacrosse shares the origins of the company and its unwavering commitment to player development over the past 18 years. He explains how True prioritizes coaching, training, and fundamentals rather than chasing wins at tournaments—a philosophy that stands in contrast to many youth sports trends today.Brett and Jake dive into strategies for player development in lacrosse, discussing the balance between universal skills and giving coaches the freedom to be creative. They highlight the importance of teaching fundamentals, building game IQ, and fostering decision-making, referencing Tim McCormack’s principles-based approach at Hopkins.The conversation also tackles the challenges in youth sports, from parental expectations and early recruitment pressure to the need for transparency with families. Jake and Brett stress the importance of making the game fun, supporting athletes at all levels, and promoting multi-sport participation to build well-rounded players.Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, this episode offers powerful insights into how to prioritize long-term growth, skill development, and love for the game over short-term wins.

In our conversation, Tim and I dive into coaching approaches for both men’s and women’s lacrosse — covering skill development, offensive and defensive tactics, and the overall evolution of the game. He shares how Hopkins uses a principles-based offense and defense to create a fluid playing environment that puts decision-making in the players’ hands. We also dig into training design, including small-sided games and constraint-led approaches that sharpen creativity and game sense. And looking ahead, we talk about collaborating on video content to showcase these methods and help coaches everywhere bring them to life. You can find the full video interview with drill diagrams on our YouTube Channel

In this episode, Kyle and Brett shared their experiences with coaching and playing lacrosse. They explored the importance of small-sided games and player development in lacrosse, particularly for young players, and shared their coaching philosophies and approaches to practice. The conversation concluded with discussions about the enjoyment and benefits of lacrosse, including personal experiences and connections within the lacrosse community.

Clear the Crease is your go-to podcast for everything happening in the world of lacrosse. We dive into current events and sit down with coaches, pros, and athletes to explore the game from all angles. From breaking down trends to sharing stories, we offer a unique look at how the sport is evolving—and how those shaping it approach player development at every level.