The Assistant Desk

Join us for an insightful episode with Abby Tepper, head coach of women's lacrosse at Merrimack College! Discover her journey from player to coach, the challenges of building a winning culture, and the importance of teamwork and hustle in sports. 🥍Key takeaways:Abby's coaching philosophy and how she builds relationships with her players.The significance of creating a positive team culture and the impact of gratitude in sports.Insights on recruiting and what coaches look for in potential athletes.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:30 Abby's journey to coaching01:27 Coaching philosophy and building relationships02:41 The importance of team culture03:53 Recruiting insights05:00 Advice for young athletesWhat's your biggest challenge in sports? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more coaching insights and stories from the world of sports!#WomensLacrosse #Coaching #TeamCulture

Join us on the Assistant Desk Podcast as we dive into the coaching journey of Ben Garcia from Drexel Men's Lacrosse! Discover his insights on coaching, recruiting, and the challenges faced as an assistant coach in the competitive world of college lacrosse.Key takeaways:Ben's path to coaching and his experiences at DrexelThe importance of creativity in coaching and keeping players engagedInsights on recruiting: talent vs. culture fitThe significance of building relationships in the lacrosse communityLessons learned from both wins and losses in high school and collegeTimestamps:00:00 Introduction00:26 Ben's coaching journey00:57 Challenges as an assistant coach02:29 The importance of creativity in coaching05:00 Insights on recruiting10:00 Building relationships in lacrosse15:00 Lessons from wins and losses20:00 Final thoughts and advice for aspiring coachesWhat's your biggest challenge with coaching or recruiting? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more insights on coaching and lacrosse!#Lacrosse #Coaching #Recruiting

In this episode of the Assistant Desk Podcast, we dive deep into the world of coaching with Cole Pecora from UMass Amherst Men's Lacrosse. Discover the journey of an assistant coach, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned along the way.Key takeaways:* The importance of building relationships in recruiting.* Insights on transitioning from D3 to D1 coaching.* The impact of the transfer portal on college lacrosse.* How to handle tough conversations with players.* The value of passion in coaching and life.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:24 Cole Pecora joins the podcast01:00 Coaching journey and experiences04:00 Transitioning from D3 to D110:00 The role of the transfer portal15:00 Building relationships in recruiting20:00 Challenges of being an assistant coach25:00 Advice for young coaches30:00 Final thoughts and reflectionsWhat's your biggest challenge with coaching? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more insights into the world of coaching #Lacrosse #Coaching #AssistantCoaches

Join us as we sit down with Chris Piatelli, an assistant coach at Springfield College, who shares the behind-the-scenes realities of coaching at the Division III level amidst the grind of recruiting, relationships, and building culture. Discover how his unique background, from playing hockey and lacrosse across the globe to coaching at various schools, shaped his approach to mentorship and program success.In this episode, Chris takes us on a deep dive into a typical day at Springfield, contrasting the roles of assistant and head coach, and offering insight into the critical skills often overlooked, like relationship building, professionalism, and adaptability. You'll learn how his team's core identity "Chief Dogs" embodies the hardworking, loyal, and family-oriented culture Springfield champions. Plus, get a glimpse into the recruiting mindset, what coaches look for in prospects, and how to navigate the challenging landscape of college recruitment from the coaches' perspective.We break down practical advice for parents, players, and aspiring coaches alike: why every call matters, how to stay motivated on long road trips, and the importance of maintaining balance with family and personal growth. Chris’s journey from growing up in Boston, coaching youth, to international play in Australia, illuminates how relationships and experience forge paths in this demanding profession.Why does Springfield produce some of the most respected coaches in lacrosse? Because they prioritize developing the whole person, great teammates, motivated students, and future leaders. This episode is essential listening for anyone wanting to understand what truly goes into cultivating championship culture behind the scenes, or how to carve out a meaningful career in lacrosse coaching.Whether you're a parent guiding your child's athletic journey, an aspiring college coach, or a player eager to learn what recruiters and coaches seek, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you succeed in the sport and beyond.