2025 Final Four Preview

On this episode of the First Class Lacrosse podcast, hosts Deemer Class and Matt Dunn interview Cornell University's head lacrosse coach, Connor Buczek. Discussing his journey from player to coach, Buczek talks about his leadership philosophy, the importance of culture at Cornell, and how he maintains high standards for the team. He also delves into the challenges of balancing coaching responsibilities with personal life, emphasizes the cultivation of strong player-coach relationships, and offers insights into the specific skills and mindset he instills in his players. The conversation touches on his experiences and mentorship from key figures like Tom Halley, and explores the dynamic of transitioning from a top player to leadership roles alongside former teammate Jordan Stevens.Timecodes0:00 - Connor's Background5:00 - Coaching Philosophy19:00 - Skill Development30:30 - Cornell's Culture & Influences42:30 - Growth as a Coach51:30 - Transition to Leadership---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

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

In this episode of the First Class Lacrosse podcast, hosts Deemer Class and Matt Dunn interview Joe Alberici, head coach of Army Men's Lacrosse. Alberici, who is in his 21st season, has led the Black Knights to significant achievements including multiple Patriot League titles and a number one national ranking in 2024. The discussion explores Alberici's coaching journey from Duke to West Point, his defensive strategies, and his commitment to player development. Alberici emphasizes the importance of discipline, mentorship, and vulnerability in building a strong team culture. The conversation also touches on the evolution of lacrosse tactics and the significance of relational coaching. Alberici shares insights into his practice planning methodology, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in achieving success on the field.Timecodes0:00 - Workout Discipline8:55 - Career & Coaching Outlook21:15 - Toughness & Vulnerability37:00 - Practice Philosophy 47:00 - Defensive Mindset1:06:10 - The Modern Game1:12:50 - Army's Success---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

Matt Dunn and Deemer Class welcome University of Maryland women's head coach Cathy Reese. Celebrating her 20th season, Reese discusses her journey from a Maryland player to becoming the all-time winningest coach in Maryland's women's lacrosse history. The conversation covers her coaching philosophy, the importance of culture, player development, handling adversity, and the evolution of the sport. Reese also shares insights into her leadership style, mentorship, and personal connection to Maryland lacrosse. The episode highlights coach Reese’s unparalleled success, with a focus on her commitment to fostering individual growth and team cohesion.Timecodes0:00 - Terp To The Core11:45 - Learning To Lose17:40 - Return To Maryland30:30 - Advice &  Affirmations37:00 - Skills To Develop46:00 - Trail Of Interest54:00 - Maryland LAX Family---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

Deemer Class and Matt Dunn interview University of Richmond men's lacrosse head coach Dan Chemotti. Coach Chemotti shares his journey of building the Richmond lacrosse program from its inception in 2014 to becoming a national contender with multiple NCAA tournament appearances. He discusses the importance of assistant coach Paul Richards in the program's success, his coaching philosophy emphasizing fundamentals and skill development, and the significant influences from his father and his mentor, coach Mike Messere. The conversation also touches on the unique dynamics of coaching alongside long-time friends and mentors, the strategies for player development, and the validation of achieving the program's first NCAA tournament win. Throughout, Coach Chemotti underscores the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and the cultural aspects that drive the program's success.Timecodes0:00 - Intro6:45 - Dan's Background18:00 - Attention To Detail24:30 - Skill Development41:20 - Building Richmond52:50 - Peer Support58:30 - Playoff Validation---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

Deemer Class and Matt Dunn sit down with Navy coach Cindy Timchal. A legendary figure in women's lacrosse, Timchal shares her journey to becoming the all-time wins leader in Division I women's lacrosse, with over 578 victories and eight national titles. The conversation explores Timchal's early influences, her approach to coaching, and the key lessons she's learned. They discuss the importance of mindset, player development, and specific coaching philosophies that have contributed to Timchal's success in building successful programs at Northwestern, Maryland, and the United States Naval Academy. The episode also highlights her significant impact on the sport and her strategies for mentoring the next generation of coaches.Timecodes0:00 - Background4:45 - Why Lax12:00 - Being Demanding18:00 - Program Building28:00 - Mindset Evolutions42:45 - Continue Success51:00 - Drill Development1:01:15 - Feedback Loop1:11:00 - Coaching at Navy1:15:30 - Coaching Advice---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

Season two of the First Class Lacrosse podcast, hosts Deemer Class and Matt Dunn sit down with Joe Amplo, head coach of the United States Naval Academy men's lacrosse team. Amplo, who is entering his seventh season at Navy and has extensive experience building successful programs, shares insights into his leadership style, passion for the sport, and journey in lacrosse. He reflects on his upbringing in Long Island, his influences from mentors like Duke's John Danowski, and his experiences starting the Marquette lacrosse program. Additionally, Amplo discusses the challenges and rewards of coaching at Navy, emphasizing the importance of relationships, teaching, and building a cohesive team culture. The conversation also touches on his personal anecdotes, such as his family's Italian culinary traditions and the upcoming lacrosse facility at Navy.Timecodes0:00 - Intro4:00 - Joe's Background14:15 - Defensive Mindset19:45 - Learning Styles26:45 - Never Stop Coaching31:45 - Building Marquette40:25 - Tales of Kris Amplo44:00 - Navy Is Special---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

Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: https://fclcoachescorner.beehiiv.com/subscribeWeekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribeOn the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe---Deemer Class, Stephen Rehfuss, and Matt Dunn break down the men's and women's Final Four weekend, highlighting key games, players, and performances. The men's Cornell vs. Penn State and Maryland vs. Syracuse matches are examined, focusing on strong team cultures and standout players like CJ Kirst and Logan McNaney. The episode also covers the women's champions, UNC, and the standout performances of Chloe Humphrey and other key players. Moving forward, the hosts provide recruiting advice for the class of 2027, including email strategies, timeline expectations, and the importance of mindset and self-reflection in the recruiting process. The episode concludes with a discussion on setting realistic expectations and adjusting to the recruiting landscape.Timecodes0:00 - PLL Musings7:00 - Cornell Wins Men's Title25:30 - UNC Wins Women's Title36:00 - Recruiting Season Begins

Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: https://fclcoachescorner.beehiiv.com/subscribeWeekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribeOn the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe---Deemer Class, Stephen Rehfuss and Matt Dunnare breaking down an exciting weekend of lacrosse quarterfinals across the men's and women's brackets. They review tight contests, highlight standout performances, and preview upcoming semifinal and championship matchups. The team delves into pivotal games such as Syracuse's high-scoring battle with Princeton and Penn State's remarkable comeback against Notre Dame. They also discuss strategic insights, including defensive slide packages, use of zones, and offensive schemes against various defenses. On the women's side, Deemer provides a detailed preview of the semifinals, emphasizing key players and matchups. Additionally, the episode touches on the outstanding individual performances driving the race for the Tewaaraton Award, covering both men's and women's lacrosse.Timecodes0:00 - Cornell def. Richmond4:45 - Syracuse def. Princeton12:45 - Penn St def. Notre Dame26:15 - Maryland def. Georgetown31:50 - Syracuse vs Maryland Preview39:15 - PSU vs Cornell Preview47:45 - UNC vs Florida Preview51:30 - BC vs Northwestern58:30 - Final Thoughts

Checkout our newsletters!Coaches Corner: https://fclcoachescorner.beehiiv.com/subscribeWeekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribeOn the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe---Deemer Class, Matt Dunn and Stephen Rehfuss discuss recap the first round of the 2025 Men's NCAA Lacrosse Tournament. They review last week's episode with Pat Kavanaugh and focus on a range of games including Richmond's breakthrough win over UNC and Georgetown's surprising victory against Duke. They also highlight the strong performances of star players like Aiden Carroll and Liam Matthews. The conversation shifts to quarterfinal matchups, emphasizing games such as Richmond vs. Cornell and Georgetown vs. Maryland. The hosts wrap up by emphasizing the cultural and emotional aspects of playoff lacrosse.After the break, UNC's Ashley and Chloe Humphrey join the podcast. The sisters discuss their current season's success, including setting multiple records and being the top seed as they prepare for the NCAA quarterfinals against Princeton. They delve into their journey to UNC, overcoming injuries, and the impact of COVID on their athletic careers. The episode also covers their on-field synergy, practice routines, and how they handle adversities like face guarding. Both sisters emphasize the importance of perspective, teamwork, and relentless preparation in achieving their goals. They also reflect on the influence of admired players like Kayla Treanor and share their experiences of growing up obsessed with lacrosse.Timecodes0:00 - Tournament Time Nostalgia10:30 - Richmond def. UNC17:00 - Georgetown def. Duke21:10 - Notre Dame def. Ohio St27:10 - Syracuse def. Harvard32:20 - Penn St def. Colgate36:20 - Maryland def. Air Force39:00 - Quarterfinal Preview42:10 - Player Perspective: Humphrey Sisters