First Class Lacrosse Podcast

Stephen Rehfuss and Deemer Class welcome Syracuse men’s lacrosse head coach Gary Gait to the podcast. Gary is regarded as the greatest lacrosse player of all time, shares insights from his illustrious playing career, which includes numerous championships and accolades, and his transition into coaching. He recounts his early days playing lacrosse in Victoria Island, British Columbia, his success at Syracuse, and his professional accomplishments. Gait discusses his coaching philosophy and the challenges of transitioning from female to male lacrosse coaching, highlighting his efforts to instill a competitive spirit and team chemistry in his players. The episode emphasizes the importance of innovation, learning, and family in Syracuse’s storied lacrosse program. Are you a parent or coach? Check out our new FCL Parent & Coaches Community:⁠ https://www.1stclasslax.com/circle⁠ Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to First Class Lacrosse for more highlights, breakdowns & more:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@firstclasslax?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/firstclasslacrosse/⁠ Looking for Women's Lacrosse? Check out our women's Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/firstclasswlax⁠ Shop the latest FCL Merch here:⁠ https://www.1stclasslax.com/store⁠ Want to join our FCL 2025 Summer Camp? Learn more here:⁠ https://www.1stclasslax.com/fcl-mens-summer-camp⁠ Subscribe to FCL Emails & Texts: ⁠sa1.io/PvNZ

Deemer Class and Stephen Rehfuss welcome Boston College women's lacrosse head coach Acacia Walker-Weinstein to the First Class Lacrosse Podcast. Acacia discusses her impressive career, from playing at Maryland to leading BC to seven consecutive national championship games, winning two. She shares insights on building a successful program, the importance of unselfish play, and her strategies for recruiting and coaching. Acacia also touches on her recent appointment as Team USA head coach and her vision for the future of women's lacrosse. Are you a parent or coach? Check out our new FCL Parent & Coaches Community: https://www.1stclasslax.com/circle Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to First Class Lacrosse for more highlights, breakdowns & more: https://www.youtube.com/@firstclasslax?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstclasslacrosse/ Looking for Women's Lacrosse? Check out our women's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstclasswlax Shop the latest FCL Merch here: https://www.1stclasslax.com/store Want to join our FCL 2025 Summer Camp? Learn more here: https://www.1stclasslax.com/fcl-mens-summer-camp Subscribe to FCL Emails & Texts: sa1.io/PvNZ

In the third episode of the First Class Lacrosse Podcast, hosts Matt Dunn and Deemer Claas interview John Tillman, head coach of Maryland men's lacrosse. Tillman, who has led Maryland to two national championships and numerous tournament appearances, shares insights into his coaching philosophy, player development, and the importance of program culture. The discussion touches on Tillman's background, coaching career, and his experiences at various institutions, including Cornell, Navy, and Harvard. The conversation also explores the balance between enforcing high standards and maintaining a supportive environment, the significance of attention to detail in skill development, and the value of versatility in players. The episode concludes with Tillman reflecting on the broader impact of coaching beyond the field. – At First Class Lacrosse, our mission is to positively impact athletes, coaches, and parents through training, events, mentorship, and digital content. Follow us now on⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠ to get every episode in your feed. Check us out on Instagram First Class Lacrosse: ⁠@firstclasslacrosse⁠ First Class Women’s Lacrosse: ⁠@firstclasswlax⁠ Best In Class: ⁠@fclbestinclass⁠ FCL Defense: ⁠@fcldefense⁠ We're also on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

Deemer Class and Stephen Rehfuss are joined by Hannah Nielsen, the head coach of Michigan Women's Lacrosse Program, shares her valuable experiences from winning four national championships at Northwestern to her transformative coaching stints at various universities and her various playing expereinces with the Australian national team. The discussion covers essential topics like youth sports balance, multi-sport participation benefits, the recruiting landscape, and navigating pressures in college sports. The episode also explores the profound impact of mentorship, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the innovative coaching strategies that have turned Michigan's lacrosse program into a top-performing team. Throughout, the emphasis remains on the importance of culture, balanced coaching, mental strength, and fostering supportive relationships in sports. – At First Class Lacrosse, our mission is to positively impact athletes, coaches, and parents through training, events, mentorship, and digital content. Follow us now on⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠ to get every episode in your feed. Check us out on Instagram First Class Lacrosse: ⁠@firstclasslacrosse⁠ First Class Women’s Lacrosse: ⁠@firstclasswlax⁠ Best In Class: ⁠@fclbestinclass⁠ FCL Defense: ⁠@fcldefense⁠ We're also on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

Join Deemer Class and Matt Dunn on the First Class Lacrosse Podcast as they delve into the world of college lacrosse with iconic Duke's men's coach, John Danowski. Discover Danowski's unique coaching philosophy that balances athletic skill and personal growth, and learn about his strategic innovations, like using goals boards and focusing on team chemistry. The episode explores adaptions to lacrosse's evolving landscape, including the shot clock's impact. Additionally, it addresses the challenges faced in recruiting with NIL guidelines, emphasizing academic priorities and personal development in the recruitment process. Danowski offers valuable advice for young coaches on leveraging authenticity and core values to make a lasting impact. Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 13:30 - Early Influences 28:30 - Bringing The Right Energy 42:00 - How The Game Has Changed 51:40 - The Mental Game 58:00 - NIL's Impact 1:02:40 - Message To Parents 1:08:00 - Advice For Coaches – At First Class Lacrosse, our mission is to positively impact athletes, coaches, and parents through training, events, mentorship, and digital content. Follow us now on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ and ⁠Spotify⁠ to get every episode in your feed. Check us out on Instagram First Class Lacrosse: @firstclasslacrosse First Class Women’s Lacrosse: @firstclasswlax Best In Class: @fclbestinclass FCL Defense: @fcldefense We're also on ⁠Facebook⁠

Today we're introducing the First Class Lacrosse Podcast. Each week Deemer Class will be joined by co-hosts, Matt Dunn and Stephen Rehfuss to cover all things lacrosse. At First Class Lacrosse, our mission is to positively impact athletes, coaches, and parents through training, events, mentorship, and digital content. Follow us now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to get every episode in your feed.