In this episode of The Ride, host Zach Quezada sits down with Zack Capozzi, the mind behind Lax Reference, to discuss the growing role of data and analytics in lacrosse. They explore trends in the 2025 season, the importance of shooting efficiency, and how coaches and players can use stats to their advantage. Zack also shares insights into how his platform is changing the way teams approach the game.

Topics Discussed:

• Introduction to Lax Reference and its mission to improve lacrosse analytics.

  
  



• Why traditional stats like goals per game might be overrated.

  
  



• The critical role of shooting efficiency and its impact on winning.

  
  



• Challenges in analyzing defensive performance due to limited data.

  
  



• Exploring high school adoption of advanced analytics.

  
  



• How the shot clock era has reshaped lacrosse strategy.

  
  



• Underrated stats every coach and player should pay attention to.

  
  



• Using data to improve player development and game strategies.

  
  

Timestamps:

00:00 Sneek Peek

00:47 Welcome to the 2025 Season

01:07 Introducing Lax Reference

02:12 Exciting Start to the Season

03:14 Deep Dive into 2025 Season Trends

06:25 Recap of 2024 Highlights

10:51 Challenges in Lacrosse Data

17:24 Lax Reference: Tools and Insights

21:25 Adoption and Growth of Lax Reference

25:54 High School Lacrosse Data

29:01 Overrated Stats in Lacrosse

32:09 Underrated Stats in Lacrosse

32:42 Shooting Efficiency and Its Impact

34:15 Turnover Rate: A Deeper Look

34:52 Total Numbers vs. Ratios

38:44 Player Engagement and Aggressiveness

40:12 The Role of Data in Game Plans

46:18 The Evolution of Lacrosse with the Shot Clock

47:42 Specialty Stats: Faceoffs and EMO

54:41 The Importance of True Faceoff Win Rate

56:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Quotes from the Episode:

"Friends don't let friends cite goals per game. What you really should be focusing on is increasing the chances of scoring on any possession." – Zack

Resources Mentioned:

• Lax Reference Website – Explore analytics and insights for NCAA lacrosse.

  
  



• Lax Reference Newsletter – Weekly storytelling and analysis based on lacrosse data.

  
  



• Hudl – A common tool for video review and stat tracking in high school sports.

  
  

Connect with Us:

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• Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

  
  

If you found this episode insightful, share it with your teammates, coaches, or fellow fans! Don’t forget to subscribe to The Ride for more deep dives into the world of lacrosse. Join the conversation on social media and let us know your favorite takeaways from this episode!