Longtime educators and lacrosse fanatics Marty Kupprion and Bill Leahy focus on engaging different perspectives from the world of youth sports. Coach Kupp (Former Delaware Blue Hen, Current Coach at Haverford School) and Coach Leahy (Pennsylvania‘s Winningest High School Coach at La Salle College High School) talk lacrosse, culture building and other topics related to coaching and parenting today‘s athletes. Learn more about NXT at NXTsports.com.
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Philly Hall of Fame goaltending phenom Drew Adams shares his wise insights on “the journey” from Delco to the PLL and home again.
Here are some notes to help you enjoy this new episode!
After a high school All-American career Drew headed to Penn State University where he was ECAC Rookie of the Year, ECAC Goalie of the Year twice, and 3X USILA Honorable Mention All-American. Drew thrived as a professional playing for the MLL (Major Lacrosse League) New York Lizards where he played in six MLL All-Star games and won a League Championship in 2015. Additionally, he was MLL Goalie of the Year three times. He also played in the PLL for the Archers LC. On the international stage, Drew won a silver medal with Team USA in 2014. Since his retirement, Drew has been inducted into the eastern PA Chapter of the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame and has been busy living and working in the Villanova/Delco area. We hope you enjoy the show.
6:00: For parents:
The even-keeled unconditional support from parents of student-athletes. Post-game in the Adams family. Subtle observations and support.
9:00: For coaches:
Goaltending: First save the ball. Be mentally tough. Lead the team. It’s not a perfect science. Are there goalie non-negotiables?
17:56: For players:
Culture building with the MLL New York Lizards – they made sacrifices! The Team USA experience and dealing with, playing with, and enjoying the talent of the Canadians.
Questions & Answers
24:50: Influential youth league and high school influential coaches. Coaches who made an impact growing up in a special community.
28:45: The tradition, the power, and the influence of Ridley lacrosse in the Philadelphia area.
31:17: The unfamiliar collegiate recruiting process – club influence and building confidence.
33:20: Choosing PSU and how the goalie recruiting process is different. PSU coaches made a difference.
37:14: PSU memories and heartbreaks. Trying to get “over the hump.”
39:00: Grant Ament and the foreshadowing commercial. A good full-circle story.
41:41: Finding mentors and finding one’s stride professionally.
44:40: Brian “Doc” Dougherty and the power of a “goalie community”.
47:00: Transitioning from the MLL to the PLL. Pushing a new league forward.
48:30: Coach Bates, Coach Resch, and the Archers LC. Special times.
50:00: Top shooters and the challenges they bring for a goalie. Canadians – again!
52:50: Walking away from the game. Work and family calls.
54:54: Rapid Fire NXT Homework
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Here are some notes to help you enjoy this new episode!
Today’s guest, Paul Kubach is a well-respected referee in Philadelphia and takes us “behind the stripes” when it comes to being an official in today’s summer club, high school, and collegiate settings. Paul has “grown with the game” and is now the Treasurer and Assignor of The Greater Philadelphia Lacrosse Officials Association (GPLOA).
Paul gives all listeners a perspective we usually don’t ask for, often assume we know better than, and shares how challenging it can be to call a consistent game. We hope you enjoy Paul’s insights as much as we enjoyed our time interviewing him.
Youth Sports Hot Topics
00:11: Introduction
3:00: For parents: How refs view parents on the sideline. Do refs even care? Let’s not make it personal. A ref’s job is……
8:30: For players: Do palms up get a player anywhere? Better calls? Coaches coach, players play, refs ref. Just focus on the next play and watch your language.
14:45: For coaches: Breaking down the rulebook. The biggest challenges to calling a fair game. Being consistent. Do referees watch film?
Questions & Answers
23:30: Growing up in Northeast Philadelphia as a football and baseball guy. Go Eagles!
24:24: Paul’s first introduction to lacrosse. Drop the ball……and never looked back.
27:30: How do refs receive feedback and grow? Rulebook vs learning on the field. Rare calls.
30:34: A convert to the game. How lacrosse won Paul over.
31:50: How to get started as a referee and move up the ranks.
36:00: Being a good ref is more than knowing the rules. It’s “how” you show up.
36:45: Understanding all the rules….mens, womens, shot clocks, and more. Fan friendly?
39:50: Calling big games. Challenges, reflections, and eye black.
44:47: GPLOA. What is it? And what is an Assignor? How to get started as a ref.
47:50: Rapid Fire NXT Homework
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Here are some notes to help you enjoy this new episode!
Today’s guest, Michael Sowers takes listeners on a journey through his lacrosse career. He touches on how unique it is to be a “coaches’ kid”, how important it is to learn how to play without the ball, and how important culture has been in his career. He has pronounced high school reflections, leading him to an incredible collegiate, international, and professional career.
Youth Sports Hot Topics
00:11: Introduction: Michael Sowers: A Humble Warrior.
2:08: For parents: The Importance of Playing Multiple Sports & Being a “Coaches Kid”.
6:47: For coaches: Being a Complete Attackman with and without the Ball.
15:38: For players: Culture Building from Upper Dublin to the PLL.
Questions & Answers
21:15: Youth ball: Friends for life, growing together. Regrets.
26:35: Running the Numbers
27:00: The Princeton Experience.
30:00: How did your game change at the college level?
31:40: From Covid Changed It All, but lead to Duke
35:00: PLL Waterdogs and Injury. A time away from the game.
37:50: Future Plans…….”I love the game”. USA (again)?
38:50: Word Association & Philly Love
40:15: Rapid Fire NXT Homework
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
Here are some notes to help you enjoy this new episode!
Patrick walks listeners through his lacrosse journey as a homegrown Philly native. He touches on the importance of playing multiple sports, communicating on the field, being a part of teams with strong cultures, and overcoming setbacks on the way to being one of the best defensive midfielders in the PLL.
Youth Sports Hot Topics
6:20: For Parents
8:08: For Coaches
13:50: For Players
Questions & Answers
17:45: Patrick’s lacrosse story starts in Flourtown, Pa
19:50: Mentors – Players Patrick looked up to as a young athlete
21:05: La Salle Lacrosse experience memories. Dominate teams and the birth of D Midfield
24:22: Being Coached by your dad – a fine line for both. Pretty special.
25:45: The Recruiting Process to Dartmouth. An excellent fit for both
28:45: Lacrosse transitions points. Getting on the field at Dartmouth.
30:25: Freak accident, setback, injury, and resilience.
32:05: An extra year at Duke, Coach D, and the challenges of ACC lacrosse.
35:40: The long journey and commitment to making a career last in the MLL and the PLL.
39:45: The team identity of the PLL Chaos. Aggressive? Box? A behind-the-scenes look.
42:55: USA Sixes. A shot at the unexpected!
46:33: Rapid Fire NXT Homework
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Introduction: Danielle Gallagher is a household name in the women’s lacrosse world. After a highly decorated playing career, she became a club leader and remains a force to reckon with. A highly experienced coach, mentor and business owner, Danielle takes us for a spin around the girls club lacrosse scene and shares her passion and perspective along the way.
Youth Sports Hot Topics
Burnout
The business of youth sports
The positive effects of social media on lacrosse
Show Breakdown
00:13: Danielle’s Bio
02:14 Welcome Danielle
3:00 Danielle shares her background and experiences as a multi-sport athlete
4:30 Burnout
9:30 Danielle’s Colorado days and carving out her own path in the industry
11:30 Danielle made her way back to “the island” and founded Liberty Lacrosse
12:30 The girls lacrosse club scene takes off in the early 2000’s
15:30 Running a club is actually running a business
17:15 Danielle’s assessment of the current club landscape and her predictions for the future
19:30 What are “Mini Pro Athletes”?
21:00 Competition between clubs & capitalism
24:24 Making the most of your club experience: “Club jumpers” don’t win in the end
26:40 Why are youth sidelines more toxic than high school sidelines?
35:25 The positive effects of social media on lacrosse
39:45 HOMEWORK
Pod recommendation: Linda Flanagan on Youth Sports
41:17 How playing on the B team can make you a pro
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
– the universe of strength, condition, food, sleep, hydration, and much more. From “embracing
the suck” to team fitness center competitions and more JB explains how strength, conditioning,
and wellness matter to today’s high-level teams and players.
Youth Sports Hot Topics
1:15: Introducing JB.
2 Stories for Parents, Coaches, and Players
2:30: Story 1: “Coach, because it’s not that, embracing the suck. We play too much”!
8:36: Story 2: “Last Man Standing”: Finding disciplined and mentally tough players through a
team weight room “don’t quit” challenge.
14:40: From Canada to the USA, to Wyndmoor, PA. A journey of kinesiology.
18:10: Strength and Conditioning (S & C). What does that even mean?
19:45: S & C is different for different sports, right? Not really.
21:18: What sport works hardest in the weight room?
22:45: (S & C) and Nutrition.
29:10: Free Play. The death of “Sandlot” and “Shinny”: The lost art of creativity and problem-
solving.
33:30: How does a club lacrosse coach focus in S&C?
35:10: S&C: Elementary, Middle School, & High School versions.
37:35: Technique matters! So do errors.
38:38: There is a mentality to the weight room! Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work
hard. “Embracing the suck.”
41:35: Rock and Roll: The music of the weight room! Playlists go old school.
43:00: Lacrosse dad, I wonder, “Do the kids play too much”?
46:32: S&C Education. How does someone enter this field?
50:00: Rapid Fire NXT Homework
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
the club scene, building culture, and the challenges of zone defense. Coach Shaffer shares insights into the value of setbacks, the view of a goalie, finding a home in D3 lacrosse, and the season outlook for the Ursinus College Bears.
:20: Introduction: Coach Shaffer’s Resume
3:10: For parents: When to join the club lacrosse scene?
7:50: For players: Building the Ursinus culture - player led.
11:45: For coaches: Zone Defense – Legit or not at club and on.
18:40: Little guy lacrosse, upbringing in the extended Resch lacrosse family.
20:40: How the game looks different as a goalie and from “X.” Plus, goalie tryouts.
22:30: La Salle Lacrosse memories. Not all positive, but resilient. Even goalies do GB drills.
26:12: McDaniel College experience. The value of standing on the sideline.
28:35: Entering into coaching. How? From athletic training to the club to college. Devine lacrosse
Providence. Managing egos.
31:50: Collegiate coaching influences and running one’s own show at Ursinus.
35:21: Finding a home in D3 lacrosse. Differences between D1 and D3 and the value of being a
student-athlete.
38:14: Ursinus College 2023 season outlook – transition year, goals, and challenge welcomed.
38:40: Recruiting at Ursinus and the D3 scene. Lots of Philly guys and NE corridor.
39:45: The value of working at NXT with younger goalies. Covid Therapy.
Friday Nov 18, 2022
Friday Nov 18, 2022
This episode features Mike Corrado, longtime Head Coach of Villanova Men’s Lacrosse. While the guys definitely talk a lot about the Wildcats, we learn about Mike as a teacher, a Twenty-Two year Naval Officer, and how he sees things as a parent of a young athlete who loves multiple sports.
Here are some notes to help you enjoy this episode!
Youth Sports Hot Topics
For Parents, 3:00
We need more guidance - there’s a lot out there to navigate, it can be overwhelming
For Players, 7:10
Focus on the fundamentals of lacrosse. Even at the college level, the focus is on passing and catching
For Coaches, 12:30
Have 3-4 goals for your practice, with a plan that helps your team get there. Sample practice plan to maximize time
Getting to Know You
-From Baseball to Lacrosse at Islip High School
-Playing for Randy Marks at Villanova, going on to coach with him
-22 years of service in the Navy and Reserves
-Juggling a teaching career while being a part-time coach at ‘Nova
-Working with Jay Wright around campus
-The 2009 Wildcats were the first to make the NCAA tournament, the 2011 team also stands out with some remarkable players
-Some love for Cleveland State Head Coach Andy German, and current VU coaches Chris Miller, Simon O’Connor
-Playing in the CAA, and now the Big East Conference amongst Denver, Georgetown
-The level of play in the Philly area is among the best in the country
-More on Mike’s Masters Degree and career as an educator
Rapid Fire Homework, 35:05
For Coaches:
Get to know your players off the field, even at the youth level
For Parents:
Let your child own their athletic experience
For Players:
Fundamentals!
*****
Thanks to all of our listeners out there! If you’d like to connect, please email Coach Leahy at bill.leahy@nxtsports.com.
Please help us grow by leaving a positive review and sharing your favorite episode on your social channels!
Friday Oct 28, 2022
Philly Faceoff League with John Bodnar
Friday Oct 28, 2022
Friday Oct 28, 2022
On this show, our special guest John Bodnar joins us to talk and learn more about the faceoff position.John is a teacher, coach, and the founder of the Philly Faceoff League. Here are some notes to help you enjoy this episode!
Youth Sports Hot Topic:
Managing Commitments, High School vs. Club
Getting to Know You:
-From Madison, NJ to Cabrini University, with a special thanks to Coach Steve Colfer
-A dedicated educator with more than a decade of special ed teaching experience
-Coaching under Andy Hayes at Episcopal Academy
-The story and start of the Philly Face-off League, 11:00
-PFL Alums who are currently dominating the NCAAs, 15:00
-Partnering with friend Mike Dolente to gather and train the Philly area, and now training youth, middle school and high school athletes
-The mindset of a face-off midfielder, 19:00
-Talking more about the high school programs like Haverford School, Malvern Prep, Springfield, La Salle and more, 23:00
-Love for the unique and personal role as a face-off coach and mentor for many, 26:00
-Top traits of face-off guys, 32:30
-Reviewing the face-off rule changes 35:20
Homework, 37:00
For Coaches:
Do more to incorporate face-offs into your practice
For Players:
Go be the most well-rounded lacrosse player you can
For Parents:
Find somebody to help you plan ahead and don’t burn your kids out
More on PFL: www.phillyfaceoff.com/
*****
Thanks to all of our listeners out there! If you’d like to connect, please email info@nxtlacrosse.com.
Please help us grow by leaving a positive review and sharing your favorite episode on your social channels!
Thursday Oct 13, 2022
Reflections from The Lacrosse Summit with Kate Henwood, EVP of NXT Girls Lacrosse
Thursday Oct 13, 2022
Thursday Oct 13, 2022
The gang returns for a fourth year of the show, fresh off an inspiring event in Atlantic City.
After some name-dropping, Bill, Kate and Kupp share their highlights and key takeaways from the recent “Lacrosse Summit” by 3Step Sports.
Hot Topics at The Lacrosse Summit
Coach-Focused Themes:
Professional Development
Managing Parents
Box Lacrosse
National Teams
Club Director Panels
Player-Focused Themes:
Diversity and Equity
Mental Health
Bravery
Mindfulness and Mind Chatter
Burnout and Over-Training
Parent-Focused Themes:
Managing Expectations and Behaviors
Regular Communication with Parents
24-Hour Rules and Office Hours
Pressing the Pause
Homework
For Coaches:
“Not every coach wins a championship, but every coach can prove a championship environment” - Janine Tucker
For Players:
Watch your own film and evaluate yourself, especially your weaknesses
For Parents:
Let your kids run their own race
Thanks to all of our listeners out there! If you’d like to connect, please email info@nxtlacrosse.com.
Please help us grow by leaving a positive review and sharing your favorite episode on your social channels!