How can coaches effectively prepare for both success and failure in their coaching careers?

In the world of sports, victory is often the ultimate goal. But what happens when defeat comes knocking, and how do coaches navigate the highs and lows of the game? Join me on a journey through the highs and lows of coaching lacrosse, where the mantra "Play like an underdog, practice like a champion" takes center stage. As Zach Bryan says in his song "Condemned", "But I'll be damned if I'm gonna die / Before I prove to them / That I can fight," resonating with the relentless spirit needed to overcome setbacks and push forward in the face of adversity.

No matter how talented a team may be, losses and failures are inevitable.

As a coach, I've learned that it's crucial not to let these setbacks derail the larger vision of the team and individual player development. While everyone loves to win (or really hates losing), my passion lies in the dedication to improvement, both on and off the field.

In 2022, I found myself nudged into the world of lacrosse coaching, despite having zero experience in the sport. Encouraged by the association to join the bench, a fellow coach for the team, Jim Lowe, reminded me that while I may lack technical knowledge, my understanding of players was invaluable. With this vote of confidence, I dove headfirst into understanding lacrosse, determined to make a difference. And what a team we had!

During our pre-game coaching speeches, after the experienced coaches shared their X's and O's reminders, it was my turn to sprinkle in some encouraging words (along with a reminder to drink water). It was July 10, 2022, and we were playing in the "Chicks with Sticks" final hosted by Whitby Minor Lacrosse. I introduced the team mantra: "Play like an underdog, practice like a champion."  It served as a reminder to the team that success is not guaranteed and that every game must be approached with humility and determination. Even in victory, the pursuit of excellence can never wavered. Complacency and arrogance can kill a team, but so can the implosion that happens when egos clash if players don't have the right approach to losing. Don't get me wrong; I hate losing, but it's inevitable, and you need to prepare for it! Although I will give much credit to that group of girls for actually winning the game; they earned it.

This was the season I learning that coaching an undefeated team brought its own set of challenges, particularly in combating that complacency and prioritizing development over easy wins. Despite their winning streak, instilling the mindset of "playing like an underdog" became essential to keep the team hungry and motivated.

In the following month, that same team headed into provincials on a high, ranked as the number one team in Ontario. But then it happened—a loss, our first of the season in an event we were supposed to win. I recall the emotions in the room; it was hard not to be down and get caught up in the moment. However, my mind was already racing back to the previous month, thinking about the words "Playing like an underdog." As with any tournament, there isn't much time to recover physically or mentally between games. So, while the other coaches went back to the drawing board to consider options, I did the only thing I could think of: I organized a classic game of "Duck Duck Goose" in front of the arena. Within minutes, the upset was forgotten, and the mindset of being underdogs returned. Smiles were back, and these girls had reset and prepared for a championship. We went on to win the U15A Provincial Championship.

Reflecting on this journey, I've come to understand the power of humility and hard work in achieving success. The mantra "Play like an underdog, practice like a champion" embodies the essence of sportsmanship and the relentless pursuit of improvement. It's a mindset that transcends the confines of the lacrosse field, serving as a guiding principle for coaches and athletes alike.

As I continue to apply this mantra to my coaching philosophy, I'm reminded that success is not measured solely by wins and losses but by the dedication to continuous growth and improvement.

In the end, it's not about where you start but how far you're willing to go to reach your goals and become successful.

Thank you Jim Lowe, Justin Arts, Darryl Black and Pat Whalen for including me in this lax ride!!!