CACLAX

John Raba - Head Men's Lacrosse Coach of Wesleyan University

Today on the Podcast, we’re joined by John Raba – Head Coach of Wesleyan Men’s Lacrosse. John and David discuss the recent challenges and highlights of Wesleyan’s lacrosse season, including game outcomes, the introduction of replay technology, and the dynamics of referee relationships. They delve into the NESCAC and NPI rankings, reflecting on the competitive nature of the conference. John also discusses the dynamics of coaching his son at Wesleyan and the importance of communication in coaching relationships. He emphasizes the balance between sports and academics, player development, and team dynamics, while also addressing defensive strategies and adaptability. We hope you enjoy!

Casey D’Annolfo - Head Men's Lacrosse Coach of Tufts University

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Coach Casey D'Annolfo. He discusses the dynamics of his lacrosse team at Tufts, reflecting on recent games, coaching philosophy, and the importance of honesty and adaptability in building a successful program. He shares insights on team culture, the lessons learned from adversity, and the significance of confidence and risk-taking in coaching. The discussion also touches on the pace of play, recruiting strategies, and personal reflections on his career goals, culminating in a light-hearted debate about the competitiveness of Tufts against Division I teams.

Will Hopkins - Associate Director of the Championships Division of the NCAA

Today on the podcast, we're joined by Will Hopkins, the Associate Director of the Championships Division of the NCAA. Will helped shed light on an incredibly important rule development for Men's NESCAC Lacrosse - The new selection process for the D3 National Championship. Will was also an accomplished player himself, playing for Delaware teams in the late 90s. We hope you learn a lot and enjoy this episode of the CACLAX Podcast.

Owen Gaydos - Amherst College

Today on the podcast is our first conversation with a player: Owen Gaydos. Owen is a senior at Amherst College who recently walked onto the team. The moment was captured and shared on Instagram, and we knew we had to hear the story behind the exciting moment. In this episode, Owen shares his journey as a walk-on athlete, discussing the challenges and triumphs of balancing sports and academics. He reflects on his passion for lacrosse, the influence of his family, and the importance of energy and presence on the sidelines.

Dave Campbell - Head Men's Lacrosse Coach of Middlebury College

Today on the podcast, we're joined by Coach Dave Campbell - a Middlebury alum, and now the head coach of the Panthers. He discusses the upcoming lacrosse season, focusing on team dynamics, recruitment strategies, and the competitive landscape of the NESCAC. He reflects on the strengths of his returning players, the challenges of recruiting in a highly competitive environment, and the importance of building a strong team culture. The conversation also touches on the admissions process at Middlebury and the evolution of recruiting in lacrosse, highlighting the unique advantages of different NESCAC schools. Coach Campbell shares his personal journey and legacy at Middlebury, emphasizing the connections and experiences that have shaped his coaching philosophy.