First Class Lacrosse Podcast

First Class Lacrosse
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The official podcast of First Class Lacrosse! Checkout our newsletters Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe Weekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe On the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe 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/ Shop the latest FCL Merch here: https://www.1stclasslax.com/store

  1. 20H AGO

    Jesse Bernhardt: Born To Coach & Why Transparency Matters + Introducing The Approach

    Checkout The FCL Coaches Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1stclasslax.com/community Matt Dunn and Deemer Class host Jesse Bernhardt on the First Class Lacrosse podcast, highlighting his background as a Maryland defensive coordinator, Team USA two-time world champion, and his PLL career. Bernhardt discusses what he would do outside lacrosse, the influence of his football-coach father—especially relationship-building, preparation, and direct transparency—and how he applies those lessons through clear role definition, availability, and structured film sessions. He outlines common freshman defensive issues like stick placement, stance, and inefficient footwork, emphasizing fundamentals as the root of most breakdowns, and explains how he designs drills despite limited offensive personnel. The episode also introduces The Approach, a two-day immersive defensive camp (July 15–16 at Chase Field House) with an added coaching clinic aimed at teaching a connected, college-style defensive system.Timecodes0:00 - Coaching Family19:00 - Transparency & Routines42:30 - Drilling Fundamentals52:30 - Introducing The ApproachCheckout our newsletters! Coaches Corner: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Thought: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On the Run: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1h 4m

  2. FEB 13

    Stop Drilling Moves, Start Drilling Decisions with Gold Medal Shot Selection

    Checkout The FCL Coaches Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1stclasslax.com/community Deemer Class and Matt Dunn launch the next wave of the First Class Lacrosse Podcast, focusing on player development and strategic insights for the upcoming spring season. They reflect on past episodes featuring coach interviews and set the stage for new discussions on a variety of topics, including lacrosse techniques, recruiting, and leadership. The guys delve into the importance of shot selection, introducing the 'gold medal shot' analogy to improve scoring efficiency. They also explore the concept of Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in training, emphasizing the importance of creating drills that solve specific tactical problems. Deemer and Matt discuss the challenges of developing defensive skills and the importance of adaptable, game-speed scenarios in practice. The episode concludes with practical advice for players preparing for tryouts, highlighting the importance of mindset, off-ball contributions, and maintaining perspective. Timecodes 0:00 - The Future Of The Podcast 6:30 - Gold Medal Shots 36:45 - Designing Drills 1:04:00 - Approaching Tryouts Checkout our newsletters! Coaches Corner: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Thought: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On the Run: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1h 12m

  3. JAN 30

    What We Learned After Interviewing The Game's Greatest Coaches

    Checkout The FCL Coaches Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠1stclasslax.com/community ⁠⁠Deemer Class and Matt Dunn run the two-man weave, highlighting key takeaways and reflections from season two of the college coach interview podcast series. They discuss interviews with notable college lacrosse coaches, emphasizing themes such as authenticity, the evolution of coaching, intrinsic motivation, and the significance of connecting with players. The guys also explore how coaching extends beyond the sport itself, aiming to impact athletes' lives positively. The episode underscores the importance of adapting coaching methods to modern players while maintaining core values, and employs the advantages of technology in fostering coach-player relationships. Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 5:45 - Coaching Changes 17:30 - Creating Experiences 39:00 - Building Trust 45:30 - Relationships with Sports 55:40 - Motivation, Passion & Authenticity Checkout our newsletters! Coaches Corner: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Thought: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠On the Run: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1h 15m

  4. JAN 23

    Jen Adams: Moving At The Speed Of Trust From Australia to Loyola Maryland

    Checkout The FCL Coaches Community: ⁠⁠⁠1stclasslax.com/community⁠⁠ Deemer Class and Matt Dunn welcome Loyola University Maryland Head Coach Jen Adams. The discussion covers Adams' illustrious career in women's lacrosse, including her 18 years leading the Greyhounds to numerous championships and NCAA tournament appearances. Adams reflects on her upbringing in Australia, her experiences playing at the University of Maryland, and her shift into coaching. Key highlights include the importance of building team chemistry, balancing competitiveness with fun, and adapting to the evolving landscape of women's lacrosse. Adams also shares insights into the current state of the sport, the impact of rule changes, and her commitment to growing lacrosse in Australia. Timecodes 0:00 - Background 25:40 - Coaching Styles 33:00 - Loyola Story 40:30 - Teaching Skills 50:00 - Make Practice Fun 1:03:00 - State Of The Game 1:12:30 - Legacy & Impact Checkout our newsletters! Coaches Corner: ⁠⁠⁠https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠Weekly Thought: ⁠⁠⁠https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠On the Run: ⁠⁠⁠https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1h 18m

  5. JAN 9

    Kevin Conry: Building Michigan Lacrosse, Defensive Footwork & The "Baby Giraffe" Theory

    Checkout The FCL Coaches Community: ⁠⁠1stclasslax.com/community⁠⁠ Deemer Class and Matt Dunn welcome University of Michigan men's lacrosse head coach Kevin Conry to discuss his journey and success in lacrosse. Coach Conry speaks about his career evolution from nervous beginnings at Maryland, where he honed his defensive coaching skills, to leading Michigan's program. He highlights key experiences, adapting to the challenges of coaching, and the importance of player-driven culture. The conversation delves into recruiting practices, practice habits, and the development of defensive strategies over the years. Coach Conry emphasizes the significance of authenticity in coaching and reflects on the continual growth and achievements of the Michigan lacrosse team. Timecodes 0:00 - Intro & Background 7:15 - Defense & Player Development 38:45 - Value of Failure 47:30 - Michigan's Success 51:30 - Recruiting Thoughts 1:00:40 - Authenticity Roller Coaster --- Checkout our newsletters! Coaches Corner: ⁠⁠https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠ Weekly Thought: ⁠⁠https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠ On the Run: ⁠⁠https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1h 7m

  6. 12/19/2025

    Kevin Corrigan: Bagpipes, Creativity For Everyone & 40 Years of Irish Excellence

    Checkout The FCL Coaches Community: ⁠1stclasslax.com/community⁠ In the first episode of the Class Lacrosse podcast, hosts Matt Dunn and Deemer Class interview Notre Dame head coach Kevin Corrigan. Corrigan, who has been with Notre Dame for 38 years, discusses his coaching journey, including his early influences, challenges, and philosophy. The conversation covers his successful tenure at Notre Dame, characterized by multiple championship appearances, a robust defensive identity, and a commitment to player development both on and off the field. Corrigan also talks about the origins of the team's unique bagpipe tradition, the evolving nature of coaching, including how he balances discipline with creativity, and the different ways athletes have changed over the years. He emphasizes the importance of core values such as gratitude, passion, and hard work in building a successful program. Timecodes 0:00 - Intro & Bagpipes 5:00 - Background 15:30 - Defensive Prowess 22:00 - Learning From Others 26:20 - Defying Fundamentals 35:40 - Coaching Hard & Impacts 55:00 - College Athletics --- Checkout our newsletters! Coaches Corner: ⁠⁠https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠ Weekly Thought: ⁠⁠https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠ On the Run: ⁠⁠https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1h 1m

  7. 12/05/2025

    Connor Buczek: Teach the Black & White, Rep the Grey with Big Red's Head Coach

    On this episode of the First Class Lacrosse podcast, hosts Deemer Class and Matt Dunn interview Cornell University's head lacrosse coach, Connor Buczek. Discussing his journey from player to coach, Buczek talks about his leadership philosophy, the importance of culture at Cornell, and how he maintains high standards for the team. He also delves into the challenges of balancing coaching responsibilities with personal life, emphasizes the cultivation of strong player-coach relationships, and offers insights into the specific skills and mindset he instills in his players. The conversation touches on his experiences and mentorship from key figures like Tom Halley, and explores the dynamic of transitioning from a top player to leadership roles alongside former teammate Jordan Stevens. Timecodes 0:00 - Connor's Background 5:00 - Coaching Philosophy 19:00 - Skill Development 30:30 - Cornell's Culture & Influences 42:30 - Growth as a Coach 51:30 - Transition to Leadership --- Checkout our newsletters! Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe Weekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe On the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1h 7m

  8. 11/21/2025

    Erica Bamford: Yale's Championship Culture & The Power of Persistence

    Deemer Class and Matt Dunn interview Yale University head women's coach Erica Bamford on the First Class Lacrosse podcast. Coach Bamford, a former US national team member and the 2024 Ivy League Coach of the Year, discusses leading Yale to back-to-back Ivy League tournament titles and NCAA quarterfinal appearances. They delve into her journey, the principles driving her team's success, and how she's fostered a winning culture at Yale. The interview also covers topics like the importance of connections with players, developing leadership in athletes, skill development, and efficient practice planning. A lighthearted discussion about New Haven's best pizza spots wraps up the episode. Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 5:40 - Career Ladder 19:15 - Persistence 24:45 - Culture & History 31:00 - Advice For Past Self 43:00 - Skill Development 59:15 - Authenticity & Pizza --- Checkout our newsletters! Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe Weekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe On the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1h 6m
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About

The official podcast of First Class Lacrosse! Checkout our newsletters Coaches Corner: https://fcl-coaches-corner.beehiiv.com/subscribe Weekly Thought: https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe On the Run: https://on-the-run.beehiiv.com/subscribe 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/ Shop the latest FCL Merch here: https://www.1stclasslax.com/store

Information

  • Creator
    First Class Lacrosse
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © First Class Lacrosse
  • Show Website
    First Class Lacrosse Podcast

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