FLN has asked new Head Coach Doug Shanahan of St. Brendan High School in Miami to share his thoughts on how he is building his new program through their inaugural season. Here is his sixth submission! We thank Doug for taking the time to do this and letting our readers experience this unique insight.    Tough lessons in lacrosse were learned through our 14-2 defeat at North Broward Prep such as: “you can’t dodge a zone”.  These are frustrating to say the least!  However, adding up the wins and loses is not a wise gauge for success in a first year program. Although we are obviously trying to be competitive. So – what is our scale?

• Get the program off and running – this started with Empire Elite Lacrosse Club in the fall.
• Are the players getting better? –  Yes, slowly for some and faster for others.
• Does every practice have a detailed plan?  – Yes as is communicated regularly
• Do we have a Junior Varsity team?  – Yes
• Do we have a Varsity team? – Yes
• Are the players bonding? – Yes, everyday cohesion as a team is being built
• Do the players care?  – Yes
• Is the school backing the program? – Yes, we have had nothing but support from Administration and parents alike.
• Are we creating tradition? – Yes, through routine, commitment, program chants and songs, instilling pride

Our scale will be ever changing as the program improves and grows, we are looking forward to traveling today and competing against Immaculata La Salle at 4pm. We have another exciting day Wed 2/25 for our “Home Opener” versus Coral Springs Charter at 4pm which we hope will be well attended and supported as our inaugural home game of the season. I am looking forward to another great week of growth and installing tradition.