💭 FCL Weekly Thought: 04/25/25

Happy Friday!

This week we're digging into what it means to lead even when you’re not playing, plus some perspective for parents navigating tough conversations around playing time.

But before you go full keyboard warrior, we’ve got some perspective — on what helps, what doesn’t, and how to support your athlete in a way that actually makes a difference. We’re also sharing some thoughts for players on how to lead even when they’re not on the field.

If you have any feedback on content you’d like to see covered in future editions please let us know in this quick survey.

Happy Friday ☕️,
Matt & Deemer

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THIS WEEKS CONTENT AT A GLANCE

• 🎧 FCL In-Season Podcast - (Ep. 12) How to Focus Your Training, Conference Tournament Time, and Lamberti’s PLL Draft Board

• 🔥 Upcoming Webinar - Analytics: The Art of Picking Up Many Little Edges

• 📧 Coaches Corner Newsletter - Disrupting Shooters as a Long Pole

• 🏃‍♂️ On The Run Newsletter - NCAA Lacrosse Weekly Recap

• ✍️ Blog - A Defender’s Guide to Defense

💭 WEEKLY THOUGHT 
Staying in the Game… Even When You’re Out

The Skill You Don’t Think About
There’s a skill most players don’t think about until they’re forced to: learning how to stay in it when you can’t compete.

It’s one thing to lead and be a great teammate when you’re on the field. It’s another when you’re on the sideline, dealing with an injury, and not feeling like yourself. It’s uncomfortable. It’s frustrating. But that space reveals a lot about your growth, your leadership, and your ability to still add value.

My Experience at Maryland (Matt)
My senior year at Maryland, I had foot surgery and missed the entire fall and preseason. I was a captain. And honestly, I wish I had handled it better. It’s not like I was moping around or disengaged, but I certainly felt way less comfortable being vocal and leading since I wasn’t playing. I felt guilty that all my teammates were working hard in practice, and I couldn’t be out there with them.

While that’s a natural feeling, I learned through that process that being a great teammate and leader requires you to stay invested and do your job whether or not you can actually play.

The Challenge to Step Up Anyway
Don’t get us wrong, you need to take care of yourself first. If your injury or condition doesn’t allow you to be present that’s one thing, but if you are well enough to be present you should be.

Just because you can’t play does not mean you are no longer on the team. You still have a role to fill, whatever that may be.

It’s an extremely mature and impressive thing when an athlete is able to add value and lead even when they can’t play. It’s an incredible life skill to develop because nobody will blame you if you don’t do it.

You have an excuse to take a step back. The challenge for you is not to use it.

Best,
Coach Class and Coach Dunn

🤔 PARENT PERSPECTIVE Q&A

Question About Playing Time

Answer
This is a tough spot, and a common one. Almost every athlete, even the really good ones, hits a phase where they’re not getting the minutes they want. It’s frustrating. And as a parent, it’s hard to watch.

But here's the truth: conversations about playing time should come from the player, not the parent. When parents step in, it often puts the coach on the defensive and the player in a tough spot.

Your role isn’t to fight that battle — it’s to help your child learn how to advocate for himself. That’s part of growing up, and sports are a great training ground for that.

Encourage them to go to the coach directly and ask clear questions like:

• “What do I need to improve to earn more minutes?”

• “Where can I make the biggest impact right now?”

Remind him to listen more than talk. The goal isn’t to challenge the coach — it’s to get feedback and act on it.

You can still be in his or her corner. Help them process what the coach says. Help them manage the frustration. But don’t let the focus be on what he deserves — keep it on what he can control.

And keep perspective: most players ride the bench at some point. The ones who keep showing up, stay coachable, and keep competing — those are the ones who break through. And even if they don’t, they come out stronger for having handled it well.

Playing time is important, we get that, but it isn’t just about that.

Good Resource: Ken Zeigler Parent Webinar

🔥 RECRUITING COVERAGE

We are introducing a new section in the Weekly Thought where we highlight some athletes that are catching our eye. We will share clips, highlight videos, and brief thoughts as this section evolves.

Luke Perriello | 2027 | Midfield | Brunswick | 2Way |
Luke is an explosive two way player. He has high compete and plays with a motor. Whether between the lines, transition, or half field, he’s poised for a strong summer ahead. Check out this “split and load” goal for Brunswick Varsity this spring.

brunswicklax

8,187 followers

View more on Instagram

Sarah Lim | 2027 | Attack/Midfield | St. Paul’s School| Hero’s

I got the chance to catch St. Paul’s School in action yesterday vs. Bryn Mawr. Sarah really stood out on the field. She is an explosive dodger that makes cuts and moves that you can see directly translating to the high Division 1 level. She finished 1 or 2 and drew slides - something college coaches are often looking for. We will see Sarah at BIC 2027 this summer. Check out her Sports Recruits profile here.

🚀 NEW EVENT: HS NATIONALS

We are pumped to launch High School Nationals. A 2 day women’s high school event on June 30 and July 1st. We are looking for a few more high schools to join the inaugural year. Please contact [email protected] for more details if your high school is interested. Only 3 high school slots remain!

DRILL OF THE WEEK: Ava Class , Michigan

Our free content on social media is core to who we are as a business. We love sharing content that you love seeing. Check out our latest YouTube video with FCL Athlete & Michigan midfielder Ava Class sharing a defensive drill she does at Michigan!