Hey everyone,

It’s been another strong week at FCL.

We ran training sessions in the DMV, Baltimore, Westchester, and Long Island. We hosted our third fall session at Taft. And this Sunday, we’re back on Long Island for a clinic with the Yellow Jackets. Let’s go.

Today’s message comes from a legend: Navy Coach Cindy Timchal on our podcast released last week, “Confidence comes from preparation.”

It reminded me (Deemer) of a framed photo my uncle gave me in high school, with the Roger Staubach quote: “Confidence doesn’t come out of nowhere... it’s a result of hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication.”

That’s always stuck with me because this game isn’t just about getting recruited or chasing a trophy. It’s about what it teaches you, especially when no one’s watching.

Let’s get into it. Happy Friday ☕️,
Matt & Deemer

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This past week on our podcast, we were fortunate to have Navy Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Cindy Timchal on as a guest. She talked about many great topics, including:

But one topic we want to focus on this week is her conversations around confidence.

During one segment, we talked about mindset and Coach Timchal brought up a great point on confidence:

Confidence comes from the reps you put in on the field. This is a powerful message because as athletes know, confident players play better.

This message could not come at a better time for athletes. Right now, many high school players are in the off-season. This is the time as a high school athlete where you can make monumental strides towards improving your game. This is the time where you can outwork your classmates, set an example for underclassmen, or simply fall behind if you don’t put in intentional work.

Now is the time to start dialing in on technique, stickwork, physical fitness, and building the confidence that you will need to reach your goals.

There are tons of examples of other great athletes sharing this mindset, Kobe Bryant is one of the most notable.

Going out on the field and practicing your shot or footwork is great, but confidence in your skills is only one piece of becoming a better player. The next piece of becoming a confident player is learning to make the right decisions. Coach Timchal outlines a great way to do this:

As a player, you must learn to be confident in your decisions on the field. Confidence is a skill you can practice and learn.

Whether that is when to take a shot vs throw the ball through X, or when to slide vs not to slide, the worst thing you can do on the field is freeze and fail to make a decision in time.

In order to become a confident decision maker, spend time off the field thinking about what happens on the field. Visualize the scenario and consider what would happen if you did this or that.

Think:

One great way to practice these mental reps in the off-season: watch college games on YouTube and pause the game in the middle of a dodge. Now, take a look at the field and decipher what is going on. For defenders, look at who is the hot slide, who is the second slide, what will happen if the offense hits the throwback, or draws a slide, etc. For offensive players, look at if a shot is available, or if the best play is throwing it forward or back quickly, or even redodging to draw a slide.

Mental reps like these are just as important as physical reps on the field, they help you build confidence. They help you trust yourself, and in turn this makes you a better player.

Coach Dunn & Coach Class

Recruiting classes have settled in for the men’s and women’s class of 2027. While there is plenty more lacrosse to be played for the 2027s, we are excited to turn some focus to the 2028s and early stages for the 2029s at our BIC Fall event late October. Some advice for the class of 2028:

We highly encourage you to focus on process goals that will put you in a better spot to achieve your outcome goals. Reach out if we can be of help.

Deemer

William Bugbee | 2028 | Goalie | Greenwich Country Day | Express North

Bugbee plays a Drew Adams like style of goaltending. He’s wiry, and while speaking with one of his goalie coaches, has some serious potential. I think he’s a guy ready to explode onto the scene in a very competitive goalie class.

Jakes Struznik | 2028 | Midfield | Dallas Jesuit | Texas Nationals & Maddog National Black

Struznik is an athletic, two-way midfielder. He can get to the goal downhill, but I also really like his vision as a passer. He had a productive showing at NLF this summer as evident from his highlights and I like his athleticism.

Jake Townsend | 2029 | Attack | Boys’ Latin | FCA

Jake is incredibly two-handed and has soft hands on the inside; he’s spent more time than most Americans playing box up in Canada, and it has paid off. While sometimes an off-ball skillset can be overlooked in a showcase environment, his dodging and decision making has continued to improve as he becomes a well-rounded attacker.

Carson Bahl | 2028 | Attack | Indian Hill High School | LI Legacy

Carson made an impression last winter when she earned a Summer BIC invite from her Winter Showcase performance. This summer, she showed up in a big way, showcasing size, speed, stick work and goal scoring ability as a BIC Standout. One high ranking Division 1 coach came early for the BIC 2028s this summer and had her notebook marked up with notes on Bahl.

Emma Pedone | 2028 | Defense | Rye | Primetime

Sometimes it can be hard to standout at a showcase for a defender, but that’s what Emma did at the Summer BIC event. She’s a lefty with great feet and timely rotations when she is off ball. It’s early, but I see some Abby Bosco comparisons in her game. Check out her BIC highlights here.

Ivy Bostley | 2029 | Goalie | American Heritage | Florida Select

Ivy impressed this summer with a ton of point blank saves. Her effort and energy was felt by the staff - her love for the game was palpable and it showed in her play. A summer standout, we can’t wait to see what she brings this go round. There are many 2029 Summer standouts in line to return this fall. Read More.

Check out our @fclbestinclass Instagram page for more commitment collabs!

Check out this defensive recovery drill courtesy of Colorado coach Mitch Fenton from his webinar on our coaches community!

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