Tryout Time! Preseason Coaches Poll, New Coach Spotlight, and Women's Utes vs Griffins.
By: Megan Chambers and McKenzie Christiansen
Utah Lacrosse, my apologies for the delayed post. I've just returned home from the World Lacrosse EuroLax Sixes tournament, and unfortunately, due to weather conditions, I didn't have the necessary WiFi access to post this on time.
This week is an important one. Tryouts are here! Through this article we will talk about how to best prepare for tryouts, preseason coaches poll, Coaches spotlight and the lady Utes against the Griffins.
ULR sponsors make this all possible. Visit our title sponsors Tribal West Lacrosse (website) & MinersTown Strength and Condition(website).
Tribal West Lacrosse is offering free shipping during the 2024 season by using promo code FREESHIP24 at tribalwest.com
Coach Preparation for Tryouts
Preparing for tryouts is crucial for head coaches, as it establishes the tone and groundwork for the upcoming season. This preparation demands meticulous planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to fairness and objectivity. Setting clear objectives and criteria is paramount, ensuring transparency and equity in the selection process. Communicating these expectations to both coaching staff and players facilitates understanding of what it takes to make the team.
Effective organization of tryout sessions is essential, involving scheduling adequate evaluation time and arranging diverse drills and scrimmages to assess players' abilities comprehensively. Creating a positive and supportive environment during tryouts is crucial, fostering encouragement, respect, and a culture of growth. Additionally, assembling a knowledgeable and impartial evaluation team, along with maintaining open communication with players and their families, further enhances fairness and transparency throughout the process. Overall, thorough preparation, thoughtful organization, and a commitment to fairness and transparency are key to ensuring that tryouts are a valuable and productive experience for everyone involved.
Mastering Tryouts: Essential Preparation Tips for Athletes
Tryouts represent a pivotal moment for athletes aiming to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the team. To excel in this high-pressure scenario, thorough preparation is key. Here are some essential tips to help athletes maximize their performance:
Conditioning is Key: Prioritize physical fitness in the weeks leading up to tryouts. Focus on building endurance, strength, and agility to showcase your peak athleticism during drills and scrimmages.
Sharpen Skills: Dedicate ample time to honing your sport-specific skills. Whether it's perfecting your shot in basketball or refining your footwork in soccer, consistent practice is essential for mastery.
Mental Preparation: Cultivate a positive mindset and visualize success. Practice mindfulness techniques to stay calm under pressure and maintain focus during tryouts.
Know the Expectations: Research the tryout process and understand what coaches are looking for in prospective players. Tailor your preparation to meet these expectations and demonstrate your readiness to contribute to the team.
Dress Appropriately: Wear proper athletic attire and bring any required equipment. Presenting yourself professionally shows your commitment and readiness to compete.
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the tryout venue ahead of time. This allows for a thorough warm-up and minimizes stress associated with rushing.
Showcase Versatility: Be prepared to demonstrate versatility and adaptability. Coaches value players who can excel in multiple positions or roles within the team.
Embrace Feedback: Be open to constructive criticism from coaches and evaluators. Use feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Stay Confident: Believe in your abilities and trust in your preparation. Confidence is contagious and can leave a lasting impression on coaches during tryouts.
Leave it All on the Field: Give maximum effort and energy throughout the tryout process. Regardless of the outcome, knowing that you gave your best performance is invaluable.
By following these preparation tips, athletes can approach tryouts with confidence and increase their chances of making a lasting impression on coaches and securing a spot on the team. Remember, preparation is the key to success in any competitive endeavor.
2024 ULR Coaches Poll - Preseason
The first Coaches Poll of the 2024 season...Oh, but wait, didn't we already do this? Not yet! We conducted the Region Poll previously, which includes more teams and recognition based on their specific regions. The Coaches Poll, on the other hand, encompasses all teams regardless of region, ranking the top 10 teams in the state. We'll be conducting the Coaches Poll weekly, while the Region Poll won't be as frequent.
No. 1 Corner Canyon - Coach Aaron Ika leads the Chargers into another great season, starting tryouts week as number one in the top 10. The team is sticking with the familiar model they've relied on for years for tryouts. They seek players who are driven to win in every aspect, who hustle, and prioritize teamwork over personal glory. There's no room for complacency as their focus is on continuous improvement, with coaches aiming to bring out the best in the players so they peak during the playoffs.
No. 2 Olympus - Coach Merrell explains, “It's exciting to be recognized in the state's top 10 preseason rankings. The boys have put in hard work, setting the stage for a strong season.” Merrell plans to run tryouts in one night for the 2024 season, with an anticipated turnout of 78-82 kids, they'll form three teams.
No. 3 Brighton - Bangel's tryouts for the 2024 season span two days, where Coach O’Donnell will be emphasizing small group settings and specific skills like stick work, decision-making, and offensive confidence. Defensively, they prioritize stick work, control/discipline, and footwork, with vocal communication at all positions. They're honored to be in the top ten and thankful for the recognition.
No 4. Park City - This one doesn’t surprise most of us, as the Minners have alwasy ran an outstanding program. Coach Mike Persky has this team rained in for a great 2024 season.
No. 5 Fremont - Coach Searle expresses gratitude for being in the top 10 and acknowledges the competitiveness of teams statewide. Anticipating a strong season, their primary focus is staying healthy for another deep run into the 6A playoffs. Eager to hit the field again, they're excited for tryouts to commence.
No. 6 Davis - Eager to begin the 2024 season with tryouts and get the team back into their competitive mode, Coach Yocom explains how they'll conduct two days of tryouts, focusing on drills that reveal more about the players beyond just their technical skills. While they appreciate the respect from other programs, Davis understands this is a new year and everything must be earned anew.
No. 7 Farmington - Outlining tryouts, Coach Taylor explains how theirs may differ from other schools. For the 2024 season at Farmington, they have a cap of 40 players, which is why clear communication on evaluation criteria is imperative. Tryouts begin with a conditioning test and progress to lacrosse assessments based on team values. Grateful for recognition from ULR, the focus remains on daily improvement. Optimistic about the season, Coach Taylor believes in the team's potential.
No. 8 Alta - Head coach Brandon Horoba details tryouts for the 2024 season, expecting around 60 participants. Tryouts at Alta span two days, focusing on lacrosse skills, athleticism, and game play before final team selections. This season marks a transition with new coaches for offense and defense, seeking leadership from returning seniors. Being ranked in the top 10 reflects the respect earned by the team's top players and Alta's commitment to excellence.
No. 9 American Fork -Adam Lisonbee, head coach of the American Fork boys lacrosse, shares “We're excited to get the 2024 season started! We're returning several starters that'll lead a promising group of young players. The boys are ready to get to work. Go Cavemen!”
No. 10 Lone Peak - Coach Rich Farr leads the knights into another great season being voted top 10 right before we kick off the 2024 season!
No. 1 Park City - Park City girls team is ready to maintain their position, starting the 2024 season on top. Head coach Mikki Clayton expresses anticipation for the upcoming 2024 season in Park City! With a mix of seasoned returners and eager freshmen preparing for tryouts, fitness assessments, individual skills, and lacrosse IQ all factor into the selection process. Park City is proud to be ranked among the top 10 teams. As competition in the state intensifies, the team is committed to striving for excellence and securing a place in the state tournament once again.
No. 2 Olympus - Coach Zana Spratling lays out the tryout plan for the Olympus 2024 season, consisting of a single day. Varsity requires a sub-8 minute mile and 50 wall ball reps each side in under a minute. Being in the top 10 is an honor for the team, which boasts a talented returning lineup known for their exceptional year-round dedication. Everyone is eager to kick off the season!
No. 3 Mountain Ridge - Making it top 10 for the 2024 pre-season and predicted to be number one in their region, Coach Angie Maughan is preparing the team to find themselves on top again. They prioritize more than just skill in team selection. Fitness tests and observation on and off the field are crucial, plus being respectful, intentional, and uplifting players. Excited to rank in the top ten, the girls are dedicated to learning and improving for the upcoming season. Taking it day by day, we anticipate another successful season.
No. 4 Lone Peak - Excitement fills the air as Head Coach Weslie Lundell of Lone Peak prepares for the 2024 season tryouts. With new faces joining during the no-coaching period, they're excited to see how they mesh with returners. Being voted into the Top 10 means hard work ahead, defending their title and facing tough competition.
No. 5 Bingham - Detailing plans for the 2024 tryouts, Coach Courtney McCabe explains how their tryouts will include fitness tests such as running, push-ups, sit-ups, and timed wall ball drills. Qualitative assessments will score players 1-10 based on various skills and attributes including passing, catching, shooting, defense, agility, communication, and field awareness. The primary focus is on selecting varsity players who exemplify Bingham Lax values which are sportsmanship, work ethic, and supportive teammate behavior. McCabe expresses appreciation for their ranking in the poll and expresses how their goal is to take the season one play at a time with the motto of “Go Together.”
No. 6 Brighton - Coach Melissa Nash of Brighton reveals her plans for the 2024 season where tryouts will unfold over three days, beginning with fitness evaluations followed by individual and team skill assessments. Despite the nerves, it marks an exhilarating start to the season. Guest evaluators from diverse backgrounds across the state, including players from Westminster, BYU, UVU, Utah, and previous high school coaches, will offer unbiased perspectives in player selection. Coach Nash expresses how “We’re really proud of the tradition of success that our Brighton team has”.
No. 7 Farmington - Farmington plans two-day tryouts to evaluate skill levels for Varsity or JV placement, utilizing a mixture of conditioning tests and drills. Girls will be assigned based on attitude, effort, lacrosse IQ, skill, and strength and conditioning. Despite his second year at Farmington, Coach Chris MacAulay humbly acknowledges their top 10 state ranking. A challenging non-region schedule is intentional to early-test the team, identifying areas for improvement.
No. 8 Riverton - Discussing plans for the 2024 season Coach Joey Hughes anticipates intense tryouts, where the team aims to keep a smaller and more competitive roster through rigorous fitness and skill assessments. Being ranked in the top 10 is both exciting and humbling, acknowledging the strength of other teams statewide. Hughes looks forward to a competitive season and is eager to see the team excel.
No. 9 Corner Canyon - Coach Matt Kenning expresses gratitude for being recognized as a top ten team. Tryouts span two days, evaluating players' stick skills, athleticism, lacrosse IQ, and mental toughness. The top 15-18 players selected will start the season on the Varsity team, with ongoing assessments throughout the season to identify potential changes. Despite a young and athletic team, Coach Kenning anticipates an exciting season.
No. 10 Bear River - At tryouts, Coach Jeremy Webb reminds athletes to be coachable, disciplined, and committed to success. Additionally, Webb explains to the team, "we must decide between what we want now and what we want most in order to achieve our goals!” The team's reaction to being voted into the top 10 is humble, acknowledging the collective effort.
New Coach Spotlight: Tucker Gamble
Tucker Gamble brings a fresh perspective to the role of head coach for the women's varsity lacrosse team at Hillcrest High School, competing in Region 10. While new to coaching women's lacrosse, Tucker has a rich background in men's lacrosse, spanning 17 years as a player. Despite limited exposure to the women's game, Tucker's enthusiasm and dedication to his team shine through as he navigates this new terrain.
With a roster comprising mostly novice players, Tucker remains optimistic about the team's potential, buoyed by the caliber of athletes he has recruited. Drawing from his experience as a Physical Therapist, Tucker approaches coaching with a unique perspective, recognizing parallels between guiding patients through recovery and coaching athletes through skill development and form.
One of Tucker's fundamental coaching principles, firmly rooted in research, is his stance against using exercise as punishment—a philosophy informed by his belief in fostering positive attitudes towards fitness and wellbeing from a young age. As he continues to evolve as a coach, Tucker remains committed to learning alongside his team, embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with the journey. Go Huskies!
Women’s University of Utah Battled is out against Westminster: W 16- U 11
Westminster College women's lacrosse team clinched the Rocky Mountain Women's Lacrosse League title for the second consecutive year. In the championship game, they triumphed over Utah, securing a 16-11 victory. Despite a tough fight from Utah, Westminster's relentless performance saw them take control in the second half, ultimately sealing the win with a final score of 16-11.
Chelsea Farrell's outstanding performance saw her matching a school record with eight goals, supported by Shauntel Hyde's crucial late-game contributions. With solid defense and goalkeeping, the Griffins maintained their lead throughout the game.
Westminster's dominance extended beyond the championship game, as they secured an automatic berth into the upcoming WCLA Division 2 National Championships. The team's exceptional season, with a 16-5 record and a No. 5 ranking in the WCLA Top 25 Poll, underscores their determination to defend their conference title and make a mark on the national stage.