A heartfelt toast to the spouses of lacrosse coaches—the unsung heroes who endure our thousand-yard stares into the abyss of man-up strategies, the sacred rituals of restringing sticks that don’t need restringing, and the all-consuming obsession that pulls us away, even when we’re right beside you. It’s not neglect, it’s love—love for a game that’s been in our bones since the first time we cradled a stick, and though we may disappear into it, we always come back to you… eventually, probably.

Lacrosse was once a seasonal obsession, balanced with other sports, summer jobs, and life experiences. Today, it’s an all-consuming pursuit, with year-round training, club teams, and elite showcases defining the path for young athletes. Are we producing better players, or just burning them out? Do kids still love the game, or has it become just another checkbox on the road to college recruitment? This reflection on lacrosse then and now asks the ultimate question: Have we lost something valuable in the relentless drive for specialization?

Great coaches aren't defined by their playing resume but by their ability to adapt, learn, and inspire growth in their players. Success comes from embracing new ideas—no matter where they come from—and proving your worth through results, not ego.