I didn’t set out to model my lacrosse coaching philosophy after the U.S. Navy SEAL teams — but once I was exposed to their culture, there was no going back. I had the rare opportunity to learn directly from SEAL team members and to coach their sons. What I witnessed firsthand fundamentally reshaped how I approached leadership, performance, accountability, and mindset — not just in sports, but in life.

I’m deeply grateful for those lessons. They made me a better coach, person, and, more importantly, a better leader of young men.

What the Navy SEALs Taught Me About Coaching Lacrosse

Learning Directly from the Source

The SEALs don’t talk about “culture” as a buzzword — they live it. Everything they do is intentional. Preparation, communication, discipline, humility, and trust are not optional. They are the standard.

Listening to SEAL team members talk about how they train, operate, and hold one another accountable opened my eyes. Success at the highest level isn’t about talent alone. It’s about mindset. It’s about doing the small things right, every day, especially when no one is watching.

I began to see clear parallels between elite military teams and successful athletic programs. The principles were the same — only the arena was different.

Bringing the SEAL Culture to Lacrosse

When I began my lacrosse coaching career, coaching the South Beach Storm, I made a conscious decision to build the program around the same principles I saw in SEAL culture. We focused on preparation over hype. Discipline over ego. Team over individual.

We emphasized clarity of roles, trust in teammates, and relentless attention to detail. Players learned that effort was non-negotiable and accountability applied to everyone — coaches included. Mistakes weren’t failures; they were opportunities to learn and improve.

That mindset changed everything.

Coaching the Sons of SEALs

Coaching the sons of Navy SEALs reinforced these lessons daily. These athletes didn’t make excuses. They showed up prepared. They listened. They competed hard and supported their teammates without hesitation.

I saw how values passed down at home translated directly onto the field. Respect, responsibility, resilience, and composure under pressure weren’t taught in a practice plan — they were lived habits.

I’m grateful for the trust those families placed in me. Coaching their sons pushed me to be better, more intentional, and more accountable as a leader.

Maximizing Performance Through Mindset and Teamwork

The biggest takeaway I carried forward was this: peak performance is a byproduct of culture. When athletes feel connected to something bigger than themselves, performance follows.

By applying SEAL principles — preparation, trust, shared ownership, and mental toughness — our teams became stronger, more unified, and more resilient. We didn’t just train skills; we trained minds. We built athletes who could handle pressure, adapt quickly, and lead each other when it mattered most.

Gratitude for Lessons That Last a Lifetime

I remain incredibly thankful for the influence the Navy SEAL community had on my coaching journey. Their example showed me that leadership is earned through consistency, humility, and service to the team.

Those lessons continue to guide me today — on the field, in coaching, and in life. Lacrosse may be the game I coach, but mindset, culture, and character are what I truly care about developing.

And for that, I’m grateful.