Growth Mindset, The Goalie Position, and Coaching With Compassion, Care & Competence with Laurie Tortorelli DeLuca

Thanks to our special guest, Laurie Tortorelli DeLuca! Laurie currently works for NXT Lacrosse and is the Head Coach of the nationally-ranked NXT LC Girls 2025 Black team. A proud native of “Delco” PA, Laurie was a standout Goalie at The University of Delaware. Post-graduation, "Tort" stayed in the game through multiple college coaching stops and roles. In our conversation, Laurie shares her lacrosse journey, her best coaching insights, and stories of a sports parent.

Thanks to our special guest, Laurie Tortorelli DeLuca!

Laurie currently works for NXT Lacrosse and is the Head Coach of the nationally-ranked NXT LC Girls 2025 Black team. A proud native of “Delco” PA, Laurie was a standout Goalie at The University of Delaware. Post-graduation, "Tort" stayed in the game through multiple college coaching stops and roles. In our conversation, Laurie shares her lacrosse journey, her best coaching insights, and stories of a sports parent.

Here are some notes to help you enjoy this new episode.

Youth Sports Hot Topics (6:10)

For Parents: Please stop coaching from the sideline!

For Coaches: Coaching isn’t about you, it’s about serving others 3 C’s: Compassion, Care & Competence

For Players: Think about your “daily habits” and how they reflect your goals and dreams

Well Done > Well Said

Questions & Answers

21:00 The influence of the basketball coach to get into lacrosse

22:45, Playing the goalie position with an athletic, aggressive style

23:50, Recruiting path to The University of Delaware, and the college student-athlete experience as a Blue Hen

27:40: Using discipline and time-management to crush the classroom as well as the athletic field

28:20, From playing to coaching college lacrosse, starting at Cornell and then as Director of Ops at Duke

33:30, Working full-time, coaching younger players, and directing camps and club teams for NXT Girls Lacrosse

36:55, The value of girls box lacrosse and working with Coach Leahy

38:40, The importance of playing multiple sports, and how basketball was transferrable to lacrosse

44:20, Tips for other coaches you work with, and helping coaches grow

Rapid Fire NXT Homework (48:30)

For Parents: Allow your kids to fail and make mistakes

For Coaches: Create a culture where the players care for each other away from the field

For Players: Do the next right thing

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