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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