Lessons from Coach John Danowski

This was a big week for us at FCL as we launched the very first episode of our podcast with legendary Duke coach, John Danowski.

Thoughts from Coach Danowski

In our first ever podcast episode, we had the honor of hosting Coach John Danowski, the iconic lacrosse coach from Duke University. He is heading into his 18th season at Duke and has coached college lacrosse over 40 years. He shared valuable advice for both parents of student-athletes and young coaches navigating their own journey. Here are some of the standout lessons we want to pass on to you.

A Few Takeaways for Parents & Players

1. Prioritize education

Coach Danowski is adamant that academics should always come first. He encourages student-athletes to challenge themselves academically, opting for tough courses like honors and AP classes when appropriate. His message to parents: "Academics will separate your child from others."

2. Stay a multi-sport athlete

According to Coach Danowski, it’s essential for athletes to play multiple sports instead of specializing in just one. He believes this builds well-rounded athletes and helps avoid burnout. "You only have one chance to experience high school sports in its entirety – make the most of it," he says.

3. Character key

More than just sports skills, Coach Danowski emphasizes the importance of being a good person. He encourages athletes to focus on serving others, staying coachable, and learning to lead through service. A huge advocate of disconnecting from social media, he warns, "No one regrets not watching enough TikTok on their deathbed.")

4. There's more than division 1

While playing Division 1 lacrosse is a goal for many, Coach Danowski assures parents and players that there are incredible opportunities in Division 2 and 3 as well. "Find the right fit," he says, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right academic and social environment over prestige.

For Young Coaches: At the end of the podcast, Coach Danowski shared some advice for aspiring and young coaches:

• Trust Your Gut: Your coaching style should align with your own values. "Be authentic to yourself," he says. Success in coaching comes from staying true to who you are and what you believe.

• Commit Fully: Half-hearted efforts won’t cut it. "Be all in, or not at all." Full commitment to your players, your program, and your own growth as a coach is key to making a lasting impact.

This episode is packed with lessons for parents, athletes, and coaches alike, and we hope you find value in it for your own lacrosse journey. Watch the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube here.