Most days, I’m either on a lacrosse field or in a boardroom. On paper, those worlds might look miles apart—sweat and whistles on one end, budgets and bylaws on the other. But truth is, they have more in common than you’d think.

Whether I’m coaching high school athletes or serving on the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority Board, I’ve found that strong decision-making, clear communication, and accountability under pressure are the constants that make both jobs work.

You don’t have to choose between being a coach or a civic leader. In fact, doing both sharpens you in ways that make each role stronger.

Playbooks and Policy Books: The Power of Preparation

One of the first lessons you learn as a coach: don’t show up without a plan. Practices need structure. Games need strategy. You’ve got to know your players, the other team, and the conditions you’re walking into.

Same goes for board service. At GRU, we review dense packets filled with data, infrastructure timelines, rate studies, and regulatory frameworks. You can’t just “wing it” when you’re making decisions that affect thousands of people’s access to water, power, or internet.

Whether I’m breaking down a 2–3 zone defense or a utility rate proposal, the goal is the same: understand the field, anticipate outcomes, and lead with clarity.

Managing Different Personalities

On a lacrosse team, you’ve got all kinds of kids. Natural leaders, quiet workers, high-energy players, and those still finding their voice. Some need a push, some need a pat on the back. And the key to bringing them together? Listening. Adjusting. Uniting around a common goal.

Turns out, that’s exactly what you need in a boardroom.

The GRU board is made up of folks with different experiences—some from finance, others from engineering or public service. Everyone brings a unique perspective, and that’s a strength. But it also means decision-making requires patience, empathy, and the ability to speak across personalities and politics.

Coaching taught me to listen before I talk, to translate big ideas into shared understanding, and to earn trust before trying to lead. That skill set is invaluable in civic leadership.

Communication Under Pressure

On game day, you don’t have time for a speech. You need quick, clear, confident direction: “Slide early.” “Double the crease.” “Use the timeout.”

Same thing happens during board meetings—especially when public comments roll in, utility issues become urgent, or we’re facing decisions with financial or political weight. That’s not the time to waffle or over-explain. It’s time to focus, steady the room, and speak with purpose.

Being in high-stakes environments as a coach helps you stay composed when the stakes shift in the civic arena. Leadership under pressure looks different in a suit and tie, but it’s built in the same fire.

Accountability Is the Common Thread

In both worlds, you’re accountable to people who depend on you.

On the field, it’s the kids who show up every day and need structure, discipline, and support. It’s their parents, their teachers, and their futures on the line.

On the GRU board, it’s thousands of Gainesville residents—families trying to pay their bills, small business owners relying on reliable service, elderly residents on fixed incomes who deserve respect and stability.

When you lead with that kind of responsibility in mind, decision-making becomes clearer. It’s not about your reputation or agenda—it’s about service.

Adjusting on the Fly

In lacrosse, things never go exactly according to plan. Weather changes, refs make bad calls, players get hurt, momentum shifts. You have to adjust.

Same with public service.

Policies evolve. Projects hit snags. Public sentiment shifts. You’ve got to pivot without panic, adapt without losing sight of your core values. That’s where my coaching background gives me confidence—I know how to call an audible, rally a group, and keep us moving forward, even when the unexpected shows up.

Measuring Success Beyond the Scoreboard

One of the biggest parallels between coaching and civic leadership is how you define “winning.”

On the field, it’s not just about the scoreboard. It’s about growth—seeing a shy freshman become a team captain, or a kid with no confidence find their voice.

In public service, “wins” aren’t always flashy either. Sometimes it’s a quiet improvement in service quality. A budget passed with community input. A long-term infrastructure upgrade that won’t make headlines but will make life better for families five years from now.

Impact over ego. Results over recognition. That’s the mindset in both roles.

One Team, Many Fields

At the end of the day, coaching and civic leadership aren’t two separate identities—they’re two sides of the same coin. Both require:

• Clear planning
  
• Humble leadership
  
• Strong communication
  
• Service-first mentality
  
• The ability to work with people, not just for them
  

Every day I put on a whistle or review a policy packet, I’m reminded: this is what community leadership looks like. It’s showing up—on the bleachers and in the boardroom—with the same heart, grit, and drive to build something better.

That’s the playbook I’ll keep running.

The post Boardroom to Bleachers: How Overlapping Roles in Sports and Civic Service Sharpen Decision-Making appeared first on Chip Skinner.

I didn’t grow up with the classic father-son story. My parents divorced in 1989, and after that, my relationship with my dad became—well, let’s just say it faded into the background. He remarried. He worked constantly. And while he was entrepreneurial and ambitious, he just wasn’t there in the way I needed him to be.

I don’t say that to play the victim or cast blame. Life’s complicated. But it did leave a space—a big, empty one—where guidance should have been.

And when there’s no blueprint? You have two choices: let the absence define you, or build something new from it.

I chose the second.

When You’re the One Who Needs a Coach

Looking back, I didn’t realize how much I craved mentorship until I found it in other places—teachers, uncles, older teammates, even bosses from my early jobs. Each of them gave me a piece of what was missing: encouragement, accountability, structure.

None of them replaced a father. But together, they created a patchwork of influence that helped me find my way.

And it stuck with me—especially as I got older. I realized that I wasn’t the only one carrying around that hole. A lot of young men were growing up like I did, unsure of what being a good man, leader, or teammate even looked like.

So I decided to become the coach I once needed.

Coaching Isn’t Just Whistles and Game Plans

Since 2014, I’ve been coaching youth and high school lacrosse in Gainesville—every level from middle school to varsity. I didn’t grow up with lacrosse. I came into it later in life. But I saw what it could do for kids, especially those without much structure at home.

It’s not just about cradling a stick or scoring goals. Coaching is a front-row seat to a young person’s development. It’s helping them learn how to fail, how to own their mistakes, how to show up even when they don’t feel like it.

Some of the boys I coach have dads in their lives. Some don’t. Some have fathers who are there physically but checked out emotionally. And others are just trying to figure it out solo.

That’s why I take this work seriously. I’m not trying to be anyone’s dad. But I am trying to be a man who shows up, listens, teaches, and holds a high standard—with heart.

You Lead by Being Present

I don’t have a psychology degree. I don’t come from a long line of professional mentors. What I have is presence.

I show up. On time. Every time.

I remember names. I check in when someone misses practice. I notice when a kid’s energy is off or when they’re pushing through something unspoken.

And let me tell you—presence is powerful. It doesn’t require big speeches or grand gestures. It just requires consistency. And when you come from a place where consistency was lacking, you realize just how much it matters.

These boys may forget a play, but they won’t forget who showed up for them when life got messy.

Redefining Masculinity, One Huddle at a Time

There’s a lot of noise these days about what it means to “be a man.” Some of it’s outdated. Some of it’s toxic. But in our huddles and sidelines, we get to reshape that narrative—quietly and consistently.

I teach that it’s okay to be competitive and compassionate. That leadership doesn’t mean barking orders, but listening and encouraging others. That strength doesn’t come from aggression—it comes from responsibility.

And sometimes, mentoring just means helping a kid realize that he matters. That he can screw up, bounce back, and keep moving forward.

That’s the kind of masculinity I wish had been modeled for me earlier in life. So now, I model it for others.

No Roadmap, Just Values

I’ll admit—there are days I wonder if I’m getting it right. I didn’t have a father who taught me how to coach, how to lead, or how to mentor. I’m figuring it out as I go.

But I’ve built a compass over the years. And here’s what it points to:

• Show up. Always.
  
• Listen more than you talk.
  
• Lead with integrity, not ego.
  
• Give second chances. But don’t lower the standard.
  
• Teach by example. Even when no one’s watching.
  

That’s not a playbook. But it’s a start.

A Legacy You Can Choose

There are a lot of things in life we don’t get to choose—who our parents are, how we were raised, what we missed out on. But we do get to choose how we show up for others.

For me, that’s meant building a legacy that’s not inherited, but earned.

Every kid I coach. Every teammate I mentor. Every board meeting I show up to with humility and purpose—it’s part of that legacy.

I may not have had a strong father figure growing up, but I’ve become the man I once needed. And now I get to offer that to others.

That, to me, is the true definition of fatherhood—not biology, but responsibility.

The post Reinventing Fatherhood: Mentoring in the Absence of a Blueprint appeared first on Chip Skinner.

If you’d told me twenty years ago that lacrosse would be one of the fastest-growing sports in Florida, I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. Football? Of course. Baseball and basketball? Naturally. But lacrosse?

Yet here we are—and it’s booming.

From Tampa to Jacksonville, and especially in places like Gainesville, lacrosse has gone from a niche sport to one that’s filling fields, rosters, and college recruiting lists. And right here in North Central Florida, our homegrown nonprofit, GALAXI (Gainesville Area Lacrosse Inc.), is helping lead the charge.

My Journey into Lacrosse (Late but Life-Changing)

I didn’t grow up playing lacrosse. I didn’t come from a private school pipeline or a Northeastern prep background. I came from modest means, tight budgets, and a deep love for sports that brought people together.

When I first got involved in youth lacrosse coaching, it was simply to help out. But it didn’t take long before I saw what this sport could do—not just for kids’ fitness, but for their confidence, focus, and sense of belonging.

That’s when the idea for GALAXI was born. We needed something local. Something accessible. Something built for all kids, not just the ones who could afford private training or expensive travel leagues.

What Is GALAXI?

GALAXI stands for Gainesville Area Lacrosse Inc., and it’s more than just a youth sports organization—it’s a mission.

Our goal is simple:
Make lacrosse accessible, inclusive, and character-building for every kid who wants to play.

We run programs, provide coaching, help with equipment, and work directly with schools and community partners. From introducing the basics to brand-new players, to preparing high schoolers for varsity and beyond, we meet kids where they are.

We’re not focused on building the next Division I star—though that may happen—we’re focused on building young people with discipline, leadership skills, and heart.

A Sport That Builds More Than Muscle

Lacrosse is a unique blend of strength, speed, and smarts. It teaches more than just athleticism—it teaches decision-making, resilience, and teamwork in real time.

I’ve watched kids who were quiet, anxious, or unsure of themselves step onto a lacrosse field and discover a whole new side of who they are.

• The kid who never spoke up in class becomes a vocal leader on defense.
  
• The student who struggled with routine shows up early to practice every day.
  
• The teen who lacked direction finds purpose in helping younger teammates.
  

And this isn’t just anecdotal. We’re seeing better classroom behavior, improved grades, and increased parent involvement—all because of a stick, a ball, and a space where kids feel seen.

Breaking Barriers, One Stick at a Time

Let’s be honest—lacrosse hasn’t always been the most inclusive sport. For a long time, it’s been associated with elite schools and high price tags.

GALAXI is flipping that script.

We collect donated gear. We offer scholarships. We keep fees low or eliminate them altogether for families who need it. We coach in areas where organized sports often fall short, and we stay in those communities.

And our coaches? Many of them are volunteers—parents, former players, and everyday folks who care more about making a difference than making a dollar.

This isn’t about building a business. It’s about building bridges.

Curriculum Innovation: More Than Just Drills

As we grow, we’re not just expanding our reach—we’re rethinking how the sport is taught.

We’ve introduced new curriculum models that balance fundamentals, character education, and community involvement. Players don’t just learn how to dodge and pass. They learn how to lead warmups, mentor younger athletes, and talk through team values like respect and accountability.

We’re working on a new training framework that puts life skills front and center, using lacrosse as a delivery system. Because when the sticks are put down, the real goal is to send kids into the world better prepared—for school, work, and life.

Gainesville: The Perfect Launchpad

There’s a reason GALAXI is thriving in Gainesville.

This city has always had a unique spirit. We’re big enough to matter, small enough to care. With the University of Florida down the road, we’ve got a built-in passion for sports. But we’ve also got neighborhoods that need more investment, more programming, and more pathways to growth.

That’s where GALAXI lives—at the intersection of potential and purpose.

We’re proud to partner with local schools, parks departments, and civic leaders. And every time we see a new team take the field, or a parent stop by to say “thank you,” it reminds us why we started this in the first place.

Looking Ahead

The future of lacrosse in Florida is bright—and not just in the big cities. Right here in Gainesville, kids are picking up sticks for the first time every week. They’re discovering something powerful in this game. And thanks to GALAXI, they’re not just becoming better athletes—they’re becoming better people.

We’re excited to expand, to bring more schools into the fold, and to keep evolving how we teach and inspire. We’ve come a long way, but we’re just getting started.

Final Whistle

If you’ve ever wondered whether one program, one team, or one sport can change lives—come to one of our practices. Watch the kids run. Hear them laugh. See the way they support each other.

Lacrosse is booming in Florida, yes. But here in Gainesville, it’s thriving with heart.

And GALAXI? We’re proud to be right at the center of it.

The post Lacrosse is Booming in Florida: Why GALAXI Is at the Heart of It appeared first on Chip Skinner.

When people ask me why I stayed in Gainesville, I don’t give them a canned answer. I tell them the truth:

It’s not just a great place to live—it’s the kind of place that calls you to step up. To sweat, serve, and stay connected. Gainesville has this unique blend of college town energy, outdoor grit, and community spirit that keeps people like me—sports guys with civic hearts—plugged in for life.

I didn’t just grow up here. I grew into who I am here.

A Town Built on Gator Pride

If you’ve ever walked through downtown on a game day, you know what I mean when I say this city lives and breathes Gator football. But it’s not just about the wins or the roar of The Swamp. It’s about the sense of belonging. The way strangers in orange and blue high-five like old friends. The way businesses, schools, and neighborhoods all pulse in sync with the season.

That spirit of unity—the shared pride and passion—is something most cities dream about. In Gainesville, it’s built into the concrete.

Whether you’re watching the game at a dive bar or tailgating with three generations of fans, there’s a sense that this town knows how to come together.

Where the Outdoors Make You Earn It

Gainesville isn’t polished—and that’s part of its charm. It’s a town where sweat equity matters. Where you hike trails that challenge you, not cater to you. Where the lakes and springs are beautiful but demand respect.

I’ve logged countless hours fishing at Newnans Lake, kayaking Payne’s Prairie, and hiking San Felasco. I’ve coached lacrosse through heat, rain, and gnats the size of hummingbirds. And I’ve loved every minute of it.

There’s something honest about a town where you can get dirty, clear your head, and feel like you earned the sunset.

You don’t just exist in nature here—you participate in it. That kind of connection builds resilience. It reminds you to take care of what you have. And that mindset spills over into every part of life.

From the Field to the Boardroom

One thing I’ve always believed: Sports aren’t just about physical fitness—they’re about building character. And Gainesville gives you the space to put that belief into action.

I’ve coached JV and varsity lacrosse at local high schools and led youth programs through GALAXI, the nonprofit I started to grow the game in underserved communities. These kids? They’re not just learning how to cradle a stick or run a play. They’re learning how to be teammates, leaders, and responsible young men.

Gainesville makes that kind of work possible. There’s space here for grassroots programs. There’s openness to volunteers. There’s a deep bench of people willing to give time, money, and mentorship if they believe in what you’re building.

And as a member of the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority Board, I’ve taken that same energy from the field into civic service. Because around here, it’s not enough to cheer from the stands—you’ve got to help build the stadium.

A City That Welcomes Doers

What makes Gainesville different is that it doesn’t expect you to be perfect. It expects you to show up.

You don’t need a fancy title or a trust fund to make an impact. You just need a willingness to serve. Whether it’s coaching, joining a board, starting a nonprofit, or just checking on your neighbors during a storm, this town recognizes effort.

When you grow up without a lot, like I did, that matters. You don’t forget the people who said, “Hey, you’d be good at this” or “Let me help you get started.” Gainesville is full of those people.

And once you’ve been on the receiving end of that kind of support, you feel called to pass it on.

The Power of Local

In Gainesville, you get to see the ripple effects of your work. It’s not lost in a big city machine.

• A kid you coached stops you at Publix to say thanks.
  
• A neighbor on your street mentions how GRU handled a recent outage.
  
• A high schooler you mentored joins a local volunteer group because you showed them what that looks like.
  

That’s the magic. You don’t need national headlines or social media clout. You need intention, consistency, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

Gainesville is big enough to matter—but small enough that you can matter, too.

Why I’ll Keep Showing Up

I’ve lived in bigger places. I’ve traveled and seen cities with more flash and more funding. But none of them had the heart Gainesville does.

This is a place where you can watch a Gator game at noon, coach a youth practice at 3, and show up for a town hall meeting at 6. And people will recognize you at all three—not because you’re famous, but because you’re invested.

That’s what makes this the ultimate home for civic-minded sportsmen like me. It’s where passion meets purpose. Where the field meets the community center. Where service and sweat go hand in hand.

And as long as Gainesville keeps showing up for me, I’ll keep showing up for it.

The post Gator Grit: Why Gainesville Is the Ultimate Home for Civic-Minded Sportsmen appeared first on Chip Skinner.

If you know me, you probably think of me as the lacrosse coach, the nonprofit guy, or maybe even the “Twistee Treat kid.” But in 2024, I took on a very different kind of role: Board Director for Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU).

It’s a governor-appointed, unpaid position. And while I’m not in it for the money, make no mistake—it’s one of the most important and complex responsibilities I’ve ever taken on.

Public utilities aren’t flashy. You don’t see them on billboards or trending on social media. But you sure notice when the power’s out, the rates go up, or your water isn’t running.

So today, I want to pull back the curtain a bit. What does a GRU board member actually do? And why should you—yes, you—care?

GRU: More Than Just a Power Company

First off, let’s talk about what GRU actually is. It’s not just an electric company. GRU serves over 90,000 customers in Gainesville with:

• Electric power
  
• Water
  
• Wastewater
  
• Natural gas
  
• Broadband internet
  

It’s one of the few full-service municipal utilities in the country, and that means it’s locally owned and operated. We don’t answer to corporate shareholders—we answer to the people of Gainesville.

That’s where the board comes in.

What the GRU Board Actually Does

As a board member, I help oversee the entire operation. I don’t run the day-to-day (that’s the CEO’s job), but I help set direction, review performance, and ensure that the utility is serving the community’s best interest.

Here are just a few of the areas we’re responsible for:

• Budgeting: Reviewing and approving GRU’s annual budget, which runs in the hundreds of millions. We have to balance revenue with infrastructure costs, employee compensation, and long-term investments—all while keeping customer rates reasonable.
  
• Rates and Affordability: This one’s huge. We’re constantly reviewing rate structures to make sure they’re fair and sustainable. That includes evaluating electric, water, and gas rates based on usage, income level, and economic conditions.
  
• Infrastructure and Maintenance: From underground pipes to power plants, we’re talking billions of dollars in assets that need constant upkeep. One missed decision could mean major outages—or worse.
  
• Clean Energy and Climate Planning: GRU is committed to reducing carbon emissions and moving toward renewables. But we have to do that in a way that’s practical and cost-effective.
  
• Accountability: We represent the citizens. When people have concerns about billing, outages, or transparency, it’s our job to ask the tough questions and push for better service.
  

It’s Complicated… and That’s the Point

I’ll be honest—this is not an easy job. The issues we face are messy, technical, and often political. Sometimes you’re weighing environmental goals against economic realities. Other times, you’re deciding whether to approve a rate increase that helps fund critical repairs… but might burden families already struggling.

You’ve got to dig deep. You’ve got to read reports, ask tough questions, and be willing to challenge assumptions. You’ve also got to listen—not just to engineers and financial analysts, but to the people whose lights flicker during storms and who see utility bills cut into their grocery money.

Public Trust Is the Real Power

At the end of the day, GRU isn’t just about megawatts or water meters—it’s about trust.

We are stewards of a public asset. The people of Gainesville own this utility, and we’re responsible for making sure it’s run responsibly, efficiently, and with compassion.

That means being transparent. It means explaining difficult decisions. It means being available—not hiding behind titles or bureaucracy.

I don’t take that lightly.

Why It Matters to You

You might not think about your utility very often (until there’s a problem), but it plays a role in nearly everything you do:

• Turning on the AC during a Florida summer
  
• Cooking dinner with natural gas
  
• Taking a hot shower
  
• Running a small business that needs broadband
  
• Flushing the toilet
  

That’s GRU. And how well it’s managed affects your wallet, your health, and even your home’s value.

When utilities are mismanaged, people suffer. When they’re well run, they create a foundation for equity, growth, and sustainability.

Why I Serve

I didn’t get into this because I had a background in engineering or utility law. I got into it because I care about Gainesville. I care about service, transparency, and helping this city thrive.

I bring a common-sense perspective. I ask the questions regular folks would ask. I push for clarity and always keep the average resident in mind.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about people. And I’m proud to represent them on the board.

Powering Forward

Being a GRU board member isn’t glamorous. Most of the time, it’s reading, listening, and navigating complex decisions. But it’s necessary. It’s about making sure Gainesville’s backbone stays strong, resilient, and fair.

So the next time you flip on a light switch or pour a glass of water, remember—there’s a team of folks behind that moment. I’m honored to be one of them.

If you’ve got questions, concerns, or just want to understand more about how your utility works—reach out. That’s part of my job too.

And trust me: I’ll keep showing up.

The post Power and Responsibility: Inside the Role of a GRU Board Director appeared first on Chip Skinner.

If you told me 15 years ago I’d be spending my evenings on a lacrosse field shouting “Move your feet!” and “Heads up!” to a bunch of teenagers, I’d probably have laughed. I didn’t play lacrosse in high school. Back then, it wasn’t even on the radar for most Florida kids.

But life has a funny way of pulling you into things you never expected—and making them a core part of who you are.

It started when I helped out with a middle school team in Gainesville. Just a volunteer gig, nothing formal. Before long, I was coaching JV at Gainesville High, then heading up Buchholz High’s JV squad, and now, I’m the varsity head coach at Eastside High School.

Every step has been a gift. Not because I love the game (though I do), but because I’ve seen firsthand how coaching builds more than athletes—it builds people.

More Than a Game: Why Lacrosse Matters

Lacrosse is fast, physical, and strategic. It blends the endurance of soccer, the contact of football, and the finesse of basketball. But more than any of that, it’s a teacher.

And for a lot of these kids—especially in schools where sports programs don’t get a ton of resources—lacrosse becomes a lifeline.

I’ve coached kids who’ve never played an organized sport before. Some come from homes where money is tight, or there isn’t a lot of structure. Others just haven’t found “their thing” yet. But when they pick up a stick, something clicks. They start showing up early. They stay late. They learn to commit.

Suddenly, they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

Character on the Field

One of the first things I tell my players is this: Talent will get you on the field, but character keeps you there.

High school is a wild time for any teenager—full of stress, self-doubt, and pressure to fit in. Sports provide an anchor. They give structure, accountability, and a clear set of expectations.

• Be on time.
  
• Respect your teammates.
  
• Own your mistakes.
  
• Push through discomfort.
  

These lessons don’t stay on the field. They bleed into school, work, relationships—every corner of life.

I’ve watched a quiet freshman become a team captain by senior year. I’ve seen kids raise their grades just so they wouldn’t get benched. I’ve had players tell me, years later, that the discipline they learned on our muddy practice field helped them get through college or basic training.

Confidence Is Earned, Not Given

There’s nothing like watching a kid who was unsure of himself suddenly score his first goal—or make a big defensive stop—and then light up like a Christmas tree.

But it’s not just about the big plays. It’s the daily grind that really builds confidence: showing up when it’s cold, running laps when your legs ache, learning to bounce back after a tough loss.

In underserved programs, confidence can be especially hard to come by. Some of these kids have been told—explicitly or not—that they’re not cut out for greatness. Coaching gives us the chance to rewrite that story.

When you believe in a kid before they believe in themselves, and then they start to rise? There’s nothing like it.

A Team Is a Family

Some of the boys I coach don’t have much support at home. Some are dealing with tough stuff—divorced parents, working late shifts, or worse. So the team becomes a second family.

We celebrate birthdays, give rides when someone needs one, bring extra gear, or just check in when a kid’s having a rough day.

That kind of support doesn’t just come from me—it comes from the other players. We create a culture where everyone has value. No matter your background, skill level, or zip code—you belong here. You matter.

That sense of belonging? That’s what keeps kids coming back. That’s what helps them grow into leaders.

Coaching in Gainesville: The Local Challenge

Eastside High, where I coach now, doesn’t have the biggest budget or the fanciest gear. We work with what we have—and make it count.

We’re also working to make lacrosse more accessible. Through my nonprofit, GALAXI (Gainesville Area Lacrosse Inc.), we’re trying to grow the game locally and introduce it to more kids, especially those who might never have picked up a stick otherwise.

It’s not easy. But it’s worth it.

Because for every game we win, there’s a kid who’s winning something more important: a sense of purpose.

Why I Keep Showing Up

Coaching takes time. It takes patience. It takes being willing to have tough conversations, to challenge players when they want to quit, and to stand in the pouring rain running drills after a hard loss.

But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Every season, I see new growth. Not just in stats or skills—but in mindset. In heart. In character.

And when a former player comes back to shake my hand, tell me about college or a job or how they’re now coaching kids themselves?

That’s the real win.

The post Coaching the Next Generation: Building Character and Confidence Through High School Lacrosse appeared first on Chip Skinner.