Head Coach Gary Gait on Fall Practice
Head Coach Gary Gait Quotes
September 30, 2008
On getting back onto the field:
“It’s nice getting back on the field and getting the bitter taste of a loss out of the mouth. We’re back on the field, we have a new group of players. I think everyone is just thrilled and excited to get back at it and prepare for a new year.”
On what he is stressing to the players at this time in the year:
“We want to continue to develop skills so we can be more complex on offense and defense. You really need to raise that skill level. We’re also working on confidence – you need to be confident heading into the spring and you can become confident by raising your skill level. So, it all works together. We have a whole new group of young players that we have to try and elevate their level of play in a short six-week time. Hopefully we’ll get that done.”
On his approach in his second year:
“I feel a lot better about where we arr. Starting out right now, I feel a lot more confident and I understand what their capabilities are. I think we’re starting at a much higher skill level than last year, they’ve learned a lot and come a long way. I feel pretty good about where we are, but we still have a ways to go.”
On using the loss in last year’s Final Four as motivation:
“My approach to motivating is to try and create a self-motivation and have it come from within. I also talk about acting and living your daily life as a champion. I think you can use Northwestern as an example of how to act and do what they do. They are the champions so it’s a good. Hopefully it’ll raise each player’s inner-drive to become better.”
On the mentality of the season:
“I’m trying to convince the players that you shouldn’t be happy with just getting to the Final Four. You’re two games short of what it’s all about and they’re starting to buy in. They’re starting to understand what it takes to win those two games and the type of player you have to be. “
On the Stars & Stripes Laxfest:
“Laxfest is an incredible event for upstate women’s lacrosse and girl’s lacrosse. To have the U.S. National team come in and have the chance to play the best players in the world is a great opportunity for us to develop as players and as Syracuse Lacrosse. For the kids in high school and the recreational players that come out to watch these players, they’ve never been here before and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them. Hopefully everyone comes out and supports it. We’re going to have lots of fun and it’ll be a great time.”
