Riser Lacrosse Podcast

DJ Batton grew up in Montana and moved to NC at the age of 9. He attends Apex High School, class of 2021, and has committed to play lacrosse at Mercer. Batton has Type 1 Diabetes which requires extra physical and mental preparation before, during and after lacrosse practices and games. Batton credits his amazing Apex High School Coaches and Coach Maddox from Madlax Capital where he plays Club Lacrosse for helping him continue to improve and reaching milestones on the lax field. Going into OT against 3D New England last summer at the NLF Championship Tournament at UMASS was a game Batton highlights from last summer. Covid-19 has put the brakes on everyone’s spring lacrosse season. However Batton commits to training everyday and working a little harder physically and mentally to improve lacrosse IQ and breaking down game film. 3 pieces of advice for those aspiring to play at the next level 1) watch as much lacrosse as possible. 2) hit the wall. Work on your weaknesses. 3) put in the work on the field and in the classroom. You play like you practice.

How many D1 lacrosse players can you name from Alabama? Not many names rolling off your tongue but the sport is gaining in popularity and is on a growth spurt like 6’7” defenseman Pierce Dalton who grew up in Homewood, Alabama and has committed to play for Drexel starting this fall ((2020)). Nick Fields, who played for Hopkins was one of Pierce’s favorite players to watch growing up. Admired his athleticism, stick skills and insane checks. Pierce will no doubt leave his mark at the D1 level as he’s mentally, physically and academically prepared himself to be collegiate athlete. His advice to rising lacrosse players: Wall ball and stick work. Study the game. Take care of yourself as an athlete. Do BIG things Pierce!

Morgan grew up just north of Syracuse University and started playing lacrosse in 2nd grade. Morgan really started to focus on the sport in the 8th grade when those around her said she’d never be any good. Wow did she use that as motivation where practice, wall ball and work ethic all became habits that propelled Morgan into a top D1 prospect. She recognizes the influence and guidance of her dad who was always there to help in a positive way. He was a big reason Morgan has become the person and player she is today. While she always aspired to play for Syracuse, she looked at several schools including Notre Dame but SU’s Sports Broadcasting program, proximity to home and their world class facilities were all sound reasons to commit to SU. When it comes to the recruiting process, Morgan shares 3 key insights. 1) Academics need to be the #1 focus as Student comes before Athlete in Student-Athlete. 2) Make sure the coaching staff matches your style of play. And 3) Consider all the facilities and which option financially suits you best. Morgan has had several significant knee injuries but her mindset has always been extremely positive. “Minor setback for a major comeback!” Even though Morgan had a recent knee injury that prohibits her from playing she is still very much an integral part of the team. She has set her career sights on Broadcasting and we know we will see her on the field doing high profile college football games very soon. #blessed

Kara Mupo is currently an assistant coach for Ohio State’s Women’s Lacrosse team and prior to that had coaching roles at Stanford and Stony Brook. A former member of the US Women’s National Team, Mupo plays professionally for the WPLL’s New England Command where she led the league in goals in their inaugural season. A two-time National Champion as a player at Northwestern in 2011 and 2012, she helped the Wildcats to four consecutive Final Four appearances. A native of Rocky Point, NY Mupo emphasizes the Student in the student athlete earning a BS in Human Development and Psychological Services from Northwestern in 2014 followed by a Master’s in Sports Administration in 2015. If Mupo could pick her dream team she’d start with Michelle Tumolo from Syracuse, Team USA and WPLL. And she would select Bridget Bianco, former Northwestern standout. Kara’s advice to Rising Athletes: 1) Be present in whatever you’re doing. 2) communicate and 3) Have fun and enjoy everything lacrosse offers.

Shawn and Zach are teammates at Southern Virginia University Men’s Lacrosse Team. Both have been playing since they were young and truly appreciate all that Lacrosse has done for them and what it means to them. Shawn had an opportunity to work for the Premier Lacrosse League during its inaugural season in 2019 and traveled to every city where the teams played throughout the summer. He interacted with and watched and learned from great players like Trevor Baptiste, Jake Richard and Ned Crotty. Work ethic and level of skill were two things that Shawn will never forget while working for the PLL. Lacrosse created an amazing bond between Zach and his dad. They collectively devoted a ton of time to the game and Zach’s dad would make him do push-ups as punishment which Zach finally realized was only making him stronger and more disciplined as an athlete. Zach admires the way Rob Pannel trains and plays and like Rob works on stick skills and ball handling constantly. Advice from both players “find your passion and attack it.”

Taylor Cummings-the only athlete to have earned the Tewaaraton Award three times playing for the University of Maryland for the legendary coach, Cathy Reese. Coach Reese has had a profound impact on Cummings as a player, as a student, as business owner and overall as a person. “If you win in the locker room; you win on the field.” Care about the success of the team. Teamwork is so important. Michael Jordan once said “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” Cummings is still very active in the lacrosse community following her storied career at Maryland. She plays for Team USA; is a player on the WPLL team the New York Fight; she’s head coach for her High School Alma Mater, McDonogh School; and is the founder and CEO of Taylor Cummings Lacrosse. Cummings is knowledgeable, experienced and driven. #growthegame

University of Utah D1 commit, Luke Schiffers, discusses the importance of work ethic, dedication, preparation and wall ball. Luke started playing lacrosse at an early age and has played for really strong club programs such as Denver Elite, Colorado Outlaws/Team 91 and has the privilege this summer of playing for the Russian National Lacrosse team. Luke will graduate from Conifer High School in 2021 and continue his education and lacrosse career at Utah.

Year one of the Premier Lacrosse League is in the books and RJ shares some insights into what’s in store for Year 2 and beyond. As the social and digital voice for the PLL, if RJ could build out his dream team using only current PLL players, his top 3 picks are Trevor Baptiste, Matt Rambo and Connor Thor Farrell. Lacrosse has NEVER had so much media coverage as it has today and playing lacrosse professionally is now a thing. The sport continues to grow in popularity and companies, like Ice Breakers, are investing in the PLL via corporate sponsorships. The future is bright!

Preston and Will, teammates from Utah Valley University’s lacrosse program share how they got their passion for the game of lacrosse. They discuss their individual keys to success which include commitment, trusting the process, learning from failures and making academics the priority. Asked who their favorite pro players are and Will says he really likes the way Chris Cloutier plays and Preston shares a jersey number with Rob Pannell. Here’s to UVUs continued momentum as AD1 MCLA program that is absolutely in the rise!

Trevor Tierney has grown up around lacrosse his whole life. His dad, Coach Bill Tierney, has said “if you want to be successful you have to build a great culture.” In this podcast Trevor shares his insights on lacrosse recruiting, player preparation, the importance of lacrosse IQ and athleticism. Trevor also builds his dream team consisting of lacrosse greats such as Gary Gait, any of the Powell brothers and Dave Pietramala.

Kylie Ohlmiller grew up on Long Island, NY and played multiple sports including basketball, volleyball and lacrosse. Her parents and younger sister are all great athletes and when Kylie picked up a lacrosse stick in 3rd grade she immediately loved the sport knowing that there was always room for creativity and a desire to push herself to get better everyday. Her parents and younger sister were inspirational mentors who instilled a keen sense of drive and motivation. Coach Joe Spallina, Head Coach for Stony Brook women’s lacrosse knew Kylie was going to be a special lacrosse player and instilled that confidence in her to become a 4x All-American; 2x Tewaaraton Finalist; 2x America East Conference Offensive Player of the year; and the NCAA record holder for both single season and career points and assists. Kylie now plays for the WPLL NY Fight; she’s a New Balance athlete; a global lacrosse ambassador; and an entrepreneur and founder of KO17 Lacrosse!!

Gavin Bibik is entering his freshmen year at Valor Christian HS where he’s currently playing football and plans to play lacrosse in the spring. He has been blessed to have some amazing coaches through the years of playing lacrosse in Denver including Matt Brown, John Gallant, Kenny Crowley, Wes Berg and Colton Jackson. Emulating elements of Colton’s game and borrowing some of Colton’s work ethic has allowed Gavin to play at an elite level. He recognizes his parents as his mentors and calls out Eric Pacheco as a friend and mentor who also helped Gavin while he was sick. Gavin was diagnosed in January of 2019 with Hodgkins Lymphoma. The local lacrosse community including Denver Elite/LXTC/Colorado Mammoth and many individuals, friends and family members rallied behind Gavin during months of chemotherapy and medical treatments. Cancer fought Gavin but Gavin fought back and won!! Gavin was recently given a clean bill of health by his doctors and is now Cancer free!! Ask Gavin for advice and this wise teenager will say “Enjoy life. Have fun. Be happy. Make a lot of friends. Work hard!” You are a role model for us all Gavin.

Megan Zeman grew up in Denver, attended Mullen High School, and started playing lacrosse in 7th grade because her best friend was playing. After serious consideration of other top lacrosse programs like Ohio State, Maryland and Syracuse, Megan chose to stay in Denver and play lacrosse for the Pioneers. Her most memorable experience while playing at DU was the championship loss to Stanford. Both winning and losing provide opportunities for growth, reflection and progress. Coach Zeman talks about why confidence is so important both on and off the field. Players need to know that in order to get better taking risks and not allowing a mistake to deplete your confidence is super important. Push yourself to be a student is the game. Remember why you play the game. There’s not one single way to get to the next level. Academics must be a priority. Be careful and cognizant is your social profile. Great advice coach Z!!

Kiywii, Digital Creator, More Wall Ball equals be your best and push yourself and those around you to be their best

One More Rep Mindset applies whether you're an aspiring athlete, a student or firmly cemented in your career.

Josh Melton, All American attacker playing for Salisbury University credits his Dad for being a great mentor and instilling a strong work ethic.

Matt Bocklet shares what separates good players from great players. Control what you can control.

Dempsey Arsenault-WPLL athlete has a strong work ethic that has propelled her to be one of the best.

John Gallant, former professional box lacrosse player with the Colorado Mammoth shares how you have to take advantage of every opportunity you're given.

Don't be afraid to fail. Learn from it. Growth comes from failure and trying new things.