Carolyn Sumcizk-Morales enters her fifth year of coaching with FLG. She first began coaching following her collegiate lacrosse career at Marist, where she helped the red foxes to their first NCAA tounament. Now, she looks to continue with FLG’s 2027 Navy Team while doubling as Locust Valley High School’s varsity head coach.
Q: What is your favorite part about coaching the next generation of lacrosse?
A: Being able to have an impact on the people they become and teaching them things about life through lacrosse.
Q: What inspired you to begin coaching and stay a part of the lacrosse community post-college?
A: Lacrosse has been a major part of my life and I wouldn’t be the person I am if I did not play it growing up. So having the opportunity to continue to be apart of it and share what I have learned and my passion is motivating.
Q: During your time at Marist, what was the most valuable lesson you learned about the sport of lacrosse?
A: Discipline
Q: How does coaching the Locust Valley varsity team differ from coaching FLG’s 2027 team?
A: Different focus, group of players, strengths and weaknesses.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from either a former coach or fellow coaching staff?
A: Mindset is everything. It’s ok to fail, but change your mindset to accept the challenge of doing things that are difficult and becoming stronger and smarter in order to find success later. You can’t win if you never fail.
Q: When you’re not playing or coaching on the field, what’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
A: Hanging out with my daughter Madison, my son Matthew and family
Q: Are there any particular coaches, former teammates or professional players you keep in mind when coming up with drills or plays?
A: College coach, childhood coach, Geno Auriemma- work to players strengths and plan according to what we do best as a team. Pat Summit- let the players have more a say but push them to get better as people and not just players.
Q: When pressure’s on, what does your go-to pep-talk sound like in the huddle?
A: Dig deep, trust your teammates. Leave everything on the field. Nothing can replace effort.
Q: What’s your personal favorite sports memory?
A: Winning the MAAC championship against Fairfield. It was the first time Marist College ever won the championship in lacrosse. The journey to get there that season will be something I will never forget!!
Q: Lastly, what do you look forward to most about the upcoming season?
A: Being on the field again and coaching with my sister. Getting back into the sport I love and just being involved in the game.
