FLG girl’s 2023 head coach, Lauren Lomonaco, also doubles as head coach for Syosset High School girls team. The CW Post grad is a Massapequa native and is also the assistant director of the girls program at the Long Island Lacrosse Academy. Lomonaco herself is an all-county and all-American player who hopes to pass on her wisdom and skills to the next generation of girls in the sport of lacrosse.
Q: What is your favorite part about coaching the next generation of lacrosse?
A: The sport itself has grown so much over the years especially the girls game. I’m all about Girl Power so it is fun to watch the young athletes grow to love the game and find confidence within themselves while playing. They have so much to learn and they have so many opportunities now with travel teams, tournaments, box and training sessions. When I played there was only ONE travel team for the entire island! Now the opportunities are endless and I am so happy to be a part of their learning and growing process.
Q: What inspired you to begin coaching?
A: Since the moment I put a lacrosse stick in my hand in the 7th grade I fell in love with the game. I had the best HS and College experience and I wanted to give that back to other athletes and share my experiences with them and hope to provide the same. I am extremely competitive so being able to compete as a coach is so fun. Making lifelong connections with my players and watching them achieve their goals and play at the next level is one of the best things about coaching.
Q: During your time at LIU Post what was the most valuable lesson you learned about being an athlete?
A: Cherish your time being a part of a team. There is nothing more special and rewarding. Put the work in whenever you can and encourage your teammates to do the same. Learn positive self talk because if you’re not hearing it from your coach you have to learn how to self- motivate. In college not everyone is going to pat you on the back. You’re there to work. Listen, learn, and hold yourself accountable. Show up with a growth mindset and positive attitude and don’t let anything or anyone stop you. I had such an amazing college experience ending in an undefeated senior year and National Championship title. It was after 4 years of ups and downs but as a group of seniors we persevered and decided we’d lead with that type of attitude.
Q: How does coaching the Syosset team differ from coaching your FLG team?
A: I love them both! I approach both teams with the same philosophy. As young woman I want them to walk onto the field and feel empowered and confident. Teaching them that making mistakes is okay and they happen but work hard in adjusting to what is needed.. Syosset I’ve been a part of for the last 14 years building and growing the program. It has been an awesome experience and I’ve been fortunate to coach some of the best players that have come through the program in its history. FLG I’ve been a part of the last 3 years and it has been so fun building my 2023 team with the same mindset I try to instill in my Syosset girls.
Q: When you’re not playing or coaching on the field, what’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
A: I love beach volleyball and cooking. I live on the beach and need competition in my life so I really enjoy playing doubles or competitive 4’s. I also love making new recipes. Very therapeutic and delicious!
Q: When pressure’s on, what does your go-to pep-talk sound like in the huddle?
A: I recently watched a video of the Duke women’s basketball coach talking about competing. She mentioned she can teach the skill work but can’t teach players how to be competitive. That comes from within. Every ground ball, every 50/50 play, heart and hustle those are my go to words. Competition comes from within and they’ve got to feel the fire and get out there and fuel every play and most importantly do it for each other. There’s no better feeling than being a part of a team. Once a team truly understands that concept they can accomplish anything.
Q: What’s your personal favorite sports memory?
A: My personal favorite memory was in the National Champion game which was also Mother’s Day and my college graduation day (we missed the ceremony to play). I scored the 2nd goal of the game and when I got back to the center circle to take the draw I pointed up to the crowd at my mom. She’s the main reason for everything I’ve accomplished in my life and that one moment was really special to us. I attached the video.
Q: Lastly, what do you look forward to most about the upcoming season?
A: Getting back on the field!! Growing both my Syosset program and my FLG squad. And seeing them put everything together that they have been learning and working so hard for over the last year. With all the disappointment I can’t wait to see them persevere through it. And get back to playing the sport they love and COMPETING!
