Coaching Rye is an occasional feature to meet the people that coach the student athletes of Rye. Often teachers as well, these coaches spent afternoons, evenings and weekends on fields, courts, courses and other venues helping our athletes be their best.
Today, meet Steve Lennon, head coach for Rye High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse.
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Your name: Steve Lennon
Teams: Head Coach, Rye High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse. Also Modified Boys Soccer (Red) Head Coach
MyRye.com: What year did you begin coaching varsity lacrosse?
Lennon: November 2016. I had previously coached for four years as the head JV coach at Lakeland/Panas, and then the head Varsity coach at Eastchester High School before coming to Rye.
What made you want to become a coach, and how has your “why” evolved over the years?
Lennon: I was always in love with sports, and I think I had a knack for the cerebral side of the game. When I was in college I had my first taste of coaching, and was absolutely hooked from the start. I think my “why” has evolved a lot over the years. Enjoying the competition and connecting with my players has always been a big part of why I coach. But I think trying to build meaningful relationships, and help develop high character people is what really gives me joy.
Do you coach anywhere else besides Rye High School?
Lennon: For the past 8 years I have helped coach Rye youth lacrosse, and I also Coach club lacrosse for the Westchester Predators 2027AA. As of this Spring I am an assistant coach for my son Liam’s 4 year old Briarcliff Soccer team (which is my favorite coaching job!).
Did you play sports in high school or college?
Lennon: I played Varsity lacrosse (attack) and soccer (midfield) at Lakeland High School. We won sectional titles in both sports while I was a player there. I played club lacrosse at SUNY Cortland. My coaches and teammates throughout my career helped me grow as a man. I still play lacrosse in men’s leagues to this day, and I wouldn’t be the person I am without those experiences and lessons learned through sport.
Who was the coach or mentor that shaped your own philosophy, and how?
Lennon: My dad (Tim Lennon) was my soccer coach growing up. He is the foundation on which my coaching philosophy is built. He made sports fun, taught us how to be great teammates, and tried to help us develop as players and leaders. It wasn’t about being good now, it was about how he could help us become great later on.
What makes a great student athlete in Rye?
Lennon: I believe the players that work hard everyday (especially in the off-season), try to be the best teammates possible, and focus on being well rounded student athletes are what makes them great in Rye.
Is there a favorite tradition, chant, or team saying that outsiders wouldn’t understand?
Lennon: My favorite tradition that’s been carried on by the Rye lacrosse team is sweeping the locker room. After reading a book called “Legacy” about the New Zealand All Blacks, our teams started to clean and take care of the locker room. Throughout the season and after games you will now see all of the varsity lacrosse players sweeping/cleaning the field house.
What’s one stat that doesn’t show up in the box score but matters to you the most?
Lennon: Shot back-ups is that stat that I think means the most and isn’t posted in lacrosse box score. When a shot is taken in lacrosse, whoever is closest to where the ball went out on the endline/sideline as it goes out, gets the ball. These are “free” possessions, and you work hard and value that idea, it can help you win games.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received — as a coach or a person?
Lennon: “Take things one day at a time”. If you are thinking too much about the past or the future, it’s easy to miss really amazing opportunities. Some things that feel so out of reach, can become possible if you just take care of what’s right in front of you.
What do you do to reset after a tough loss or a hard day?
Lennon: Going home and spending time with my family is how I reset. They bring me back to the present, and help me remember what’s really important.
What’s a coaching moment you’ll never forget — good or bad?
Lennon: I think the most important moment for me as a coach was when we lost my first sectional championship in overtime. It was devastating, but it really drove me to try to improve my craft. I think without that loss I could have become stagnant, and felt like I was “good enough”.
Thanks Coach!
