This is Drew Goff’s first year as the head coach with the Haven boys lacrosse team, but his expertise in the sport and his familiarity with Haven is paying off.

Goff was a 2011 graduate from Haven, where he was the captain of the boys lacrosse team. He then played lacrosse at Franklin and Marshall in Lancaster. After graduating, he came back to the area and started coaching at Haven Youth Lacrosse. 

“So after college, I was just looking for something to do, and I texted a family friend that I knew had kids that were still in the district, and told him I was looking to do something and volunteer, so he got me reconnected with the program,” Goff said.

Although this is Goff’s first year as the head coach, he has been involved in Haven’s high school lacrosse program for eight years as the offensive assistant and later defensive coordinator. This year, Goff has been working to improve the commitment level on the team. 

“That’s kind of been our driving goal, trying to get people back committed to the team,” Goff said. “We had a spring break trip where we took everybody to the Jersey Shore…doing off-season stuff. Just making it a year round team even if it’s not a year round commitment.”

The players notice a change in commitment level with Goff as head coach. Senior captain Robbie Valcich explains that the players’ accountability has increased this year. At the same time, Goff provides different incentives to boost team spirit.

“One thing fun we do is every once in a while, we have a celebration practice where we compete in drills and you get bonus points if you celebrate after, which kind of just brings up good vibes in practice and makes it more enjoyable and more light hearted,” Valcich said.

On the field, the team motto is “EAT,” standing for energy, attitude, and toughness. Every day, Goff encourages the players to improve the things they can control. 

“I don’t care if you drop a pass, but as long as you drop it and then you’re going 100 miles an hour trying to pick up the ground ball,” Goff said.

The practice agenda usually changes each day. The team starts with a lap around the field, stretching, and stick work. This is followed by offense versus defense scrimmaging and other competitive drills. Goff appreciates that high school sports offer many opportunities both in practices and games for the team to bond and grow off each other.

“I feel like we really get to teach the kids when we are part of a high [school team] versus if you’re doing one of those club teams,” Goff said. “[With the club teams] you’re kind of coaching through stuff, hoping it all works out. So, that’s probably my favorite part, getting to be around the guys every day, working every day.”

Senior captain Quentin Fromal is among the players who recognize Goff’s effort to strengthen the team unity, and the benefits that result from it as their season continues.

“One thing I do love about him is how he’s kind of bringing our lacrosse community closer together,” Fromal said.