Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Andrew Stimmel Q&A

1. What drew you back to Marquette and what excites you about the opportunity?
Andrew Stimmel: The people of Marquette University.

2. What is your vision for the future of the Marquette University men's lacrosse program?
Stimmel: My vision is to create the most complete college lacrosse experience in the country for any player that calls Marquette home. That begins with creating the best total player development model in the country. We are going to physically develop our guys into the best athlete possible with our state-of-the art facility (Athletic & Human Performance Research Center) and first-class strength and conditioning program. Our staff is going to work diligently to create a road map for on-field success through individualized plans that provide clarity and support for our student-athletes. Off the field, we are going to utilize the tremendous academic and personal development resources Marquette offers to grow as students and people. Through this player-centric and process-focused approach, we will put ourselves in the best position to be successful.

3. What kind of impression did the 2016 season at MU make on you?
Stimmel: That season was an incredible year that was full of adversity. A few injuries, some tough losses; the entire time our guys demonstrated an elite ability to respond to that adversity in a positive way. That response was a defining moment for the program and led to our success that year.

4. What are some of your best memories from that 2016 campaign?
Stimmel: My best memory was beating Denver for our first BIG EAST title and hosting North Carolina at home (in the NCAA First Round).

5. How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
Stimmel: My goal is to be transformational from the perspective that I believe it's the greatest task that's put in front of me as a coach. I want to challenge each of our student-athletes to become the best version of themselves as students, people and players. Impacting how they act, feel & think has an ability to create purpose. From there, it's all about empowering them to set and pursue their goals.

6. What will you look for in future Marquette student-athletes?
Stimmel: We want guys that love to compete and love this game. We're looking for people who are leaders among their peers, multi-sport athletes that possess great work ethic and students who challenge themselves in the classroom.

7. You've worked with some great coaches throughout your career. What have you learned from them?
Stimmel: I'll never forget my first practice at Yale in 2013, (Yale head coach) Andy Shay was picking up balls, moving nets and picking up trash. I can remember thinking, "This guy is one of the best coaches in the country and he's doing this?" From that moment, I've always had that approach; to be a servant leader and understand we need to lead from the back as often as the front. (Former MU and current Navy head coach) Joe Amplo has always taught me the importance of loving boldly. It's helped me understand that kids don't care what you know until they know how much you care. (Ohio State head coach) Nick Myers' attention to detail and level of accountability has always been something I strive for daily.

8. Switching from the defensive side of the ball to the offensive in 2016-17, what was the biggest challenge and did your approach differ with each unit?
Stimmel: The biggest challenge is the approach to each side of the ball is drastically different. On the defensive side, bringing energy and really challenging guys to give full effort every possession/rep is a natural fit. Offensively, it's much more about empowering your guys to trust each other and trust themselves while maintaining a positive environment where failure is okay.

9. You've been in the NCAA tournament the last five years and made the last two national title games. What is the key to winning in May?
Stimmel: A lot of little things have to come together to win those big games, but in my opinion, the two biggest things are belief and trust. Once you get to that point in the season, there needs to be a foundational belief in who you are and what you are doing while trusting yourself.

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