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After a successful college career, where he was a defensive starter for Mars Hill University and the program’s all-time leader in ground balls (268), Haverford men’s lacrosse coach Richard Carrington embarked on a coaching journey that would see him build two programs from the ground up. He founded the men’s lacrosse team at the Division II University Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, and later developed the Division II program at Tusculum University in Tennessee. During his tenure with Tusculum University, the team reached the Top 25 in the National Coaches Poll. It became the 2017 NCAA Division II National Statistical Champion for assists per game (8.93). His team had the highest average number of assists per game across all Division II lacrosse programs that season. Now entering his second year at Haverford, Carrington aims to build on last year’s success, where the Fords set the school record for most goals scored in a season (209) and narrowly missed out on the Centennial Conference Playoffs. I sat down with Coach Carrington to discuss his lacrosse journey, coaching philosophy, and inclusivity within the evolving lacrosse world
How did Coach Carrington get into lacrosse growing up?
For Coach Richard Carrington, lacrosse was not an instant passion. Growing up, he excelled in various sports, particularly basketball, football, wrestling, and track. He observed lacrosse from the sidelines, wondering what the appeal was. He decided to try the sport only in his sophomore year of high school, although none of his teammates looked like him. “As a freshman, I was hesitant. There were social pressures, and it felt intimidating,” Carrington recalls. But once he picked up the stick, there was no turning back. He dropped the track and committed to lacrosse, a decision that would shape his life and career. Since that pivotal decision in high school, Carrington has always been close to the sport. His love for the game grew, and he eventually transitioned from playing to coaching, with each new chapter in his lacrosse journey reinforcing his dedication.
Considering lacrosse’s transition from historical inclusivity to elitist exclusivity, what about the sport drew Coach Carrington in?
Carrington acknowledges the irony in lacrosse’s modern-day exclusivity, given its inclusive roots. The sport, rooted in the traditions of the Haudenosaunee people, was initially a game “for everybody.” Carrington appreciates this original spirit, which starkly contrasts with the developed exclusivity. Despite this, he found a deep connection with the sport, especially given the strategic similarities to basketball, his first love. “When you look at lacrosse, it’s like basketball in so many ways,” he says, noting how the tactics, techniques, and terminology overlap. This comfort level allowed Carrington to pick up the game quickly and excel at it.
Were there any experiences that reminded Coach Carrington he could not look past the color of his skin in the lacrosse world?
Carrington does not shy away from the harsh realities he’s faced as one of the few Black players and coaches in the sport. He recalls an early experience during his playing career that left a lasting impression. During a lacrosse practice, some players from the women’s team approached him, asking for the only ball he had brought to practice. Carrington kindly explained that he needed it to practice over the weekend, but one of the women’s team members responded racially insensitively: “Richard, what are you doing? You know, Black people don’t play lacrosse. You should just go run track.” That moment could have been demoralizing, but Carrington used it to fuel his journey. “It’s a moment that sticks with me, and I want to thank her because she was a huge motivator,” he says. Despite these experiences, Carrington never let the color of his skin dictate his trajectory. Instead, he turned these moments into sources of strength, proving his place in the sport and using his platform to inspire others.
How would Coach Carrington describe his coaching style, and how does he plan to incorporate his philosophies into next season?
Over the years, Carrington’s coaching style has evolved significantly. Early in his career, he focused on controlling every aspect of the game, favoring a more deliberate, half-field approach. But in recent years, he’s embraced a fast-paced, up-tempo style. “You can’t score goals that way,” he says of his earlier coaching methods. Now, Carrington emphasizes transition play, which helped his Haverford team set a school record for goals last season.
Carrington’s philosophy continues evolving as he prepares for his second year at Haverford. He is focused on fundamentals, but wants his players to have a voice in shaping the team’s systems. “This year, we’re going to ask the players to experiment with different systems,” Carrington explains. The goal is to build a more dynamic and flexible approach, with the players exercising more agency over their game.
Coach Carrington is known for being one of the best motivational speakers on campus. What advice would he give his teenage self after the high school girls’ lacrosse team belittled him?
Carrington’s reputation as a motivational speaker among his teams is well-earned. When asked what he would say to his teenage self after the painful experience of being belittled by his high school’s girls’ lacrosse team, his answer is clear: “Set a goal and stick to it.” He acknowledges that the path will be difficult, especially when facing hurdles and doubts. He speaks from experience, reflecting on his obstacles as a Black lacrosse player and coach in a sport where many did not expect him to succeed. Carrington emphasizes the importance of persistence. “You’ll face hurdles, but don’t run from them. Don’t go around them. Go through them,” he advises. He knows firsthand that many people wanted to see him fail, but he became more determined instead of letting those voices dictate his path. “Every hurdle you defeat makes you stronger,” he says, stressing that success comes not from avoiding challenges but embracing and overcoming them. In Carrington’s eyes, those moments of doubt and resistance shape who you are. “Eventually, people will look at you and say, ‘That’s the most determined person I know.’” He also clarifies that he is not just offering encouragement from afar—he is there to celebrate every victory with those facing similar challenges. “I’ll be the first to applaud when you accomplish your goal,” he says with a smile.
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