Denise Wescott has coached all around the world. Currently, she is helping Germany get on the lacrosse map. Read about her experiences.

1. How did you get started with coaching?

   I had great mentors! I think one of the most important persons in my life was my father. He coached CYO basketball, played softball, and always was there to help family, friends, neighbors, and strangers in need. My father was killed in a car accident over 10 years ago and I still often ask myself, "What would my Dad do in this situation?" One of my first memories is going with him to a basketball game he was coaching and telling the cheerleaders I was going to be a coach someday, just like my father. At a young age, I knew I wanted to help other people and thought I would use teaching and coaching as an avenue to do so. I remember helping classmates as early as 2nd grade during gym class and at recess.

2. How did you climb the coaching ladder? Who were some of the people who helped you to get you where you are today?

   I was able to get a lot of experience and learned from other successful coaches in the field. When I was in high school, I asked the recreation league in my town to allow me to coach in the younger basketball league. I also worked at basketball camps for a gentleman named Howie Landa who really taught me how to work with people and not just X's and O's. I worked camps for him in high school, and all the way through graduate school. He was the first one to introduce me to international coaching - we had teams and coaches come in from Japan, Germany, and Belgium. He also took me over to Belgium for 2 summers to coach at camps. It was then that I really got the bug to want to coach internationally. I was amazed at how similar people are no matter where they live.

   I also had great mentors at the University of Maryland, particularly Sue Tyler, who allowed me to TA her lacrosse and field hockey classes, and Barbara Drum, our volleyball coach who allowed me to TA her basketball class. I had great women teachers at the University who served as great role models. I went right from college to working as an assistant coach for Michigan State, the Univ. of Maryland, and Penn State. I can't say enough about Sue Scheetz (Penn State) and Sue Tyler (Univ. of Maryland) who not only had me coach, but also made me do committee work, coach clinics, work summer camps, and took me to conventions. From these assistant positions I was hired at Drew University, Rutgers, and then the University of Delaware as a head coach. When I was working at the University of Delaware, Jackie Pitts (former US coach and also involved with the IFWLA) asked me to go with her to coach some camps in Japan. I had a great time, and found myself looking for other international experiences. Jackie was contacted by Germany and before I knew it, I found myself helping to get the German lacrosse program off the ground. Through Germany, I have had the opportunity to coach in England and Canada. Soon I will be going over to coach in New Zealand and also Australia.

3. As a coach, what sort of challenges have you faced? And what do you see as some of the bigger challenges the game faces?

   I think one of the toughest challenges to help the sport grow is to get coaches involved in helping other countries who are just getting started, and to get equipment to these countries too. I think it is great that the IFL and IFWLA have created the LDC (lacrosse development committee) to work on this goal. It is also hard for other countries to find quality competition. I am pleased to see that colleges are looking to travel and play other countries in competitions like the South of the Border, and are now traveling abroad more in the winter and summer.

   Also, another concern is the safety of the game and how physical the sport is becoming. Having mandatory protective eyewear and with the changing technology in women's sticks (particularly with pockets getting deeper), the game is definitely changing. There are so many people responsible for the look of the game - the coaches, umpires, players, manufacturers, and the governing bodies (IFWLA, USL, NCAA, NFHS). We must all decide where we want the sport to head. I'd like to see coaches call more fouls during practices and making sure they are teaching safe checking, shooting space, and making sure players do not shoot when players are in the way. Women's lacrosse is such a beautiful sport and we must all take a proactive role in keeping it that way.

4. Tell us a little bit about your experience coaching on an international level.

   Jackie Pitts was the person responsible for getting me involved with international coaching. I have worked with the German National program for 9 years and will be coaching them in their 2nd World Cup this summer. They have grown to 14 club teams playing in a North and South league which plays off to determine a German Champion. They are getting better because of their love for the game. They are coaching their club teams, raising money, and teaching youth. Amy McCleary (assistant coach JMU) and I go over 2 or 3 times a year to do clinics and camps. We have taken them to the European Championships each summer, and other tournaments like the Prague Cup, England/Scotland/Wales Home Internationals, and on tour.

5. What is the greatest lesson you have learned as a coach?

   Suzy Waire was elected by the team members in 1998 to serve as President/Treasurer and has served in this position since then. She played at Loyola College, graduated in 1996, and was also a Team Toyota player until 2 years ago, after tearing both Achilles.

6. Are you a member of a League? What are the advantages, disadvantages? How long is your season?

   Passion. You must have passion for the sport you teach, and passion for the individuals with whom you work. I care about the people I work with and they have all become my extended family. I think lacrosse people are bonded in a way most other sports are not. We are a close family that would do anything for each other, and to help the sport get exposure because of the love we have for it…. It's in our blood.

7. Do you have any advice for those looking to follow in your footsteps and pursue a career in coaching?

   Love what you do. I can't think of anything I'd rather do than coach lacrosse!!! I look forward to each day I am out on the field working with students/athletes. You must bring that passion with you each and everyday. You must care about the individuals you work with as athletes, students, and as people. Find strong mentors who can help you learn from their experiences, and don't be afraid to ask questions. There are lots of coaches out there that would not mind helping other coaches get better. I think it is important to stay current with the way the game is being played, know and follow the rules, and make sure you put your athletes in a safe environment. Most of all let it be fun!!!!

8. What's next for you? What are your plans for the future?

   I'll be doing more of the same! I am using this year to travel internationally to coach. This Fall I coached in Germany for one month and for a week in England. I will be going over to New Zealand and Australia for a month in January and February. I then hope to find a college coaching job next Fall and hope to continue to work with the IFWLA and LDC to spread the sport of lacrosse to as many places as possible. I hope to live long enough to see lacrosse in the Olympics!

Denise Wescott grew up in Moorestown, NJ, where she started playing lacrosse in the 7th grade. At the University of Maryland, she played four years of field hockey and was the starting goalie for the lacrosse team. After various coaching positions at schools such as Maryland, Penn State, Rutgers University, and the University of Delaware, she began to coach internationally. Her first international coaching experience was in Japan. She then went over to Germany and has been deeply involved with the development of their program over the last 9 years. She is currently traveling and putting on clinics in countries like Canada, England, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Denise can be contacted at