---
title: Lessons from Coach John Danowski
description: Join us for insights from legendary Duke lacrosse Coach John Danowski on education, multi-sport participation, character, and coaching in our first podcast episode.
image: https://www.1stclasslax.com/hubfs/Blogs/FCL-Blog-men-1.jpg
---
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2 min read
# Lessons from Coach John Danowski
[ Deemer Class](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/deemer-class-bornbaltimore-md-deemer-has-playedthe-highest-levels-of-the-game-professionally-division-1-and-the-most-elite-high-school-conferencethe-country-deemer-is-widely-r) : Published October 19, 2024 Updated October 26, 2026
This was a big week for us at FCL as we launched the very first episode of our podcast with legendary Duke coach, John Danowski.
## Thoughts from Coach Danowski
In our first ever podcast [episode](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHSVyhbWxdM&t=11s), we had the honor of hosting **Coach John Danowski**, the iconic lacrosse coach from Duke University. He is heading into his 18th season at Duke and has coached college lacrosse over 40 years. He shared valuable advice for both parents of student-athletes and young coaches navigating their own journey. Here are some of the standout lessons we want to pass on to you.
### A Few Takeaways for Parents & Players
### 1. Prioritize education
Coach Danowski is adamant that academics should always come first. He encourages student-athletes to challenge themselves academically, opting for tough courses like honors and AP classes when appropriate. His message to parents: **"Academics will separate your child from others."**
### 2. Stay a multi-sport athlete
According to Coach Danowski, it’s essential for athletes to play multiple sports instead of specializing in just one. He believes this builds well-rounded athletes and helps avoid burnout. **"You only have one chance to experience high school sports in its entirety – make the most of it,"** he says.
> "Our best players in our sport were multi-sport athletes, there's no doubt." 🗣️🔥[@DukeMLAX](https://twitter.com/DukeMLAX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) head coach John Danowski sharing why it's so crucial to be a multi-sport athlete in the sport of lacrosse 🥍🏀🏈 [pic.twitter.com/MdLQ53NXzJ](https://t.co/MdLQ53NXzJ)
>
> — First Class Lacrosse (@firstclasslax\_) [October 15, 2024](https://twitter.com/firstclasslax_/status/1846184279509709166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
### 3. Character key
More than just sports skills, Coach Danowski emphasizes the importance of being a good person. He encourages athletes to focus on serving others, staying coachable, and learning to lead through service. A huge advocate of disconnecting from social media, he warns, **"No one regrets not watching enough TikTok on their deathbed."**
### 4. There's more than division 1
While playing Division 1 lacrosse is a goal for many, Coach Danowski assures parents and players that there are incredible opportunities in Division 2 and 3 as well. **"Find the right fit,"** he says, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right academic and social environment over prestige.
For Young Coaches: At the end of the podcast, Coach Danowski shared some advice for aspiring and young coaches:
- **Trust Your Gut:** Your coaching style should align with your own values. **"Be authentic to yourself,"** he says. Success in coaching comes from staying true to who you are and what you believe.
- **Commit Fully:** Half-hearted efforts won’t cut it. **"Be all in, or not at all."** Full commitment to your players, your program, and your own growth as a coach is key to making a lasting impact.
This episode is packed with lessons for parents, athletes, and coaches alike, and we hope you find value in it for your own lacrosse journey. Watch the full episode on [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0d1aPwXWUDGKzEAaG3QKWy), [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-danowski-on-his-coaching-career-empowering-student/id1769022707?i=1000672690488) or [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHSVyhbWxdM) here.
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