Q&A with St. Mary's New Coach Lisa Valentine
from a Capital Athletic Conference press
release
Lisa Valentine is the newest coach in the Capital Athletic
Conference. She joined the St. Mary's College (Md.) staff in
mid-December – just a month before her new team's first
practice for the 2011 season – after serving as an assistant
coach at Washington (Md.) College and a strong playing career at
the University of Maryland. The CAC welcomes Coach Valentine
– this week's INTRODUCING ... featured conference member.
What is your background in the sport you
coach?
Growing up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I was forced to make
my own path in the lacrosse world. Despite living just minutes from
Annapolis, a city rich in lacrosse tradition, I helped pioneer
women's lacrosse on Kent Island. I joined the new youth league
where I learned the game I grew to love, from coaches that were
learning the game as well. My lacrosse career continued at Kent
Island High School, a new public school that fielded only one team
during my freshman year. At the time, making that roster was the
biggest accomplishment of my life. Who would have known what great
things were ahead of me in my lacrosse career? I am very grateful
for my experience as a member of the women's lacrosse team at the
University of Maryland. In addition to playing for a highly
decorated coaching staff, I played alongside and against the best
lacrosse players in the world. It was my time at Maryland that
inspired me to pursue a career in coaching. My collegiate coaching
career began at Washington (Md.) College, where I served as the
Senior Assistant and Recruiting Coordinator for two and half years.
It is with great pride that I take over as the Head Coach at St.
Mary's College of Maryland, a program rich in lacrosse
tradition.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Although the majority of my time at St. Mary's College has been
spent in the office or on the lacrosse field preparing for the
upcoming season, I am greatly looking forward to spending time down
at the waterfront this spring. Growing up on the Eastern Shore, the
water has always been close to my heart. I am excited to experience
life on the St. Mary's River!
What is the most important societal issue facing college
students?
The most important societal issue facing college students is the
current job market. It is important now more than ever for college
students to begin building a network. They must start this process
early by making connections during internships and summer jobs.
If you could change any one item in the world (in your
personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports,
national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how
would you do it?
If I could change any one item in the world I would ask for a cure
for cancer. Although it is a quite a task to ask for, I believe it
is something that is close to the hearts of so many people
including myself. To do my part, I participate in several
fundraisers for cancer research each year. This season the St.
Mary's College women's lacrosse team will be raising money
specifically for breast cancer research during our annual Pink
Game.
What was your major in college, and what is the most
important thing you learned in that discipline?
I majored in Economics at the University of Maryland. I would have
to say that the most important thing I learned in that discipline
is that the economy goes in cycles. When times are tough, you must
hold on long enough for it to turn around!
Other than your family members, who was the most
influential person in your life?
The most influential person in my life was Mrs. Friedman, my high
school math teacher. Not only was she a brilliant math teacher, she
taught me the importance of being confident. Mrs. Friedman
encouraged me to see myself as an accomplished student and a
talented athlete. By finally believing in myself, I was able to
pursue my dreams and achieve success.
If you could give one piece of advice to elementary
school children, what would that advice be?
Be Yourself – it is much easier than pretending to be someone
you are not.
What is your favorite form of
entertainment?
My favorite form of entertainment is attending sporting events. I
love going to football, basketball, baseball and hockey games. I
enjoy cooking out before the games and hanging out with great
friends.
Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what
is your favorite sports person or team?
I am an avid football fan, and although my heart lies with the
Baltimore Ravens, Brett Favre will always be one of my favorite
professional athletes. I believe that he is a true athlete that
continues to love the sport of football and lives for the
competition. Favre demonstrated each week his mental and physical
toughness, both traits to be admired in an athlete.
Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or
dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?
Lately, I have been wishing for the chance to have dinner with my
graduating class of lacrosse players from Maryland - Delia Cox,
Brooke Magnesun and Molly McCourt, who is coaching lacrosse in
Germany. The four of us have not all been together since
graduation!
