Lacrosse Video Tip
Presented by Kim Russell, Camp Director
Getting To Know Kim Russell, Xcelerate Lacrosse Camp Director
Kim Russell has a wealth of experience having been a collegiate player at Division I William & Mary, and she enters her fifth season as the head coach of the Baldwin Wallace University women's lacrosse team in 2017.
Coach Russell will be directing our Nike Xcelerate Lacrosse Cleveland Camp at Baldwin Wallace this summer, July 24-27.
How many years have you been coaching lacrosse?
20+ years! Fun fact: I have started programs at the high school, youth, middle school & DIII college level! I currently coach DIII women’s lacrosse at Baldwin Wallace University where we host the Nike Xcelerate camp for girls from July 24th-27th.
What is your favorite camp drill / activity?
I love coaching the girls to move to music to help with their cradling, faking & dodging. I also love “queen of the field” ground ball wars, yoga in the Metroparks & the talent show & karaoke that have become traditions!
What do you find most rewarding about being a coach?
Watching my players develop - in every aspect of life! The realization that some of the biggest difficulties they will encounter (on the field & off) will be the stepping stones to growth.
What is one of your favorite memories of being a coach?
I have so many. Most recently, it would have to be this entire season. Watching the change in my team after a tough loss. How that loss pushed them to WANT to work harder, to be better as a team and as individuals, and to support each other in every way!
What is your most memorable experience playing the sport?
I played at the DI level in college at William & Mary. My senior year we won our conference championship & then went on to win the ECAC championship by beating Dartmouth. The win against Dartmouth & the comradery between our team & Dartmouth’s after the game was something I will never forget.
What is your favorite sport outside of lacrosse and how do you think knowledge / skills in that sport translate to lacrosse?
This is a tough one. I love playing just about any sport. I would say that I learn from watching many other sports, as well as learning about movement & holistic health. I am a certified yoga, Stand Up Paddle, Zumba & Chakra Dance instructor – so I take little bits from all different areas to add to coaching lacrosse. The importance of attitude, mental imagery, sleep, nutrition and trust/faith/belief in yourself & your team are aspects of coaching that are often overlooked.
What do you believe are the most important characteristics to improvement?
BELIEF IN YOURSELF – EVRYONE CAN IMPROVE!
What do you think is the most under appreciated skill / ability in the sport of lacrosse?
BODY & FIELD AWARENESS!
What is your go-to Nike apparel / equipment?
Dri-fit tank top & shorts!!