April 19, 2018
Presented by Chelsea Conley, Camp Director
Getting To Know Chelsea Conley Xcelerate Lacrosse Camp Director
Chelsea Conley has a wealth of experience having been a collegiate player at Western Michigan University, and she begins her fifth season as head women's lacrosse coach at Ohio Wesleyan University.
Coach Conley will be directing our camps this summer at Northern Kentucky University, June 11-14 and at Ohio Wesleyan University, June 4-7.
How many years have you been coaching lacrosse?
Thirteen: high school, club, and college
What is your favorite camp drill/activity?
I love the Four v Three Box Drill. It forces defense to move quickly and make smart decision. Offensively you get to move the ball fast and look for a quick shot. Goalies get to work on communication, look for interceptions, and forces them to move across the cage as fast as possible.
What do you find most rewarding about being a coach?
I really enjoy watching student athletes develop. On and off the field, it has been a wonderful experience seeing an athletes growth through the years.
What is one of your favorite memories of being a coach?
I was coaching a high school game. It was a very competitive game and it was tied. We had already had a three hour game delay, but because it was a Friday night we still played. It was raining so hard, and as the draw was set, it was so beautiful. Completely dark except for the lights on the field, and everyone was standing still. It was a perfect moment, and it will forever be in my mind.
What is your most memorable experience playing the sport?
I can't think of a specific example, but I will say my teammates through the years were always the best part of playing. They have always been my best friends on and off the field, and I knew I could always rely on them.
What is your favorite sport outside of lacrosse and how do you think knowledge/skills in that sport translate to lacrosse?
I would have to say basketball. I never actually played, but my husband coaches, and I watch a lot of basketball now. The defensive movement of a basketball player can easily be adapted to the lacrosse field. Body positioning, 1v1's, and understanding zone defense make a basketball player a perfect crossover athlete.
What do you believe are the most important characteristics of improvement?
Being coachable, and repetition. You need to be able to make adjustments, and then practice, practice, practice!
What do you think is the most under-appreciated skill/ability in the sport of lacrosse?
I believe being a goal keeper is the most under-appreciated skill. They have a lot of responsibility, and also need to lead a team at the same time. It takes someone who is strong minded, and has the ability to reset after a goal to be in that position, and I have a lot of respect for those athletes.
What is your go-to Nike apparel/equipment?
My Nike Tennis shoes. I have a pair of Nike's for just about every occasion!