2/29 ILPreps: Torrey Pines’ Zissi and Haverford’s Dawson

Inside Lacrosse Podcasts

Torrey Pines coach Jono Zissi joins IL’s Dan Kaplan to discuss the preseason and upcoming game against St. Ignatius (Calif.). He reflects on the turning point in last year's season and the culture change he brought to the Torrey Pines’ program. Zissi also highlights the young talent in the pipeline and the trajectory of former player Mason Kohn, now a face-off specialist at Syracuse.
He shares the inspiring recovery story of Ryland Roach, who underwent brain surgery prior to the 2023 season, then discusses the instrumental players on the team, including Andrew Cook in goal and Matthew Mannarino on offense. He emphasizes the importance of balancing player and life development and shares his expectations for the season.
For the second half of the episode, the Haverford School (Pa.) coach Brendan Dawson joins to discuss the importance of senior leadership and the team's focus on the process of improvement. Dawson also discusses the challenging schedule and the way that some of the 2023 season unfolded. Zooming in on the 2024 Fords, he emphasizes the strength of the midfield group with players like Conner Nolen, Jack Long and William Burfeind, as well the impact that future Navy Midshipman Aydan DiRocco has on the offense.
Timestamps
Jono Zissi
2:20 Introduction and Preseason
04:31 Turning Point in Last Year's Season
06:39 Changing the Culture of Torrey Pines Program
08:31 Upcoming Game Against St. Ignatius
10:37 Young Talent in the Pipeline
12:21 Mason Kohn's Trajectory
13:44 Ryland Roach's Recovery Story
17:58 Instrumental Players in Torrey Pines Team
20:32 Matthew Mannarino’s Role on Offense
21:37 John Pryor's Fit as an Army Midfielder
22:47 Balancing Player and Life Development
24:34 Expectations for the Season
Brendan Dawson
26:10 Introduction and Preseason
27:17 Dawson's Background
32:36 Review of the 2023 Season
33:36 Winning Close Games and Focusing on the Process
36:10 Challenging Schedule and Facing Top Teams
39:50 Face-off-Rich Team and Senior Leadership
47:20 Goalie Room and Competition
49:54 Impact of Aydan DiRocco on Offense
52:03 Junior Class of Defenders
54:56 Uncommitted Players to Watch
56:32 Setting Goals for the Season