After writing about my initial discovery of present-day Lacrosse at Cornell in Part One, Part Two captures a heartwarming experience that unfolded through an incredible process. It involved a fabulous coach and staff, star players and teammates, families, alumni and their loved ones—all coming together as the sport showcased itself beautifully in two games played in the most ideal setting imaginable.
What started as casual curiosity on my part quickly became something much more meaningful. I found myself diving deeper into the schedule, immersing myself in the team culture, and beginning to understand the fierce level of competition these players faced. At first, I was simply checking scores and reading about results after the fact. But soon, I was watching the games on my phone, streaming games live and getting caught up in every play.
As the tournament progressed, something special happened. When Hofstra hosted games on Long Island, I could feel the stakes rising. Then came the final two games held in an NFL stadium. The scale, the atmosphere, the sheer magnitude of it all—it was beyond amazing.
Sitting and watching the action below, I was absolutely amazed at the raw intensity and controlled aggression on display. Every movement seemed purposeful, every play executed with precision. I could actually see the "Three A's Framework" being brought to life at the highest possible level—it wasn't just theory anymore, but athletic poetry in motion.
This was elite competition, and in the end Cornell won in a fashion that can only happen when everyone involved in the process buys in completely. It was for me the perfect embodiment of the Three A's Framework:
Awareness
The unwavering belief and mental strength displayed by every player, coach, and support staff member. You could see it in their body language, their communication on the field, and their refusal to back down against any opponent.
Acceptance
The exceptional skill level and lacrosse IQ that allowed them to execute complex plays under the most intense pressure. These weren't just talented athletes; they were students of the game who prepared and then played with passion for the game, trust in each other, and the power to complete the process.
Actions
The complete commitment to team-first mentality, where individual statistics meant nothing compared to collective success. Every player held themselves and their teammates to the highest standard, both on and off the field.
Watching this framework come alive at the championship level was transformative. It wasn't just about winning games—it was about witnessing what's possible when talent meets character, when preparation meets opportunity, and when a group of individuals becomes something greater than the sum of their parts.
What set Cornell apart was their coach's leadership and culture. His philosophy built character and mental strength, creating not just better players but better people. The seniors became natural leaders and mentors. The "CJ Family" mentality made every player feel valued and supported, from stars to bench players.
Cornell's identity was rooted in blue-collar work habits and relentless effort. The players proved that dedication and work ethic could bridge any talent gap. Trust and respect allowed teammates to push each other to their limits. Their superior fitness became a secret weapon when games reached their most intense moments.
This experience showed me what's possible when talent meets character, when preparation meets opportunity, and when individuals become something greater together.
“Every single thing we did was with a national championship level effort. So when we made it to the big game, we were prepared.”
Duke Reeber