The girls’ varsity lacrosse team entered a new era starting this season with the introduction of Coach Brian McGuire as the team’s new head coach. While relatively new to coaching in the varsity space, Coach McGuire is far from unfamiliar with playing the game and teaching players how to perform their best. 

For many players of the sport in the community, Coach McGuire has been a vital part of their lacrosse journey since their childhood. Even before McGuire’s high school level position, Victoria McGuire, Coach McGuire’s daughter and player on the varsity team, recalls her father helping build the foundation of girls’ lacrosse in the community. 

“He wanted to continue coaching us girls at some point,” McGuire said. “Many of the players really liked my dad as a coach when he coached us as kids.”

Coach McGuire’s experience with lacrosse stems back to his earliest memories. He played lacrosse throughout his childhood, garnering a love for the sport that continued at the club level in college before making the transition to coaching. In 2007, McGuire began his coaching career with the Great Falls Youth Lacrosse League, leading boys’ teams for several years before helping grow the girls’ lacrosse program in Poolesville. 

“When my daughters were old enough to play, I tried to grow the sport of girls’ lacrosse in Poolesville by coaching and coordinating clinics with a few other parents,” Coach McGuire explained.

Victoria cites her father’s long-term commitment as a strong reason as to why he has been able to establish such a strong bond with many players on the team roster. 

“[Having coached] us as kids, he knows the girls a little better and knows how long everyone has been playing for, helping him make decisions as a coach,” said McGuire. 

Many players including Victoria have also grown to appreciate the signature coaching style that Coach McGuire brings. While other coaching styles may tend to point out the mistakes of their players often, Coach McGuire’s approach prioritizes adaptability and improvement above all else. 

Additionally, although being his very first year coaching at the varsity level, McGuire has impressed players on the team with how quickly he has adapted. Seeing her father effortlessly take up coaching and draw up complex plays for the team amazed Victoria throughout the course of the season. 

“He has never really taught lacrosse at this level before, so I found it very surprising,” said McGuire. “The most proud I’ve been of my dad was when he took the ability to coach for us when no one else would.”

Coach McGuire’s lessons and approach on the field reflect his larger beliefs and character as a father and esteemed member of the community. 

“If not me, then who?” asked Coach McGuire. “In any walk of life, whether it be parenthood, business, or living in a community, at some point, someone needs to step up.” 

As the season powers on with a newly-fueled ambition, the team is grateful to have gained a coach with not only years of experience, but a genuine appreciation for his players and the game.  For many, Coach McGuire is more than simply a new coach: he is someone who has been there since the very beginning.