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New York Lizards

For the Love of the Game: Kevin Unterstein

February 9, 2016 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New York Lizards News Release


Major League Lacrosse athletes are motivated by their passion above all else. As the game has grown year by year, so have the legacies of the players involved. Players provide examples of success both on and off the field through their hard work and a flare for the game.

Kevin Unterstein, New York Lizards Midfielder, was a member of the Long Island Lizards back in 2009; he returned in 2012 and has been a Lizard since. Though he did not see a professional career in lacrosse until college, the Lizards were always on his horizon having grown up locally in Long Island and graduating from Hofstra University. He gets the privilege to play alongside his twin brother every day with the Lizards. The siblings have two other brothers who each played Division I Lacrosse.

As a long time athlete, he has a lot of influence outside of just playing the game. Kevin also helps the lacrosse community by coaching at his alma mater Hofstra University and inspiring youth with the Long Island Bluefish Lacrosse Club. One of the legacies Kevin is creating can be seen in the numerous developing players he helps groom from children all the way up to future MLL players.

See our conversation with Kevin below:

Q: You have a twin and two other brothers that all played or still play lacrosse. Is playing the sport a tradition in your family?

KU: We grew up playing a variety of sports throughout the year. Lacrosse didn't come into our lives until my older brother decided to take it up in middle school. Soon after, we were all were playing lacrosse!

Q: Did you ever want to try any other sports?

KU: Yes, I always wanted to try curling. I'm really interested in the sport and I love watching it during the Winter Olympics.

Q: As a successful lacrosse athlete in college, did you ever think this sport would become a full-time career for you?

KU: Towards the end of my junior year at Hofstra University one of my coaches, Coach Smith, approached me and asked if I ever thought about coaching after graduation. I hadn't considered it as a career path up until that point, however, from that day on, it became something that I really wanted to pursue.

Q: What other jobs do you work outside of playing for the Lizards?

KU: I am the Associate Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Hofstra University and the Co-Owner of the LI Bluefish Lacrosse Club. I also have a home improvement company, UG Productions that I operate with John Gorman.

Q: What is it like to coach the Hofstra Men's Lacrosse team after being a player for Hofstra only a few years ago?

KU: It's very unique experience being able to play for the University that I attended. I've spent nearly a decade at Hofstra and it holds a very special place in my heart. Having played for four years at Hofstra and coming very close to a final four, it makes me work that much harder to accomplish the goal now from the other side of the field.

Q: During the season, how do you mentally transition from coach to Lizards midfielder?

KU: It does take a little time to get acclimated to playing. However, coaching every day and having a stick in my hand certainly makes the transition a little easier.

Q: Do you receive more gratification out of winning as a coach or player?

KU: Honestly, I would say that it's equal; winning is winning. It doesn't matter if I'm yelling from the sidelines or the one getting yelled at on the field.

Q: Can you take us through your typical weekly schedule while in season?

KU: During the season is when I'm also recruiting for Hofstra University. I'm usually recruiting at tournaments during the week and sometimes even the night before a game. I juggle my day job at Hofstra, weekends with the Lizards, and Bluefish Lax throughout the week! There are so many recruiting tournaments around the country that I'm able to attend tournaments on our away trips.

Q: The 2016 season will be your 9th season in Major League Lacrosse. What are your thoughts on the growth of the league and progressing into a mainstream sport?

KU: It's very exciting to watch the evolution of this sport and to have the privilege to be apart of it. I look forward to seeing athletes in the MLL make playing their full-time jobs. The continued growth of the league only holds more promise for players coming up through the ranks. Youth players can now make the dream of a full time career in the pros, a reality.

Q: How important is growing the sport to you and how do you believe you are helping do this?

KU: Growing the game is extremely important to me. Whenever my schedule permits, I enjoy traveling around the US and putting on clinics for youth groups.

Q: What are your thoughts on expansion? Do you think a team can be successful in non-traditional market like Atlanta?

KU: I think it depends on the front office of the organization and if they're willing to put in the time and effort it takes to be successful. Definitely need to give the organization the financial backing that it needs to bring a program to fruition. You need a team that is dedicated to creating a presence in the community because that's truly where the fans are born.

Q: What is your favorite and least favorite part about playing in this league?

KU: Favorite part has to be competing on game day. Least favorite is definitely the travel.

Q: When you're not playing or working in lacrosse, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

KU: Spending time with my wife Melissa, which is very rare because of our work schedules.

Kevin and the Lizards will kick off the season with a Championship rematch against the Rochester Rattlers at Hofstra University on April 23rd. Season, group and single game tickets are available now. For more information, please call 1-855-NYLizards.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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