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MLL New York Lizards

For the Love of the Game: Kyle Hartzell

November 5, 2015 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New York Lizards News Release


Major League Lacrosse is a league like no other. The most obvious reason for this is the fact that members of the MLL don't make the type of money other professional athletes make. In fact, most players in the league work full time jobs outside of their professional sports careers. In addition, players may work in cities outside of where they play. This means that most members of the league give up their weekend to play lacrosse for the love of the game.

This reality is what makes the MLL so special. It brings out the characteristics that so many people love in college sports - athletes who love their game and are fighting for the right to become champions. There are no outside distractions in the MLL. In other leagues, you will see athletes fighting for a bigger contract or demanding a trade. This is something that rarely happens in the MLL and allows the game to be the main focus.

In addition, players in this league are dedicated to growing the game that they love. Numerous players around the MLL run lacrosse camps for the youth and high school students. They run these camps in hopes that young players will find the same love in lacrosse that they have. These players believe that lacrosse can be taken to a mainstream status one day. For many athletes this topic of growing the game has become a lifelong goal. It is what fuels them to be better and better everyday.

In order to get more of an idea of this love and initiative to grow the game, we talked with MLL veteran defenseman Kyle Hartzell. Kyle is a four-time MLL All-Star and member of the 2015 Champion New York Lizards. In addition, Kyle is a two time Division III National Champion at Salisbury University and makes his living coaching youth lacrosse camps.

How did you end up playing lacrosse at Salisbury University?

KH: I wasn't recruited after high school and I had to go the junior college route. I played at CCBC Essex for two years before walking on at Salisbury.

MLL is a league in which players play mostly for the love of the game. How does this speak to the passion players have for lacrosse?

KH: I think it shows you how much the guys care about making this a successful avenue for lacrosse down the road. Obviously we are not being paid a lot, but we treat it as if we are in the NFL or any other pro sport.

How difficult is it to run camps during the week and still have to train as a professional athlete?

KH: It's not really that difficult. I enjoy teaching the game and spreading what I have learned to everyone who wants to come learn. It is very rewarding as a coach to see some of these kids pick up on what we teach at Rogue Lacrosse and execute that on the field.

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

KH: Every week I am in a different city. I am doing camps this year in Arizona, New Orleans, New York, Baltimore, and Albany. I will be coaching at all of these camps and then flying straight from there to NY Lizards practices and games. I would say the only difficult thing is the travel.

Like yourself, other players live a long distance from where they play. How does this affect practice time and the way a team can really come together?

KH: Our organization does a pretty good job of getting everyone in for practices. It doesn't affect our team that much.

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

KH: Growing the sport is huge to us. I think my camps are doing this because we have the same kids coming back and a growing number of new kids each year. The more we grow the sport of lacrosse across the country the better off it will be in the future.

How can the MLL do a better job of promoting their game and making the sport more mainstream?

KH: They need to do a better job promoting and marketing all their players. A lot of people want to see more of our sport and our athletes, but sometimes don't get all access, they just see us play on TV. Doing more via social media would also help a lot.

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

KH: We had a sold out crowd for the championship game last season and I think Atlanta is a great market for a MLL team. The people there are ready for it and want to support it!

Don't miss Kyle and the rest of the Lizards as they look to take another season by storm in 2016. Get your season tickets NOW by calling 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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