MLL New York Lizards

For the Love of the Game: Steve DaNapoli

December 1, 2015 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New York Lizards News Release


Players in Major League Lacrosse are dedicated to growing the game that they love. As the first generation of professional lacrosse players, these athletes believe it is their responsibility to promote the game as much as possible. As a result, 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 with their help lacrosse can be taken to a mainstream status one day. For many athletes this topic of growing the game has become a lifelong goal. They would like nothing more than to see this great sport become mainstream.

One player that takes this intiative to heart is New York Lizard and 2015 MLL Champion Steve DeNapoli. DeNapoli, who was born and raised in Long Island, is constantly trying to improve himself as a player and to grow the sport he loves. When Steve isn't training or playing for the New York Lizards, he is coaching lacrosse at Hewlett High School in Long Island where he attended himself several years ago.

In order to get more of an insight on his love for the game we sat down with Steve:

Q: You were a four-year starter at Hofstra University. As a college lacrosse athlete, what was your motivation to continue pursuing a sport you knew could not provide a decent living on its own?

SD: The motivation for pursuing a sport like lacrosse cannot come from making money. It has to be about the love and passion I have for the game. Lacrosse has been such an important part of my life I can't imagine my life without it.

Q: MLL is a league in which players play mostly for the love the game, how does this speak to the passion players have for lacrosse?

SD: It amazes me every year what some guys go through just to play in this league. Some players have to balance working 2 or 3 different jobs and still lift/train to prepare for the MLL. To do all that, just to make the salaries that we make, is incredible.

Q: Outside of playing for the Lizards, what other jobs do you work?

SD: I am a teacher assistant in the special education department at Hewlett High School. I am also the head coach for the boys' varsity lacrosse team.

Q: How difficult is it to coach during the week and still have to train as a professional athlete?

SD: It's challenging but not impossible. I put a lot into coaching at Hewlett. When both seasons are going on I have to make sacrifices in my life.

Q: You are one of many Lizards team members born and raised in Long Island. What does it mean to you to not only be able to play, but also coach here?

SD: This is something that usually doesn't happen in professional sports. But growing up on Long Island, going to college here, and now playing for the pro lacrosse team here has been great. My family has always been able to watch me play. I can't imagine them not being able to come and support whether it be to play or to coach.

Q: What are your thoughts on the lacrosse program at Hewlett and what are some principles you teach to the kids?

SD: We are continuing to build our high school and youth programs at Hewlett. It is an interesting and tremendous opportunity for all of the kids in the community. I hope they take advantage of what I have to offer. Hard work, dedication and commitment are our core principles.

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

SD: I work from 8 to 3 Monday through Friday at the high school and then coach from 3-6. After coaching, I stay at the high school weight room until 7:30pm working out to prepare for a Lizards game, usually on the weekend.

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

SD: As a coach I feel I can relate more to the players I am coaching. I have a better understanding of what can and cannot be done on the playing field.

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

SD: I believe the sport's next task is to introduce and grow lacrosse in low income areas. It is easy to grow the sport in areas where families can afford all the necessary equipment, camps, club teams, etc. In our community we attempt to help any players that may not be able to afford such luxuries.

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

SD: MLL needs to broaden their markets. Having everything geared towards kids is great, but it also limits the amount of people interested in the league.

Q: What is the best part about playing in this league?

SD: Players in the league. There are so many great guys and great players. The players make this league run.

Q: You and many of your MLL colleagues are, in theory, the first generation of professional lacrosse players to be able to pass down your knowledge of lacrosse to young athletes. What does this say about the next generation of MLL players and the future of lacrosse?

SD: My hope is that the next generation will make lacrosse important in this country. It has given myself and so many of my other colleagues so much in our lives. I feel that our generation has provided a stepping-stone for the next generation to thrive in professional sports.

Catch Steve and the rest of the Lizards during the 2016 season. Season tickets are available now. Call 1-855-NYLizards for more information.

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