Culture.
If you know me, it’s one of my favorite topics.
Everything starts with team culture.
It’s not just important.
It is “the” most important thing for a sports team.
Team culture is the foundation of success in any group environment, especially for a lacrosse team.
A positive culture unifies the team while a toxic culture divides the team.
It’s that simple.
The culture shapes how players interact, support one another, respect each other, and respond to challenges.
A strong team culture has:
- Trust
- Accountability
- A shared sense of purpose
- Creates an environment where individuals thrive while prioritizing a collective goal
It’s not just about winning; it’s about building relationships, resilience, and a mindset that values:
- Inclusiveness
- Growth
- Contribution
When team culture is intentional and positive, it becomes the driving force behind both performance and enjoyment, on and off the field.
But who sets the culture?
Who “sets the tone” for this?
The culture on a sports team is primarily set by the leaders, but…
I believe it starts at the top with the coach.
HEAD COACH AND COACHING STAFF
Coaches play a key role in setting the tone and expectations for the team.
From my experiences, it’s typically the head coach who can set the standards and drive the culture, but it has to go deeper and there has to be “buy in.”
The entire coaching staff can establish values, standards, and behaviors they want players to embody, both on and off the field.
The way coaches communicate, reward effort, and handle adversity directly help to shape the team’s culture.
You have to ask, what do you want the culture to be?
Define it first.
TEAM CAPTAINS AND “VETERAN” PLAYERS
Players with leadership roles (ex. team captains) influence how teammates interact, practice, and compete in games.
Captains can have tremendous impact on the team’s culture, once the standards of the culture are established.
Team leaders model can behavior for younger or less experienced players, showing what’s acceptable or expected within the group.
Again, this goes back to “standards” (how things are done within a team).
EVERY PLAYER ON THE TEAM
While leaders drive the foundation, every player contributes to the culture through their attitudes, work ethic, and relationships with teammates.
A team’s culture is strongest when all members align with the shared vision and values.
There is a saying “lead from where you are.”
That is especially true when it comes to contributing and shaping team culture.
So now we know and agree that everyone on the team has a role in setting the team’s culture.
WHAT ABOUT EXTERNAL FACTORS?
Parents, fans, and administrators can also influence culture indirectly.
I would say parents, in particular, can have the most impact here as outside influences by helping to shape the character of their child – who is the key contributor to the team.
Additionally, parents can help pull-through things like team builders and off-the-field activities.
Ultimately, while coaches and leaders establish the framework, it is the entire team that plays a role in sustaining and reinforcing the culture.
Successful cultures are built on shared accountability, communication, and trust in one another.
Culture, when done right, is truly “family.”
A great team culture is a gift, it is special.
And everyone plays a role in pulling this through.
Remember, team culture is not only important.
It is the most important thing to get right on a successful sports team because if you don’t get it right – it can destroy the team.
Do your part in setting the culture that you want to create.
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