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Joe Blount: Summer 2011's New Face
This summer there is a new face at Homegrown Lacrosse - Joe Blount. Joe comes to Homegrown by way of C.W. Post where he played/coached alongside Homegrown regular Dan Forsyth. We sat down with Joe and asked him a few questions so you could get to know him a little bit better.
When did you get started in lacrosse?
I started playing lacrosse when I was in third grade playing for a youth league in my hometown of Inwood, New York.
How has lacrosse shaped your life?
Lacrosse has played an important role forming close bonds with people. A great number of my close friendships were formed because of my association with lacrosse.
Favorite lacrosse memory?
For me, my favorite lacrosse memory is being apart of two national championship teams at C.W. Post (NCAA Division II National Champions in 2009 and 2010). I have experienced some great times with great people.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
For me, the best advice I have received was from my older brother who also played at C.W. Post, he told me to “just go out and play, if you think too much during games you’re going to make mistakes.”
The advice I share with players is to “always ask questions, sometimes players are afraid to ask coaches questions out of fear of not knowing the correct answers.” Coaches don’t expect players do know everything they know, especially at a young age so ask questions!
Why do you coach lacrosse?
It actually kind of just happened, as a player I really did not have any intentions of coaching. What I enjoy about coaching lacrosse is being able to pass on the knowledge I have learned to a younger generation.
What does it take to be successful on or off the field?
I believe you have to be willing to put in the time and effort into whatever it is you want to do in life. Whether it’s on the field or off you have to be passionate about what you are doing. For me, lacrosse has brought me a great deal of success on and off the field; the lessons learned playing lacrosse translate over into everyday life.
What drew an East Coast boy to Minnesota to work for Homegrown?
I first learned about Homegrown Lacrosse from Dan Forsythe at C.W. Post. Dan coaches for C.W. Post where I played and now coach. He works/coaches for Homegrown in the summer and mentioned the idea of possibly working at Homegrown.
I was drawn to Homegrown for a couple of things actually. First, I have a strong interest in working for non-profit organizations in the future. I felt that Homegrown would be able to offer that experience, and the fact that it would be through a lacrosse background also helped. And secondly, I’ve never actually lived anywhere else but Long Island for a long period of time, so I felt it was time to experience a different lifestyle.
While at Homegrown, I’ll be working a lot alongside Aron, Colin, and Jesse learning how a non-profit organization operates. I will also be helping out at Homegrown’s camps, clinics, and leagues this summer.
Three words to describe Homegrown Lacrosse?
Far From Home
