Washingtonville welcomes new varsity lacrosse coach

Washingtonville's newest boys’ varsity lacrosse coach, Josh Salisbury, believes that the work done in the classroom is just as important as everything his team does on the field. As a West Point collegiate English instructor, Mr. Salisbury understands the balance between athletics and education. The boys’ first home game will be on Wednesday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m., at Washingtonville Middle School.

Prior to joining the varsity team, Mr. Salisbury has been heavily involved with youth lacrosse and travel programs, having his two children participate and bring home championship wins. Additionally, Mr. Salisbury coached the modified lacrosse team last season at Washingtonville High School. 

Stepping into the role as varsity coach, Mr. Salisbury’s fundamentals for the season are to continue building Washingtonville’s lacrosse program, recruiting more players and teaching them the elements of the game.

“I was so excited to see the potential that this district has with lacrosse,” Mr. Salisbury said. “I mean, we’ve got some amazing athletes, and you put amazing athletes in contact with an amazing game, great things are going to happen.”

As an educator and coach, Mr. Salisbury believes that both roles are one in the same. “Both require the same level of preparation, understanding and also passion,” he said. “Without passion, there's not much of a drive.”

A goal for Mr. Salisbury this season is to shape his players into gentlemen in and out of the classroom. He emphasized the importance of his players utilizing their access to education and his desire for his players to absorb all the knowledge they can.

“Just be a gentleman in the classroom,” he said. “Take full advantage of everything that education has to offer and just realize that it's essential to our growth as human beings… they just got to be sponges.”

He also hopes that his student athletes can develop a strong work ethic this season.

“You got to work for what you want, but you can't expect anything to come for you,” he said. So, hard work; on the lacrosse field, it's going to be sweaty and a few bruises. In the classroom, you have to break a mental sweat too. If you want something, you have to work for it.”

Mr. Salisbury operates on the mantra “respect, intensity, zero zero.” Respecting the game and every aspect of it, including how players treat each other, coaches, officials and opponents. The intensity portion is when the whistle blows, it’s all or nothing. Players are fierce and going for the win, giving 110%. The zero zero mindset is playing with a clean slate each game.

“I encourage players to make mistakes,” Mr. Salisbury said. “It’s a game. If it was easy we wouldn't play it. So make a mistake. But when you make one, let's learn from it and move on and get better and stronger. We’re not going to get stronger by not making mistakes.”

His biggest inspiration as a coach has been the players, and the opportunity to teach players of all ages keeps him motivated year after year.

“I've had a lot of awesome coaches out there, but again, it's the players that really motivate me,” he said. “I mean, any coach is nothing without his players. So the biggest influence on my coaching has been the guys and wanting to learn.”

Mr. Salisbury is extremely appreciative of parental support, as without them, a successful program would be hard to achieve. He also attributes the support of administrators in the district, crediting them for laying the groundwork for Washingtonville High School sports programs and their amazing accomplishments.

“I’m grateful for the families and the administration for making everything happen, their support has been unreal.” 

With lacrosse season in full swing, Coach Salisbury is determined to show the community all the outstanding accomplishments the team can achieve this season.