Villeage Voices: Building Leaders: How Integrity, Tradition, and Teamwork Shape the Path to Success

By Jon Posner

Associate Director and Athletic Recruitment Coordinator, Office of Admission and Head Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach

 Jon Posner knows about leadership, both how to be one and how to nurture others. During his tenure as Head Coach of Lawenceville’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team, he’s led the squad to back-to-back national championships. Big Red is the first team in the history of Inside Lacrosse rankings to finish two consecutive seasons at No. 1. Posner came to Lawrenceville in 2020 after 16 years at the helm of the highly successful Culver Academies boys’ lacrosse program. As a three-time Midwest Coach of the Year, Posner has placed more than 100 student-athletes at NCAA Division I institutions. Graduates of his programs have earned NCAA All-American honors at Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, and the University of Denver, and have represented the U.S. and Canada in international competition.

To me, good leaders are those with integrity—the ones I trust to do the right thing even when no one is watching. They aren’t swayed by peer pressure or popular opinion; they adhere to their principles and prioritize what is right and best for everyone. Strong leaders consistently show up, putting as much effort into the little things as they do into the big tasks. They care about a job well done, hold themselves and others to high standards, and take the responsibility of leadership seriously.

FROM DAY ONE

When I recruit players, I’m not just looking for those who excel at lacrosse. I seek individuals who will fit into the culture we’re building here. It’s a team effort to welcome new players, starting before they even arrive on campus. I connect our veterans with the newcomers so they can begin to know each other. Our parents also serve as great ambassadors, reaching out to new parents to welcome them into our lacrosse family.

We ensure that our new players settle in on campus, stay busy, and if they struggle with homesickness, classes, or anything else, we’re there to help. Our Upper Formers take the newcomers under their wings, and of course, I’m here for them as well. I constantly check in to ensure the transition to Lawrenceville goes smoothly. By the time our lacrosse season begins, our players have spent months building relationships and learning to guide, lead, and rely on each other.

I look for players who show up on time—early, actually—for team practices, games, and gatherings, ready to participate. They accept their roles, understanding that there may be Upper Formers ahead of them, yet they remain eager to work, grow, and develop, preparing for their own opportunities. I encourage student-athletes to embrace these qualities by reminding them of the significance every player holds on the team. We need our younger players to buy in from Day One, learning to follow before they can lead. It’s crucial that a player understands how to follow their leaders and captains. Leadership isn’t given; it’s earned, starting the moment they step on the field.

TRADITION

I understand that doing things the same way year after year can seem like, “This is how we’ve always done it,” but I see it differently. I believe that maintaining traditions strengthens our program. These traditions and our culture train our players in our ways, so by the time a player becomes a senior, he’s the one reaching out to new players, inviting them to dinner or to hang out, without me needing to ask. He understands that’s how we take care of each other from the start.

If a player wants to introduce something new or make a change, they know they can approach me, and we’ll consider it. I also give our seniors significant responsibility and opportunities to lead, which naturally varies each year based on who our captains are and their leadership styles. But the core of what we do remains rooted in tradition, which builds our culture and helps us succeed.

I’ve always believed it’s important for our players to select their captains. When it’s time to choose captains for the following year, I have them do the “fox hole test.” This military reference asks players to consider, “If you were in a fox hole, who would you want by your side?” It’s a way for players to vote for whom they would trust to have their back, to lead them through challenges. In my 20+ years of coaching, I’ve consistently agreed with the captains chosen by the players, which speaks to the culture we aim to create. We want our guys to grasp what it means to be a leader and recognize those qualities in their peers.

EVERY VOICE MATTERS

Every player holds an important role on the team. Being a captain isn’t for everyone, but we respect every player for their contributions because we genuinely believe in them. Some of the players I’ve most respected over the years have been those who quietly do their jobs, seeking no attention and not looking to be the superstar, yet making a huge impact on the team. There’s definitely room for quieter players to play significant roles.

At the end of practice the day before a game, one player delivers a “For the Boys” speech, or FTB speech. The coaches select a player who has recently stepped up or has an emotional connection to the upcoming game or current events in their lives to share their thoughts and motivation. This opportunity allows them to be introspective, and when we give players this chance, they always rise to the occasion. The result is a new perspective, a closer bond among teammates, and greater respect for the player who shares their heart. It’s an incredible part of our culture and camaraderie.

LEADERS DON’T KNOW EVERYTHING

I trust our leaders, so when they come to me with honest feedback or concerns about the team, I want to hear it. It’s essential to genuinely seek feedback to receive honest insights. You must truly believe you don’t know better than everyone else. I’m a strong advocate for asking questions and seeking advice. I regularly reach out to other coaches, building valuable relationships with those who have generously shared their knowledge and wisdom over the years.

Leading is challenging, particularly for young people among their peers. My advice is to get to know yourself well; you need to understand who you are and what you stand for during tough moments. A strong leader should have a genuine interest in knowing the people they lead, ensuring those individuals feel cared for.

Throughout my career, I’ve learned from the patience and understanding of my role models. I’m a work in progress, striving to emulate their examples. My success can be attributed to many people, especially my family. I’ve learned by being open to the wisdom of my mentors and fellow coaches, seeking their guidance and taking it to heart. I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible staff; we work seamlessly together, and I trust their knowledge and expertise. I am only as good as the people I surround myself with, and I’m grateful to have the best. At the end of the day, nothing else matters.

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.