Lehigh University Athletics
Cassese reflects on Team USA experience
7/20/2018 10:27:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse, Features
By: Justin Lafleur, Lehigh Sports Communications
Â
We have reached the championship game of the 2018 FIL World Lacrosse Championships as the United States faces Canada on Saturday morning in Netanya, Israel. Opening faceoff is set for 10 a.m. locally (3 a.m. Eastern), live on ESPN2.
Â
While not involved this year, Lehigh head men's lacrosse coach Kevin Cassese represented the U.S. in the last four World Championships, as both a player and coach. Those experiences helped mold Cassese into who he is today.
Â
"You will never forget putting on that Team USA jersey and donning the Red, White and Blue, knowing this is the highest honor that our country, and the sport of lacrosse, has to offer," said Cassese, who will be inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in September. "It's not something you can take lightly because everybody is gunning for you. You have a target on your back and there's a lot of pressure that comes with it, but it's also a lot of fun. It's something you can be proud of – in the moment and for the rest of your life."
Â
Cassese suited up for the U.S. in 2002, 2006 and 2010 while serving as assistant coach in 2014. Cassese was still a student in Duke in 2002, but eight years later, he was a young head coach at Lehigh in 2010. So much happened in a short period of time, and his experience with the United States only helped his development in the sport.
Â
"A lot on the 2002 team were college players," said Cassese. "I'm not sure any of us had it on our radar that we'd be able to play for Team USA, but going through that tryout process and being named to the team is something I'll never forget."
Â
The more experience he garnered, the more comfortable Cassese became with the international game, leading into 2010 when he was voted captain along with Ryan Powell. In the end, Cassese helped the United States avenge a 2006 title game defeat by beating Canada, 12-10, in the 2010 championship tilt.
Â
"In 2002 and 2006, I was definitely more of a role player, second-line midfielder, defensive midfielder. Then in 2010, I became more of a leader," said Cassese. "Being voted captain brought with it a new set of circumstances and I learned a ton through that process. Coming  back in 2014 as assistant coach, it was a totally different ballgame. I learned a ton from the other coaches I was surrounded by, and also the players."
Â
Cassese is very familiar with Gold Medal games, playing or coaching in four. Cassese can relate to the emotions the current U.S. team is likely having (or will have), heading into Saturday's showdown in less than 24 hours.
Â
"I would equate it to waking up on [NCAA] National Championship Monday," said Cassese. "When you wake up, the juices are flowing as soon as you get out of bed. Understanding USA-Canada and what that means, is important. I do think the elevation of the Canadian program, and how well they've done recently, has elevated Team USA as well.
Â
"It's 100 percent a rivalry right now, going back-and-forth over the last several years. Hopefully, Team USA can come out on top this time around."
Â
Cassese will always remember the Gold medals he won and the tangible success the U.S. enjoyed, but there's something even greater that he's taken from the international experiences.
Â
"I remember the journeys maybe even more so than the game," said Cassese. "A lot of times, the tryout is more competitive than the actual games, save the Canada and Iroquois games. You show up at tryouts and there are 120 of the best players that you've ever played against and everybody's vying for 23 spots. I remember those days and I remember the competitive spirit you had to bring to every session just to have a shot to make the team. I remember the elation, and also the relief, to see your name on the roster."
Â
The journey continued after tryouts.
Â
"I'll always have the memories that come along with the training programs, training camp, exhibition games, being in the locker room with the fellas, the ice baths and all the things that you do and relationships you build up along the way with the players and staff," said Cassese. "It all seems to happen very quickly then it's over. Those relationships last a lifetime."
Â
Cassese has utilized his experiences in his life moving forward. Sixteen years after his first World Championships, he is a successful head coach with the Mountain Hawks, having led Lehigh to four of the last eight Patriot League Championship Games.
Â
"Being involved with the national team has made me a better player, better coach and better person," said Cassese. "You're around the best players and coaches in the game at all times. As a coach of my own program at Lehigh, you take bits and pieces of the things you learn and you try to install them in what you do here. It's helped me learn how to coach the most elite players that our sport has to offer and learn how to manage people.
Â
"These experiences have made me better and more well-rounded in my profession, helped define who I am as a coach and helped shape who I am as a person." Â
Â
We have reached the championship game of the 2018 FIL World Lacrosse Championships as the United States faces Canada on Saturday morning in Netanya, Israel. Opening faceoff is set for 10 a.m. locally (3 a.m. Eastern), live on ESPN2.
Â
While not involved this year, Lehigh head men's lacrosse coach Kevin Cassese represented the U.S. in the last four World Championships, as both a player and coach. Those experiences helped mold Cassese into who he is today.
Â
"You will never forget putting on that Team USA jersey and donning the Red, White and Blue, knowing this is the highest honor that our country, and the sport of lacrosse, has to offer," said Cassese, who will be inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in September. "It's not something you can take lightly because everybody is gunning for you. You have a target on your back and there's a lot of pressure that comes with it, but it's also a lot of fun. It's something you can be proud of – in the moment and for the rest of your life."
 Cassese suited up for the U.S. in 2002, 2006 and 2010 while serving as assistant coach in 2014. Cassese was still a student in Duke in 2002, but eight years later, he was a young head coach at Lehigh in 2010. So much happened in a short period of time, and his experience with the United States only helped his development in the sport.
Â
"A lot on the 2002 team were college players," said Cassese. "I'm not sure any of us had it on our radar that we'd be able to play for Team USA, but going through that tryout process and being named to the team is something I'll never forget."
Â
The more experience he garnered, the more comfortable Cassese became with the international game, leading into 2010 when he was voted captain along with Ryan Powell. In the end, Cassese helped the United States avenge a 2006 title game defeat by beating Canada, 12-10, in the 2010 championship tilt.
Â
"In 2002 and 2006, I was definitely more of a role player, second-line midfielder, defensive midfielder. Then in 2010, I became more of a leader," said Cassese. "Being voted captain brought with it a new set of circumstances and I learned a ton through that process. Coming  back in 2014 as assistant coach, it was a totally different ballgame. I learned a ton from the other coaches I was surrounded by, and also the players."
Â
Cassese is very familiar with Gold Medal games, playing or coaching in four. Cassese can relate to the emotions the current U.S. team is likely having (or will have), heading into Saturday's showdown in less than 24 hours.
Â
"I would equate it to waking up on [NCAA] National Championship Monday," said Cassese. "When you wake up, the juices are flowing as soon as you get out of bed. Understanding USA-Canada and what that means, is important. I do think the elevation of the Canadian program, and how well they've done recently, has elevated Team USA as well.
Â
"It's 100 percent a rivalry right now, going back-and-forth over the last several years. Hopefully, Team USA can come out on top this time around."
 Cassese will always remember the Gold medals he won and the tangible success the U.S. enjoyed, but there's something even greater that he's taken from the international experiences.
Â
"I remember the journeys maybe even more so than the game," said Cassese. "A lot of times, the tryout is more competitive than the actual games, save the Canada and Iroquois games. You show up at tryouts and there are 120 of the best players that you've ever played against and everybody's vying for 23 spots. I remember those days and I remember the competitive spirit you had to bring to every session just to have a shot to make the team. I remember the elation, and also the relief, to see your name on the roster."
Â
The journey continued after tryouts.
Â
"I'll always have the memories that come along with the training programs, training camp, exhibition games, being in the locker room with the fellas, the ice baths and all the things that you do and relationships you build up along the way with the players and staff," said Cassese. "It all seems to happen very quickly then it's over. Those relationships last a lifetime."
Â
Cassese has utilized his experiences in his life moving forward. Sixteen years after his first World Championships, he is a successful head coach with the Mountain Hawks, having led Lehigh to four of the last eight Patriot League Championship Games.
Â
"Being involved with the national team has made me a better player, better coach and better person," said Cassese. "You're around the best players and coaches in the game at all times. As a coach of my own program at Lehigh, you take bits and pieces of the things you learn and you try to install them in what you do here. It's helped me learn how to coach the most elite players that our sport has to offer and learn how to manage people.
Â
"These experiences have made me better and more well-rounded in my profession, helped define who I am as a coach and helped shape who I am as a person." Â
ÂTeam USA goes for Gold in less than 24 hours against Canada. Recent National Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee @CoachCassese played or coached in four Gold Medal games and he explains what it means to wear the Red, White and Blue. ???? @USLacrosse @USAMLax @Inside_Lacrosse @NCAALAX pic.twitter.com/Tq3RhmdRGb
— Lehigh Lacrosse (@LehighLacrosse) July 20, 2018
.@USLacrosse is currently playing in the semifinals @2018WorldLax against Australia. @CoachCassese has extensive experience with Team USA, as a player (02, 06, 10) and assistant coach (14). Here, he reflects on how those experiences have helped in his growth within the sport ?? pic.twitter.com/UFpmQqLZ0f
— Lehigh Lacrosse (@LehighLacrosse) July 19, 2018
2026 Men's Lacrosse Season Preview
Wednesday, February 04
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Lacrosse
Thursday, April 24
2025 Season Preview: Men's Lacrosse
Friday, January 31
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Lacrosse
Wednesday, April 10
