“Representation in coaching matters because it helps with the relationship building with your players. When youth players see someone who’s a positive role model, a trusted adult in their life, and can play/coach the game they both love, its always a plus. I had a coach who not only was an African American man, he was also a father to many young men. He treated everyone like his own son, whereas he would pay for a tournament for a child who could not afford it. He took youth lacrosse teams to summer tournaments with his own funds and help from another great coach as well. Coach Lloyd Carter is one of the greatest coaches I’ve ever had the privilege of playing for, but he is a greater mentor. He had me read a book as a senior in high school titled “How To Be A Gentleman.” He taught me how to dress, he taught me respect for myself and others, how to be responsible for my own actions, how its nothing like having your own. I even saw the man graduate from college while I was on summer break from college. If I had never seen, met, or played Lacrosse for Coach Carter, to be honest, I don’t know what type of man I would be today. I’m truly thankful that my first Lacrosse coach was an African American man. Now its my turn to be a Coach Carter, so this is why representation in coaching matters.”