Who is John Grant Jr. and why is his hiring significant for the Redwoods lacrosse team. How has Grant’s legendary career as a player prepared him for coaching. What impact can fans expect Grant to have on the Redwoods’ performance.
John Grant Jr.’s Illustrious Lacrosse Career
John Grant Jr. stands as one of the most accomplished figures in lacrosse history. His career spans nearly two decades of professional play, during which he amassed an impressive collection of accolades and championships. Grant’s prowess on the field is evidenced by his multiple MVP awards in both the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and National Lacrosse League (NLL).
- NCAA Most Outstanding Player (1999)
- MLL MVP (2007, 2008)
- NLL MVP (2007, 2012)
- Six-time MLL Champion
- NLL Champions Cup winner (2007)
- Five-time Mann Cup champion
Grant’s versatility is highlighted by his success in both field and box lacrosse. He is one of only three players to win MVP awards in both the MLL and NLL, showcasing his adaptability and skill across different formats of the game.
From Player to Coach: Grant’s Transition
After his remarkable playing career, Grant seamlessly transitioned into coaching. His coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at the University of Delaware in 2000, the same institution where he had earned First-Team All-American honors as a player. Grant’s coaching resume expanded rapidly, including roles such as:
- Co-founder and Head Instructor of Pro Skills Lacrosse Company (2003-2009)
- Offensive Coordinator for the Rochester Knighthawks in the NLL (2009)
- Co-Founder and Director of Coaching at Evolve Elite Lacrosse Company (2010-Present)
- Assistant Offensive Coordinator for Team Canada’s gold medal-winning World Championship team (2014)
- Head Varsity Coach at Valor Christian High School (2015)
- Assistant Coach at the U.S. Air Force Academy (2018)
This diverse coaching experience across various levels of the sport has equipped Grant with a comprehensive understanding of player development and team strategy.
The Redwoods’ Strategic Move
The Redwoods’ decision to hire John Grant Jr. as an assistant coach represents a significant coup for the organization. Grant’s unparalleled experience and success as both a player and coach bring immense value to the team. How will Grant’s presence impact the Redwoods’ performance?
Grant’s expertise is expected to elevate the team’s offensive strategies, drawing from his own innovative playing style and successful coaching methodologies. His ability to mentor young players and refine the skills of veteran athletes could prove instrumental in the Redwoods’ pursuit of championship success.
Grant’s Coaching Philosophy and Impact
John Grant Jr.’s approach to coaching is deeply rooted in his experiences as an elite player. His philosophy emphasizes efficiency and purpose in movement, a trait that defined his own playing style. How does Grant’s coaching style differ from conventional approaches?
Unlike coaches who may focus on intricate dodging patterns, Grant advocates for purposeful and direct play. He encourages players to eliminate wasted movements, a principle that made him so effective on the field. This philosophy could reshape the Redwoods’ offensive dynamics, potentially leading to a more efficient and potent attack.
Developing Future Talent
Grant’s role with the Redwoods extends beyond tactical guidance. His presence offers young players an unparalleled opportunity to learn from one of the game’s greatest. How will Grant’s mentorship influence the team’s emerging talents?
Drawing from his extensive experience, Grant can provide insights into professional-level play, mental preparation, and the nuances of both field and box lacrosse. This comprehensive approach to player development could accelerate the growth of the Redwoods’ roster, particularly benefiting up-and-coming attackmen.
The Legacy of John Grant Sr.
John Grant Jr.’s lacrosse journey is intrinsically linked to his father, John Grant Sr., a Hall of Famer in his own right. How has this family legacy shaped Grant Jr.’s approach to the sport?
The elder Grant’s influence is evident in Jr.’s passion for the game and his transition into coaching. This generational connection to lacrosse provides Grant Jr. with a unique perspective, blending traditional values with modern techniques. The Redwoods stand to benefit from this rich lacrosse heritage as Grant Jr. brings generations of knowledge to their coaching staff.
Grant’s Impact Beyond the Field
John Grant Jr.’s influence extends beyond his on-field achievements and coaching acumen. His dedication to growing the sport is evident in his involvement with lacrosse development programs and companies. How does Grant’s off-field work contribute to the sport’s growth?
Through initiatives like the Pro Skills Lacrosse Company and Evolve Elite Lacrosse Company, Grant has been instrumental in nurturing young talent and promoting lacrosse at grassroots levels. This commitment to the sport’s development aligns with the Redwoods’ mission to not only succeed on the field but also contribute to the broader lacrosse community.
Challenges and Expectations for Grant and the Redwoods
While Grant’s appointment brings immense potential, it also comes with high expectations. What challenges might Grant face in his new role with the Redwoods?
Adapting his vast experience to the specific needs and dynamics of the Redwoods’ roster could present initial hurdles. Additionally, the pressure to deliver immediate results given his prestigious background may be substantial. However, Grant’s track record suggests he is well-equipped to handle these challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth and success.
Integrating Grant’s Expertise
The Redwoods’ existing coaching staff will need to effectively integrate Grant’s expertise into their current systems. How will this integration process unfold?
Collaboration and open communication will be key as the coaching staff works to blend Grant’s innovative ideas with established team strategies. This process could lead to a dynamic and multifaceted approach that leverages the strengths of both Grant and the existing coaching framework.
The Future of Redwoods Lacrosse Under Grant’s Guidance
With John Grant Jr. joining their coaching ranks, the Redwoods are poised for an exciting future. What can fans and players expect in the coming seasons?
Grant’s addition signals the team’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. His presence is likely to attract top talent, both in terms of players and potentially additional coaching staff. The Redwoods may see advancements in their offensive strategies, player development programs, and overall team culture.
Long-term Vision
Beyond immediate on-field improvements, Grant’s involvement could shape the long-term vision of the Redwoods organization. How might his influence extend into the future of the franchise?
Grant’s experience in player development and his connections within the lacrosse community could help the Redwoods establish a robust pipeline of talent. His insights could also inform strategic decisions regarding team building and organizational growth, potentially positioning the Redwoods as a premier destination for players and a model franchise in the league.
The hiring of John Grant Jr. as an assistant coach marks a significant milestone for the Redwoods lacrosse team. His unparalleled experience as a player, combined with his growing reputation as a coach, brings a wealth of knowledge and potential to the organization. As the team embarks on this new chapter, the lacrosse community will be watching closely to see how Grant’s legendary status translates into coaching success, and how his influence shapes the future of the Redwoods franchise.
Air Force Academy Athletics
John Grant, Jr. enters his second season as an Air Force lacrosse assistant coach in the 2019-20 season, after helping the Falcons back to their winning ways in the 2019 campaign. Coach Jr. played an integral role in the Falcons going 10-5 on the season with a 6-1 mark in Southern Conference play, garnering the team’s third regular-season league title in four seasons with the conference.
Coach Jr. has achieved unparalleled success in lacrosse, having been a dominant force in professional lacrosse for nearly 20 years. His passion for the game of lacrosse was handed down from his Hall of Fame father: John Grant, Sr. a professional with a World Championship of his own.
“John is one of the brightest coaching minds in the game of lacrosse,” said head coach Bill Wilson. “Not only does he bring a wealth of knowledge and coaching experience to our program, he also brings a passion for his players and the game.”
Coach Jr.
, arguably one of the greatest box players of all time, left the playing field for the sidelines to follow in his father’s footsteps as a lacrosse coach. Coach Jr. was instrumental in assisting Coach Randy Mearns and Team Canada to a gold medal in the 2014 World Games and also helped lead the Denver Outlaws to a 2018 MLL Championship.
In 2019, coach Jr. laced up the cleats once again as he took a position with Denver Outlaws’ attack unit.
His love of the game is only surpassed by the love for his family– his high school sweetheart and wife, Raygen, and his daughter, Gabrayel.
“It’s a dream come true to be able to coach this level of lacrosse,” said coach Jr. “Being in Colorado, I’ve had the opportunity to watch Air Force– I’ve coached a young man that went there and also got to see a couple guys I coached against. Air Force is one of the top programs in the country and they only bring in the best quality kids from across the United States.
I’m extremely excited to be a part of the Air Force lacrosse family.”
“It’s going to be an honor to work with a military academy,” Jr. continued. “The Academy brings in the kind of guys who are of great character and commitment and who are willing sacrifice– this is what I spent a majority of my coaching career trying to build in every athlete I worked with. To be a part of a group of young men that are willing to sacrifice for each other and this great country is an amazing opportunity. I’m excited to learn from these guys and I’m excited to have the opportunity of doing my part to build future leaders of character for this great country.”
Grant, Jr. as a player
* 1999 Lt. Raymond Enners Award (NCAA’s Most Outstanding player)
* 1999 Jack Turnbull Award (best attackman)
* Delaware’s first USILA First-Team All-American (1999), averaging more than six points per game
* MLL (pro field league) MVP in 2007 and 2008
* NLL (pro box league) MVP in 2007 and 2012
* Only player to win MLL and NLL MVPs in same season
* One of three players to win MLL and NLL MVPs altogether (Gary Gait and Casey Powell)
* Fifth all-time in NLL goals, 12th in NLL points, and third in NLL assists per game
* 2007 NLL Champions Cup champion with Rochester Knighthawks and Champions Cup MVP
* Six-time MLL Champion
* Five-time Mann Cup champion and 2-time Mann Cup MVP
* Won the FIL World Lacrosse Championship with Canada in 2006 (field)
* Won the FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championship with Canada in 2003, 2007, and 2011 (box)
* 2010 FIL World Lacrosse Championship All-World Team choice at attack
Grant, Jr.
as a coach
2000: Graduate Assistant Coach, University of Delaware
2003-2009: Co-founder and Head Instructor, Pro Skills Lacrosse Company
2009: Offensive Coordinator, Rochester Knighthawks, NLL
2010Present: Co-Founder, Director of Coaching and Player Development, Evolve Elite Lacrosse Company
2014: Assistant Offensive Coordinator Team Canada, Gold Medal World Champion
2015: Head Varsity Coach, Valor Christian High School
2018: Assistant coach, U.S. Air Force Academy
Hall of Fame Inductee: John Grant Jr.
The enormity of John Grant Jr. is something that is not easily measured. Whatever he is listed at in terms of height, it pales in comparison to his size in person. Not just physically, but tonally. A slight hint of Canadian drawl mixes with a scratchy baritone to produce short and impactful statements. You see, Junior isn’t terse, but he will let you know when he’s done making his point.
That’s actually how he played, too.
A generation of attackmen took the wrong lesson from double-move jitterbug dodgers. The man they should have paid attention to was John Grant Jr. – largely because lacrosse is full of wasted movements. Modern ball carriers are constantly finding new ways to trap themselves into a tourniquet of their own design. Junior was the opposite of that. Not because of where he’s from or when he played, but how he adapted.
Before we delve into that, let’s talk about the Junior of yore. A nigh-perfect blend of footwork, power, and precision, young John Grant Jr. was everything that today’s hybrid attackmen aspire to be. He could score on anyone in the league from any angle. Old clips feature him twisting poles into the ground just as much as he ran over them. It was his foot feints that got him his separation; not his explosiveness.
John Grant Jr. became an icon in the NLL long before he set foot on an MLL field. As such, he had little to prove to anyone in the pros. Part of what makes Junior great is his bifurcated nature as a man with feet firmly planted in the greatness of both versions of lacrosse.
Those box skills brought new fans across the border and beyond. Junior was a pioneer of sorts for the Canadian style that everyone is trying to emulate to this very day. Yes, the Gaits came before and laid the track, but John Grant Jr. was the steam engine that powered the train. He was an unstoppable force at the beginning of his career and the best pair of hands on the field at the end of his career.
In 17 seasons in the MLL, John Grant Jr. played in 171 games and put up 643 points. That’s almost 4 points per game. For nearly 20 years.
His peak season was as the fulcrum of one of – if not the – greatest outdoor pro lacrosse teams ever assembled: the 2008 Rochester Rattlers. That year he scored a career-high 53 goals and played alongside fellow legend (and inaugural Pro Lacrosse Hall of Fame class inductee) Casey Powell. Other members of that ‘08 squad included Joe Walters, Brodie Merrill, and Brett Queener. John Grant Jr. would go on to injure his knee later that summer playing box, but his influence over the field game would grow.
The knee injury that Junior suffered in 2008 was not just another injury – it almost killed him. That’s not hyperbole, doctors even went so far to tell his family that he “might not make it” after a series of infections complicated his return to action. Nonplussed, he went from dying or maybe losing his leg to play at the professional level for 12 more years. No one else has ever done that. No one else will ever do that.
To me, there is one goal that always stood out. Actually, it was a post-goal moment. In the MLL challenge series in the summer of 2000, John Grant Jr. scored a goal coming from X and got cleaned out. I mean, he got upended like a luchador hit with a lariat. Still, Junior popped up very quickly and instead of celebrating with his teammates, he did a little shimmy robot walk. Like when Mechagodzilla got up from being dropped by his nuclear leviathan doppelganger. Short choppy steps, hands moving back and forth like the feet of a windup toy. It was just another goal, and to most just another celebration, but it remains the most indelible image as that was the first time I saw Junior score a goal.
Championships became a motivating factor for 24 later in his career. All told, John Grant Jr. would lift the Steinfeld Cup five times total: With the Rattlers in 2008, with the Hamilton Nationals in 2009, twice with the Bayhawks in back-to-back wins in 2012 and 2013, and once more with the Outlaws in 2014. He would play in eight championship finals throughout his MLL career – including his final season in 2020 with the Outlaws.
Chasing the next chance to win isn’t a negative thing. That label is something that talking heads spew to move the clock meter and hear themselves talk. Who wouldn’t be motivated to win a championship in their sport of choice? What sacrifices would you make? Could you change the way that you play in order to achieve that ultimate goal one more time?
The legacy of John Grant Jr. is more of a lesson in perseverance. Even though he played his last professional game in 2020 for the Denver Outlaws, he remains a fixture in the lacrosse community as an assistant coach at Johns Hopkins; a career track he began in the pros.
Though many pro players have made the transition from a star player in the pros to coaching in the NCAA, few have truly become great. Those that have replicated their success are few and far between.
But, see – that’s the thing about Junior. He’s not most players. He’s not most people.
Being inducted into the first class of the Pro Lacrosse Hall of Fame probably isn’t as special to him as winning another title would be. But if nothing else, hopefully, this honor brings a new appreciation for a player that bridged the indoor and outdoor game with his unapologetic need to compete by any means necessary.
John Grant Jr named Redwoods LC assistant head coach
John Grant Jr named Redwoods LC assistant head coach
18:41
29 Dec
The Redwoods Lacrosse Club has hired Pro Lacrosse Hall of Famer John Grant Jr. as a new assistant coach.
Two-time MLL MVP, Grant Jr. scored 643 points (393 goals, 18 two-point goals, 232 assists) in his playing career.
A native of Peterborough, he combined physical strength, agility and creativity.
“I’m overjoyed. I had the privilege and honor of working with [Redwoods head coach] Nat during my brief stint in Ohio in 2016. I kept in touch with him. He has a heart of gold and knows the game,” Grant Jr. said. “We have a few rock stars in the lineup that I can learn from and teach a little.”
Grant Jr. five-time MLL Champion with 2008 Rochester Rattlers, 2009 Toronto Nationals, 2012 and 2013 Chesapeake Bayhawks, and 2014 Denver Outlaws.
“He’s won at every level he’s ever coached or played,” said Redwoods head coach and general manager Nat St. Laurent. “We’ve had a history together since Ohio Machine. He will be a great addition to our staff.”
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Top 10 most idiotic lawsuits in 2013
Photo from www.businessbasis.ru
The Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), part of the US Chamber of Commerce, has compiled a list of the most ridiculous and absurd lawsuits filed this year. “Do we really want the legal system to look like this?” ILR President Lisa Rickard commented to Business Insider, “substantially abusive lawsuits, both small and large, have a huge impact on society and the economy.” “Pravo.Ru” gives the list in full.
1. Beer as an accomplice in crime
Kuna, Idaho jail inmates Keith Alan Brown, Jeremy Joseph Brown, Sori Alan Baugh, Woodrow John Grant, and Stephen Todd Thompson sued eight major brewing companies in January.
The convicts accused the brewers of not warning about the addiction that their products cause. Subsequently, beer addiction led them to the path of crime, the applicants, who demanded $500 million, believe. In particular, one of the plaintiffs wrote: in which alcohol played a decisive role. Prisoners say they would never have started drinking alcohol if they knew it was so addictive. The plaintiffs also demanded that the alcohol companies put warnings on their labels that their products may be addictive.
2. Teacher with pedophobia
Mary S. Walter-Willard, 61, from Ohio teaches Spanish and French in the Mariemonte School District. Until 2010, the woman worked in a high school, but then she was transferred to an educational institution for young children. The woman claims to be constantly stressed and anxious, she often has bouts of vomiting, chest pains, nightmares and high blood pressure. The teacher sees the cause of all his suffering in communication with young children with disabilities.
According to the plaintiff, she has been suffering from pedophobia, the fear of children, for more than 20 years. Walter-Willard alleges that the school district violated a contract that required her “to be protected from small children.” The woman accused Mariemonte County of discrimination in connection with her transfer to another school. The court rejected the claims on three of the six points specified in the suit.
3. My son was kicked out of the school team. $40 million in damages.
Erwin Mears filed a lawsuit in federal court against Camden County, as well as against the school’s PE teacher, the headmaster of the school where his son named Mawusimensach attends, and the school board. The trial began after the boy was expelled from the school athletics team. The official reason is missing workouts without a good reason. However, Mears Sr. considers the reasons for the absence of his son more than valid. According to him, grief is in their family – one of the relatives died, moreover, Mavusimensakh has a leg injury.
The man also stated that his son was bullied in the team, and the coach chose an older team member instead of Mavusimensach to participate in the competition, although, according to the plaintiff, Mears Jr. runs much faster. The damages caused by the school and the district were estimated by the plaintiff at $40 million.
4. Triumph of the Will
Erica Tambourine of West Virginia filed a lawsuit against the owner of the parking lot where she had an accident. The plaintiff claims that she continues to suffer from the consequences of the incident. She, in her own words, is worried about injuries to her head, neck, shoulders, back, chest and arms. There would be nothing special in this case, if not for one detail – six months after the accident, in May 2010, a woman participated in a half marathon (a discipline half as long as a marathon) and completed it 50th out of 173 participants, running the distance (slightly more 21 km) in 2 hours 43 minutes. The lawsuit also says that after the disaster, she had “violated body chemistry and psyche.
” The nature of mechanical injuries in the meantime has not been established. In addition, Tambourine claims that due to the consequences of the accident, her daughter was deprived of her mother’s love and happiness of communicating with her. The amount of compensation required for damages was not specified.
5. Sandwich too short
New Jersey residents John Farley and Charles Noah are claiming damages from Subway fast food chain because their sandwiches were shorter than advertised. Subway wanted to attract customers with “full-foot-long” (30.5 cm) sandwiches. Friends decided to make sure that the sandwich corresponds to the declared size. After measuring it, it turned out to be only 27 cm long. The plaintiffs demanded that the company stop describing its sandwiches with the phrase “a whole foot long” in its advertising. Lawyer Farley and Noah said: “The point is that holding companies should be aware of what they promise.” This case went to federal court. The plaintiffs want the claim to be given the status of a class action, since after this incident other similar complaints began to appear.
6. Parents who ruined a restaurateur’s career
32-year-old homeless Bernard Bay from New York filed a lawsuit against his parents because they refused to give him $200,000. With this money, the man wanted to open a chain of Domino’s pizza restaurants as a franchise. Bay believes that his parents should mortgage their house and give him an eighth of the required money. The man’s lawsuit says that the behavior of the parents led to “deep spiritual wounds that cannot heal on their own.” “They [parents] are indifferent to the problems and life status of their children,” Bay wrote in a statement. The plaintiff is demanding that his parents pay him $200,000 as a “fix”.0003
7. Restaurant service assessed for lawsuit
In December 2010, Joel Asey from West Virginia came to Bob Evan’s. He asked the waitress to seat him at the front of the establishment. However, to the surprise of the client, he was escorted to the back of the restaurant, and the girl herself did not seem to listen to him at all.
Asya claims that when the waitress led him to a table, she threw the menu folder on the table and cursed, calling the visitor a “damned idiot.” The reasons for this behavior are unknown to him, however, there is an assumption that at the time Asya came to the restaurant, the girl’s shift had already ended, and therefore she was not in a positive mood. Asya was not satisfied with the manager’s apologies and the offer to dine at the expense of the establishment. A man who considered this attitude of the staff to be racial discrimination (Asya is an African American) filed a lawsuit. Nothing is known about his claims.
8. A C on an exam could not be challenged in court
Megan Tod, a graduate student at Lehigh Medical University, Pennsylvania, sued the school because she got a C+ (C+) on her exam. according to the Russian system) in one of the disciplines. According to her lawyer Richard Orlosky, because of this, the girl did not get an internship and could not become a licensed therapist.
The plaintiff believes that her assessment was deliberately underestimated, allegedly because she supports same-sex marriage. It is noteworthy that Tod studies at the university for free, as her father works there as a teacher. The graduate student demanded that she be paid $1.3 million in compensation for ideological discrimination, and her grade was changed to B (B). In February of this year, the lawsuit was dismissed.
9. Robber and his rights
In September 2011, 37-year-old Scott Lafont committed an armed robbery of Mike’s Mini Mart. A man who was a regular customer walked up to the checkout with a pack of beer and asked for cigarettes. After that, he took out a knife and warned that if they tried to stop him, he would use a weapon. Then he ran out of the room with the goods. Mike’s Mini Mart owner Michael Lewis followed him, taking a gun with him. The man fired one warning shot into the air, and as he got closer, he fired three shots at him, wounding the robber. Soon the police arrived at the scene.
The owner of the store was taken to the police station, interrogated, but ultimately no charges were brought against him. After that, Lafont filed a lawsuit demanding compensation for medical expenses and lost earnings as a result of the injury. The man believed that he was not a danger to Lewis when he opened fire. Two years later, the jury ruled in favor of the store owner.
10. How Apple Gets Porn Addicted
Former lawyer Chris Sevier of Tennessee filed a lawsuit against Apple in the summer of 2013, accusing it of providing users with gadgets with unlimited internet access. It all started when Sevier accidentally typed in the search bar, instead of the name of the social network Facebook, the consonant name of the porn site Fuckbook.com and immediately found himself on the page for adults. Since then, the plaintiff claims, he has been heavily addicted to pornography “with negative consequences for himself.” Sevier accused Apple that, using its devices, users become involved in “sex slavery” and “child pornography”, as well as many other social ills.
