Who are the key members of the Voorhees High School Boys Lacrosse coaching staff. What experience and accomplishments do they bring to the program. How has the Voorhees lacrosse program developed over the years.
Nick Perkalis: Leading the Voorhees Lacrosse Program
Nick Perkalis currently serves as the head coach of the Voorhees High School Boys Lacrosse team. In his second year at the helm, Perkalis brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach to the program.
Coaching Experience
- Head Lacrosse Coach at Voorhees High School (2017-Present)
- Assistant Football Coach at Voorhees High School (2016-Present)
- Assistant Basketball Coach at Voorhees High School (2017-Present)
- Assistant Lacrosse Coach at Hackettstown High School (2016)
Perkalis has also been involved in numerous lacrosse camps and clinics for various age groups, demonstrating his commitment to developing young talent in the sport.
Playing Career
Perkalis’s playing experience includes:
- 3-year player and 2-year captain at Centenary University
- 2-time All-Conference Defender at Centenary University
- 2-time All-Conference and All-Division Defender at Voorhees High School
How does Perkalis’s diverse coaching background contribute to his role as head coach? His experience across multiple sports and levels allows him to bring a well-rounded approach to player development and team strategy.
Tim Cullen: A Seasoned Assistant with Championship Experience
Tim Cullen serves as an assistant coach for the Voorhees High School Boys Lacrosse team, bringing an impressive coaching resume to the program.
Coaching Highlights
- Assistant Lacrosse Coach at Voorhees High School (2017-Present)
- Assistant Lacrosse Coach at The Pingry School (2016)
- NJSIAA Tournament of Champions Finalists
- NJSIAA Non-Public B State Champions
- Somerset County Tournament Finalists
- Head Lacrosse Coach at Voorhees High School (2012-2015)
- 2012 Express Times Coach of the Year
- 2012 Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament Finalists
- 4 NJSIAA Tournament Victories
- Selected to coach 2014 Gil Gibbs All-Star Game
- 5 players selected to NJILCA All-State Teams
Cullen’s experience extends to other successful programs as well:
- Assistant Lacrosse Coach at Mountain Lakes High School (2008-2009)
- 2008 NJ Tournament of Champions Champions
- 2008 Group I State Champions
- 2008 Morris County Tournament Champions
- Head Lacrosse Coach at Millburn High School (2005-2007)
- 3 NJSIAA Tournament Appearances
- Selected to coach 2006 Gil Gibbs Senior All-Star Game
- 6 players selected to NJILCA All-State Teams
In what ways does Cullen’s extensive coaching experience at various levels benefit the Voorhees lacrosse program? His track record of success and exposure to different coaching environments provides valuable insights and strategies for player development and team performance.
Justin Friedel: Bringing a Multi-Sport Perspective
Justin Friedel adds depth to the Voorhees lacrosse coaching staff with his diverse athletic background and coaching experience.
Coaching Experience
- Assistant Lacrosse Coach at Voorhees High School (2014-Present)
- Assistant Football Coach at Warren Hills High School (2010-2016)
Playing Career
Friedel’s athletic experience spans multiple sports:
- 4-year member of the club lacrosse team at Wilkes University
- Led the team in groundballs, faceoff wins, and assists for 2 out of 4 years
- 4-year member of the football team at Wilkes University
- 4-year player and 3-year varsity lacrosse player at North Hunterdon High School
How does Friedel’s multi-sport background enhance his coaching approach? His experience in both lacrosse and football allows him to incorporate diverse training methods and strategic concepts into his coaching style.
Professional Background
Interestingly, Friedel’s professional career as a Mechanical Engineer at Picatinny Arsenal adds a unique perspective to the coaching staff. How might his engineering background contribute to analytical aspects of game planning and player development?
Paul Shanklin: A Legendary Figure in Voorhees Lacrosse
Paul Shanklin’s long-standing involvement with Voorhees lacrosse has made him a cornerstone of the program’s success and legacy.
Coaching Achievements
- 41 years of coaching experience at Voorhees High School
- 20 years as Head Coach
- Inducted into the Voorhees Hall of Fame for lacrosse and football coaching
- Inducted into the State Hall of Fame for Lacrosse Coaches in 1998
- 7-time conference champions
- 5-time conference Coach of the Year
- Coached 28 All-State players
- Coached 1 All-American player who later earned three Division III All-American awards
What impact has Shanklin’s long-term commitment to the program had on Voorhees lacrosse? His decades of experience have helped establish a strong foundation and winning tradition for the team.
Legacy and Community Impact
Shanklin’s influence extends beyond just wins and losses. He now finds himself coaching sons and nephews of former players, highlighting the generational impact he has had on the Voorhees lacrosse community. How does this continuity contribute to the program’s culture and success?
The Voorhees Lacrosse Program: Building on Tradition
The Voorhees High School Boys Lacrosse program has established itself as a competitive force in New Jersey high school lacrosse. With a coaching staff that combines years of experience, diverse backgrounds, and a strong connection to the local community, the program is well-positioned for continued success.
Program Strengths
- Experienced coaching staff with success at various levels
- Strong community ties and generational involvement
- Proven track record of player development and college recruitment
- Emphasis on multi-sport athleticism
How does the combination of experienced coaches like Shanklin and newer perspectives from coaches like Perkalis contribute to the program’s evolution? This blend of traditional knowledge and fresh ideas helps keep the program competitive and adaptive in the ever-changing landscape of high school lacrosse.
Player Development and College Recruitment
The Voorhees lacrosse program has demonstrated a strong ability to develop talented players and prepare them for success at the collegiate level.
Notable Achievements
- 28 All-State players coached under Paul Shanklin
- Multiple players selected to NJILCA All-State Teams under Tim Cullen’s tenure
- Success in producing college-level talent, including Division III All-American players
What factors contribute to Voorhees’ success in player development? The coaching staff’s diverse experience, commitment to fundamentals, and understanding of college recruitment processes all play crucial roles in preparing players for the next level.
College Recruitment Support
The coaching staff’s collective experience and connections in the lacrosse community provide valuable resources for players aspiring to play at the collegiate level. How does the program assist players in the recruitment process? Coaches likely leverage their networks, provide guidance on showcases and camps, and help players navigate the complexities of college athletic recruitment.
Community Engagement and Youth Development
The Voorhees lacrosse program extends its influence beyond the high school level, actively engaging with the local community and youth lacrosse initiatives.
Youth Programs and Clinics
- Coaches participate in various camps and clinics for different age groups
- Involvement in community lacrosse programs in Voorhees and surrounding areas
- Generational coaching, with former players’ children now part of the program
How does the program’s community engagement benefit both the team and the broader lacrosse community? By fostering a strong youth lacrosse culture, Voorhees ensures a pipeline of talented and well-prepared players for the high school program while also promoting the sport’s growth in the region.
Building a Lacrosse Culture
The long-standing presence of coaches like Paul Shanklin has helped establish a strong lacrosse culture in the Voorhees community. How does this cultural foundation contribute to the program’s ongoing success? A community that values and supports lacrosse creates an environment where young athletes are motivated to excel in the sport from an early age.
Adapting to Modern Lacrosse: Strategies and Innovations
As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, the Voorhees coaching staff must adapt their strategies and training methods to keep pace with modern trends.
Incorporating New Techniques
- Utilizing data and analytics in game planning and player evaluation
- Implementing cutting-edge training methods and equipment
- Adapting to rule changes and evolving playing styles
How does the coaching staff balance traditional lacrosse fundamentals with modern innovations? The diverse backgrounds of the coaches, including Justin Friedel’s engineering perspective, likely contribute to a blend of time-tested methods and innovative approaches.
Embracing Technology
In what ways might the Voorhees lacrosse program incorporate technology into their coaching and player development? Potential areas include:
- Video analysis software for game film breakdown
- Wearable technology for tracking player performance and fitness
- Virtual reality training tools for improving decision-making and spatial awareness
By embracing technological advancements, the program can give its players a competitive edge and prepare them for the evolving landscape of college and professional lacrosse.
The Voorhees High School Boys Lacrosse program, under the guidance of its experienced and diverse coaching staff, continues to build on its strong tradition while adapting to the modern game. With a focus on player development, community engagement, and innovative strategies, Voorhees lacrosse is well-positioned to maintain its competitive edge and produce successful student-athletes for years to come.
COACHING STAFF | Voorhees High School Boys Lacrosse
Head Coach: Nick Perkalis (2nd Year)
Coaching Experience
- Head Lacrosse Coach: Voorhees High School (2017-Present)
- Assistant Football Coach: Voorhees High School (2016-Present)
- Assistant Basketball Coach: Voorhees High School (2017-Present)
- Assistant Lacrosse Coach: Hackettstown High School (2016)
- A part of numerous lacrosse camps and clinics for a variety of different ages
Playing Experience
- 3 Year Player and 2 Year Captain at Centenary University
- 2 Time All-Conference Defender at Centenary University
- 2 Time All-Conference and All-Division Defender at Voorhees High School
Tim Cullen:
Coaching Experience
- Assistant Lacrosse Coach: Voorhees High School (2017-Present)
- Assistant Lacrosse Coach: The Pingry School (2016) – NJSIAA T of C Finalists, NJSIAA Non Public B State Champions, SCT Finalists
- Head Lacrosse Coach: Voorhees High School (2012-2015) – 2012 Express Times Coach of the Year, 2012 HWS Tournament Finalists, 4 NJSIAA Tournament Victories, selected to coach 2014 Gil Gibbs All Star Game, 5 players selected to NJILCA All State Teams
- Assistant Lacrosse Coach: Mountain Lakes High School (2008-2009) – 2008 NJ T of C Champions, 2008 Group I State Champions, 2008 MCT Champions
- Head Lacrosse Coach: Millburn High School (2005-2007) – 3 NJSIAA Tournament Appearances, selected to coach 2006 Gil Gibbs Senior All Star Game, 6 players selected to NJILCA All State Teams
- A part of various camps and clinics for the Voorhees, Mountain Lakes, and Millburn communities as well as Leading Edge Elite, The Pingry School, St. Peter’s Prep, Rutgers, and Kean University.
Justin Friedel:
Coaching Experience
- Assistant Lacrosse Coach: Voorhees High School (2014-Present)
- Assistant Football Coach: Warren Hillls High School (2010-2016)
Playing Experience
- 4 year member of the club lacrosse team at Wilkes University
- Led the team in groundballs, faceoff wins, and assissts 2 of 4 years
- 4 year member of the football team at Wilkes University
- 4 year player and 3 year Varsity lacrosse player at North Hunterdon High School
- Mechanical Engineer at Picatinny Arsenal
Paul Shanklin:
Coaching Experience
- Head/Assistant Lacrosse Coach: Voorhees High School (41 years) – 20 years as Head Coach, Voorhees Hall of fame as a lacrosse and football coach, State Hall of Fame for Lacrosse Coaches in 1998, 7 time conference champions, 5 time conference Coach of the Year, coached 28 All-State players, coached 1 All-American player who later earned three Division III All-American awards.
- Coach Shanklin finds himself coaching sons and nephews of former players very frequently now, but he still enjoys coaching in the Voorhees community.
Layne Voorhees – Women’s Lacrosse
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Historical
Biography
Career Highs:
- Goals: 1, four times, last vs. Temple (3/19/17)
- Assists: 1, once, vs. Colorado (2/12/16)
- Points: 1, five times, last vs. Temple (3/19/17)
- Shots: 1, six times, last vs. Temple (3/19/17)
- Ground Balls: 6, once, at Florida (3/25/17)
- Draw Controls: 4, once, at San Diego State (2/4/17)
- Caused Turnovers: 8, once, vs. Cincinnati (4/28/17)
2017:
- IWLCA First Team All-West/Midwest Region selection
- Unanimous All-BIG EAST first-team selection
- Three-time BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week (Feb. 21, Mar. 14, May 2)
- Started all 18 games for Denver
- Led the conference during the regular season in caused turnovers (39) and caused turnovers per game (2.44), and fourth in ground balls per game (2.50)
- Ninth in the NCAA in caused turnovers per game during the season
- Finished with 42 caused turnovers, 42 ground balls, 24 draw controls and one goal on two shots
- Tied Denver’s single-game record with eight caused turnovers in a 17-0 shutout over Cincinnati on Apr. 28
- Career-best six ground balls in a 15-8 loss to Florida on Mar. 25
2016:
- Started all 18 games for the Pioneers.
- Led Denver with 45 ground balls on the season.
- Finished second on the team with 18 draw controls and third with 20 caused turnovers.
- Scored a goal against [4/5] USC (4/10/16).
- Earned All-MPSF First Team honors.
2015:
- Started in all 18 games.
- Named All-MPSF First Team.
- Tallied one goal at California (Apr. 17).
- Had a 1.00 shots on goal percentage.
- Finished second on the team with 25 draw controls and 15 caused turnovers.
- Recorded 23 ground balls.
- Named to MPSF All-Academic Team.
2014:
- Started in all 21 games.
- Tallied one goal against High Point (Mar. 20).
- Had a 1.00 shots on goal percentage.
- Recorded 25 ground balls and 23 caused turnovers.
- Game-high five ground balls against Southern California (Apr. 13).
- Game-high five caused turnovers against Southern California (Apr. 13) and Old Dominion (Apr. 20).
- Had 19 draw controls.
- Received one yellow card.
BEFORE DENVER:
- Played three years at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School.
- D.C. Metro Second Team.
- All-State.
- ISL Conference champions in 2011 and 2013.
- ISL Tournament champions in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
- VISAA State champions in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
PERSONAL:
- Born March 7, 1993 in Alexandria, Va.
- Daughter of John and Gabrielle.
- Has one sister, Palmer.
- Chose Denver for its location, school spirit and academics.
- Also enjoys skiing, hiking, golf, traveling and cooking.
- Member of the cooking club and handbell choir in high school.
- Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and worked with wounded veterans at the Fisher House in Washington, D.