Reiley McDonald
BY MAGGIE OLIVE KLEIN
KONKLIFE WRITER AND EDITOR
Reiley McDonald, an assistant girls lacrosse coach here in Key West, grew up in a well known
lacrosse family from up north. His father was not only a coach that had a heavy impact on his
life as a player, but was also inducted into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame four years ago! McDonald
was a student at Cornell, and played from 1976-1979. His first three years were triumphant, as
his team won two championships, and finished second in the third one. They hold a record for
the number of games won in the NCAA, at 43 games.
McDonald grew to discover that his passions lie in coaching, similar to his father, and learned
from his dad’s method of coaching that the student athletes need to learn the fundamentals of
the sport first, and once they get them right, a team is established. When asked about what he
values most about coaching, McDonald says, “When you’re trying to teach a kid something and
suddenly a light bulb goes off in their head and there’s the big smile. You know you got them.
That part to me is the most rewarding aspect of coaching.” He goes on to talk highly of the kids
that he coached in Key West, how he came to work with a team that was so good once he came
in, with amazing players, who didn’t even know how good they really were. He assisted coach
Marisa Giocopuzzi, who has been with the girls for four years, and had similar coaching tactics
to McDonald, which made for a great duo, and an even better team.
McDonald states, “Marisa has an upbeat style of coaching. She keeps practice moving, and
always keeps the girls in check. I coach very similarly. As far as I’m concerned, I have never had
a harsh word to say to a girl. When I coach, I start off with telling a girl that they did a great job,
but there’s something to work on. It’s teaching in a kind and supportive way that really is
effective.” He stresses the importance of instilling confidence in the girls, as well as ethics. If
they are able to recognize the skills they have, they are that much better of a player. McDonald
speaks highly of the girls, and explains that they are so good, even on their own. He is hesitant
to take credit for their victories, including them winning their division, 13-3, and them going to
the states for the first time.
The constant positivity and encouragement has gotten these incredibly talented young women
so far, and we can’t wait to see what else is in store!
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