Rancho Bernardo girls lacrosse coach Faire Wood introduces young athletes to positive style of play
SAN DIEGO — Poway Chamber of Commerce marketing assistant Faire Wood is tireless in her efforts to pursue her passion for her career, her love of lacrosse, and her drive to mentor student-athletes. In addition to assisting with communication, event planning and member outreach for the chamber, she is the girls鈥� varsity lacrosse coach at Rancho Bernardo High School.
A natural evolution from player to coach
When Wood was in third grade, she accompanied her older sister鈥攁lready an avid lacrosse player鈥攖o a clinic and was hooked when she won a t-shirt for being the fastest player in attendance. This small token of recognition inspired her to continue with the sport鈥攖hat was nearly 15 years ago, and she has never stopped playing.
Wood recently graduated from Northern Arizona University with a business administration and marketing degree. She played on a club lacrosse team all four years of college. Her love of the sport naturally led her to coach, and she began by coaching elementary school students and students at the junior varsity level. 鈥淚t is a great feeling knowing that you are helping these kids grow up and playing a role in their development and lives,鈥� Wood says of that early coaching experience.
Now at the varsity level, Wood鈥檚 self-described coaching style is to foster an environment of positive energy and positive feedback with her players. 鈥淚 am here to help them and teach them,鈥� she says. Team bonding is an essential aspect of her coaching repertoire. Wood emphasizes, 鈥淭he more they get to know each other, the more they grow as a team.鈥� The players participate in weekly pasta parties the evening before games and spend time together outside practices.
Wood believes being a younger coach is helpful because she can connect with her players. She understands what they are going through both on and off the field鈥攕he has been there too. She wants her athletes to know they can talk to her about anything, and she is grateful for the opportunity to mentor every team member.
Building a bright future
Where does Wood鈥檚 coaching inspiration come from? Being a three-sport athlete all four years of high school鈥攆ield hockey, basketball, lacrosse鈥攕he has a depth of experience to draw from. 鈥淚 take knowledge from each coach I had, but I am developing my own coaching style,鈥� she reflects. What surprised Wood most about her team this season is their passion: 鈥淚t鈥檚 rare to have every single player on the team give 110% every day. They push each other to be their best.鈥�
Wood credits the lacrosse community for playing an important role and encouraging other young athletes to play. 鈥淓veryone is so kind and helpful. It鈥檚 cool to be a part of this community,鈥� she says. For now, Wood is enjoying every moment of her time at the helm of this team and has no plans to leave. 鈥淚 love my team; they have a special place in my heart. I want to provide consistency, watch them grow and help build this program.鈥�
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