By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/6/12
Warren Danenza has been named the head boys’ lacrosse coach at Upper Darby.
Danenza, a Cardinal O’Hara graduate who played at Neumann University, has been the head coach of the Brandywine Youth Club U15A team the past three years. He also was an assistant coach for Garnet Valley Middle School last year and was previously the JV coach at O’Hara. He also is co-founder of TEAM 27, of the Summer Lacrosse League of Southeastern PA.
Danenza answered these questions:
What made you decide to pursue this job?
Danenza: “The challenge. Upper Darby was 0-18 last year and ranked last in the state of Pennsylvania. The program has a proud history and I do not feel that last year properly reflected what Upper Darby Lacrosse is and will be. When the job was posted, I jumped at the opportunity because I knew that I could rebuild the program on my terms and work with an administration, including the athletic department, that would support my every decision. To me, this is a dream job and I plan to be at UD as long as they will have me.”
Who has helped shape you as a coach?
Danenza: “I have been lucky in my young coaching career. I was able to learn under tremendous ‘lacrosse’ coaches like Jim Derose and Frank Urso, who have impacted my career in such a positive way. Men like Bryan Tingle, Vinnie Bonaddio, Denny Nealon and Jim Trowbridge provided me guidance during my climb to my current position. I am so thankful for everyone that has taught me lacrosse, life and hopefully how to be the coach that the Upper Darby Lacrosse program needs.”
What is your coaching philosophy?
Danenza: “Simplicity. We stress the little things; ground-balls, face-offs and high percentage shots. I teach accountability, responsibility and team unity. We approach the game with a relentless determination and we emphasize being smarter over being selfish.”
What expectations/goals do you have for the season?
Danenza: “I firmly believe that will we finish in the top half of the Central League. I also know that we have the talent to compete in our non-league games. We, the team and the staff, have set the bar high and we expect a lot of ourselves. The commitment is there and expectations/goals will be met as one unit.”
