For most sports, the difference between varsity and junior varsity sports is very clear, but in boys’ lacrosse, the line between the two groups is blurred. 

David Cohn, head coach of boys’ lacrosse and newly appointed Director of Athletics, enjoys coaching in a style that allows everyone on both teams to practice together and learn from each other. 

Having the oldest, most experienced varsity players play alongside beginners creates a strong sense of community that other sports lack, allowing players to learn from each other in a tight-knit environment. Players of other sports say that the dynamic between the varsity and JV teams is much more structured and separated compared to boys’ lacrosse.  

“Football is more separated—even though we still practice together, they separate us a lot more than lacrosse does, which makes it more like a hierarchy,” said Kyle Murphy, one of the few freshman players on varsity lacrosse. “Being on varsity comes with a sense of accomplishment and power, when you are on JV, you don’t feel the same way when you play on Thursdays with less of a crowd.” 

Fall and winter sports such as football and soccer have two distinct teams without much movement. In some instances, this can create tension and stress among players.

Practicing together not only allows the players to get to know one another better, but also allows JV players to look up to their varsity players and push themselves to be the best player they can be, both on and off the field. 

“I’ve found that some JV players haven’t played as much as the other kids, but they really rise to the occasion because they don’t wanna let down the seniors and older players,” Cohn said.

Even though the teams practice together, varsity players may practice more intensely, while JV players may focus on learning and building basic skills rather than forming complex game strategies.

“We aren’t as focused sometimes as varsity, but that’s because we won’t have a game and they will,” freshman Horatio Wilcox said.

After serving seven years as the head coach of boys’ lacrosse, Cohn has been chosen as the new Director of Athletics following Vince Arduini’s departure.

In an email to the SJS community, Head of School Dan Alig described Cohn as having “a wealth of love and respect for [our] students.”

“My standard is if you are willing to put in the work and willing to do what I’m asking you to do while being part of a team and being a good teammate, you’re more than welcome in my program, and we’re going to find a place for you,” Cohn said.