Johnny Price – Georgetown Men’s Lacrosse Player

Getting into Lacrosse: Family Influence

Johnny Price’s journey into lacrosse began when he was just four or five years old, influenced heavily by his father, who played college lacrosse at Georgetown. “I started playing lacrosse when I was probably around like four or five years old, right when youth lacrosse started playing,” Johnny recalled. His early start, driven by a family passion for the sport, set the foundation for his lacrosse career. Johnny’s first significant experience was a club tournament at Babson College in second grade, which opened his eyes to the broader lacrosse community. “It was just like an awesome moment to really realize that there’s a whole community of people that are really just like playing sport at such a high level,” he noted. This experience ignited his competitive spirit and commitment to the sport. Playing for 3D New England, a club that included players from across New England, further fueled his drive to improve. “That was where my competitive aspect started to really grow because I was playing with a bunch of kids from different backgrounds,” he explained. Johnny’s early exposure to high-level competition and the structured environment of club lacrosse played pivotal roles in his development as a player.

Psychological Approach: Preparing for the Game’s Physicality

For Johnny, lacrosse is as much a mental game as it is physical, if not more so. “Lacrosse is so mental; that’s more for me…more than half the game,” he stated. Overcoming freshman year nerves and building confidence were significant milestones in his mental game. Initially intimidated by older, more experienced players, Johnny found himself struggling. “I was just scared with the fact that there was a maybe a bigger but also like a more experienced guy going after me,” he admitted. However, by his sophomore year, he had made a substantial mental shift, focusing on enjoying the game and embracing competition. “Going into every game like ready to dominate but also like, you know, ready to have fun,” he explained. Johnny believes that staying relaxed and not overthinking outcomes is crucial. His pre-game routine reflects this mindset, involving a long stretch with headphones on and playing wall ball to stay loose. “I play my best when I’m fully relaxed and not too stressed out about it,” he said. Avoiding loud music and excessive hype helps him maintain a calm and focused state. This approach allows him to perform without the burden of unnecessary stress, focusing solely on the game and his enjoyment of it.

Physical Routine & Preparation: Supplemental Reps

Johnny’s physical preparation for lacrosse involves consistent practice and extra reps outside of scheduled practices. “You can’t just show up on practice and show fun game days,” he emphasized. He stays after regular practices for an additional 30 minutes to work on specific areas needing improvement. “I remember every practice during the spring I would stay after for another 30 minutes and just like, it doesn’t have to be super hardcore, but just getting a little extra work,” he noted. This dedication to refining his skills and addressing weaknesses helps him stay competitive. Johnny also incorporates weight training into his routine, focusing on speed, strength, and vertical strength during the off-season. However, he adapts his lifting schedule during the season to avoid fatigue, given lacrosse’s high cardio demands. “I lift three times a week in the off-season and slow down during the season,” he mentioned. Stretching is a crucial part of his routine to prevent tightness and injury. Johnny ensures he stretches multiple times a day, including immediately after practice and before bed. “I got to stretch right when I get home and before I go to bed,” he stated. Nutrition is another critical component; he prioritizes getting three meals a day to maintain his energy levels. This holistic approach to training and recovery enables Johnny to perform consistently at a high level.

Key Takeaways: Importance of Versatility

Several unique insights emerge from Johnny Price’s interview, reflecting his dedication, versatility, and leadership qualities. One significant aspect is his emphasis on versatility in his game. “If a coach needs a certain position…throw me in there type of player,” Johnny explained, highlighting his ability to adapt to different roles on the field. This versatility makes him a valuable asset, especially at the college level. Johnny’s leadership philosophy focuses on inclusivity and vulnerability, ensuring that all team members feel involved and valued. “Having everyone and getting everyone involved…making yourself vulnerable,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of breaking down social barriers within the team. His most influential coach, Coach Higgins, played a pivotal role in shaping his character both on and off the field, focusing on personal development as much as athletic skills. “He really made sure to shape the person I am more than like the player,” Johnny said. His coach emphasized character, humility, and the importance of off-field behavior, which profoundly impacted Johnny’s approach to the sport and life. Johnny’s advice to his younger self—to stay motivated, enjoy the game, and not get too caught up in results—reflects his mature perspective on balancing competitiveness with enjoyment. “Stay motivated…have fun while you’re doing it,” he advised. His story underscores the importance of mental resilience, continuous improvement, and a supportive environment in achieving success in lacrosse.