Cornell Lacrosse Coach Speaks To MS About Leadership

Middle school students had the exciting opportunity to hear from Head Cornell University Lacrosse Coach Connor Buczek about leadership and the importance of character development on and off the field. 

Buczek joined the Middle School via Zoom as part of the Division’s study of The Hard Hat, the true story of former Cornell lacrosse player George Boiardi’s impact and legacy. The book features 21 lessons and exercises about being a great teammate and building a cohesive team. 

Buczek, who led Cornell to a NCA final appearance in his first season as Head Coach, emphasized the importance of putting in the work and holding yourself accountable both on the field and off. A former Cornell lacrosse player and three-time All American, he when it comes to leadership, “well done is better than well said.”

“Talk is cheap. There are a lot of things that you can say, and talk about, and aspire to and you can say it eloquently - and that’s all great and that’s part of this, great leaders speak eloquently - but if you don’t walk the walk, if you don’t have that moral authority because you do things the right way all the time, then you don’t have much to stand on,” said Buczek.

Buczek also spoke to students about earning the respect of their peers and doing things for their innate importance rather than the potential for applause. 

“Sometimes in being selfless, you’re not always going to be the star or the center of attention . . . the respect of your peers is worth more than applause. Be significant rather than successful. Impact those around you as you’re doing the right things,” he said.