Excerpts of this "Give & Go" interview with Syracuse coach Gary Gait appear in the May edition of US Lacrosse Magazine. Don't get the mag? Join US Lacrosse today to start your subscription.
What’s the most played song on your favorite playlist?
My No. 1 song is “Crossroads” by my son, Braedon Gait. I listen to it every workout. Go to his bio on Instagram (@braedongait) to listen for yourself.
Who’s your favorite athlete?
My twin brother, Paul, because he could do so many things that I couldn’t. He also was a gamer — his best always came out when it counted the most with some amazing and record-setting playoff and championship performances.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Gummy bears. When your mouth gets dry from coaching up the players and critiquing the officials, a couple gummy bears can make it all good.
What’s one thing lacrosse really needs?
Lacrosse needs former college players to become officials. Check out the IWLCA and US Lacrosse officials academies for graduating college players.
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Larry Bird. Basketball was my favorite high school sport, and Larry and the Celtics were in their prime during that time.
What is your favorite hobby?
I love designing and making things. Check out the chandelier I made for the Syracuse women’s lacrosse locker room.
What are your pregame rituals?
A run to clear the mind and focus, followed by a coffee to get me fired up.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was really young, I wanted to be a mechanic. I loved restoring old cars in high school, the high school version of “Fast N’ Loud.”
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Kite surfing — and it’s happening next December in Miami.
If you could marry a celebrity, who would it be?
I did marry my favorite celebrity, my wife, Nicole. She worked and danced in Los Angeles. She was in classic videos such as “In the Rhythm of The Night” by Debarge and was an instructor for a Canadian television national fitness show.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak with peppercorn sauce and truffle.
OVERTIME
from Denver coach Liza Kelly
How do you give back to the game?
I love to teach young players the game of lacrosse. Over the years, I have been able to give clinics and spread the game everywhere I have traveled. I’m also the director of the Canadian national women’s senior team, competing this summer in England, and the director of the Canadian U19 women’s gold medal team.
DOUBLE OVERTIME
from Instagram user @sheehanburch
What is your most memorable game as either a player or coach?
[As a coach] at Syracuse, it would be the two come-from-behind wins in the 2012 playoffs against UNC and Florida. Both amazing.
Pose a question for our next subject.
What should be the next major rule change in the women’s game?
Extras:
What’s one thing that always puts you in a good mood?
Seeing my dog when I get home. He always is in a great mood and just happy to see me and puts a smile on my face every time!
What’s your favorite sports movie?
“Facing the Giants.”
Who is your role model?
Parents are No. 1, and all past coaches tie for No. 2 as I have learned most of what I know from all of them.
What’s been the proudest moment of your career?
My proudest moments have come coaching my children, Braedon and Taylor, in high school and college. Winning championships finishes a close second!
Where did you go on your last vacation?
I went to Miami to relax on the beach and enjoy the culture.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Camped, canoed, hiked and portaged in the wilderness a few times. Had a few encounters with bears, mountain lions and moose! #GettingCloseToNature
What’s on your bucket list?
I want to travel North America and visit all the major cities by car. I’ve driven across Canada and the U.S. a few times, but I was always limited by time. I think it would take at least two months to do it the right way.
It’s 2027 — Where are you and what are you doing?
Coaching at Syracuse. What else would I be doing?