Whatever it takes

I hate the idea of a normal job. Going to work every day. Doing the same thing. Driving home and repeating the same thing the next day. I am more than sick of that life. Since I graduated college in 2020, that has been my life. I needed change.

The first time I realized I needed change was February 2021. During COVID, I was complacent with where I was because there was not much I could do. Or so I thought. 5 years later, I know I could have done more. But, that is the process of life. You have to make mistakes in order to learn anything.

In late 2021, I decided to pack up my things and drive across the country to the beautiful state of California. I had no idea what was there for me, I just needed a change. I went of there to figure out my next steps in life. Compared the the New England winters, it's easier to have a positive mindset when you are on the beach in 80 degree weather in January. A nice breeze with the sun beaming down. Not a cloud in the sky. It could not have been more relaxing. I do my best thinking when I am alone and away from distractions. I don't know if that is normal, but it works for me.

Sports have always been my biggest passion. I played basketball and lacrosse in high school, both my favorite sports. Growing up in New England, you are exposed to a plethora of sports, so I would always be watching something. Basketball, lacrosse, hockey, soccer, baseball. Doesn't matter the level or league, I can sit down and watch anything.

That passion for sports has given me the motivation to pursue a full-time career in the industry. After a month and half in Cali, I decided it was time to go home. But this time, I had a plan. I decided apply for the University of Florida's online program for Sports Management. Because of my love for sports and my hate for regular jobs, I needed to find a way to become a coach and join a staff of other coaches who share similar values. I love helping people out and I love to teaching sports to others.

As soon as I got back to Mass, I started coaching lacrosse for Coyotes Lacrosse Club. It was the first time I tried something and I fit right in. After a couple of seasons, I was coaching high school lacrosse for Hopkinton. I was able to earn the role as JV head coach and Varsity assistant. I felt like this was my calling. I loved going to practice and being apart of the process every day. It was cool to see the development of athletes and be a big part of their lives.

While coaching, I pursued my degree in Sports Management with a specialization in Athlete Development. Although it was tough to balance work, school, and coaching, I loved every second of the coaching and did enjoy learning about the importance of player development.

Fast forward to May 2025, I find myself in a similar position. I'm two classes way from graduating, the lacrosse season is coming to an end, and I have no idea what's next. All I want to do is find a job in sports, but I needed a change of scenery. I always wanted to live somewhere else. After much thought, I decided to move to Arizona. Similar to what I did before, I needed some clarity and a some beautiful views to help me figure out what's next.

Fortunately, once I told the Hopkinton coaching staff that I was moving, Head Coach Dan Norton told me he knew someone in high school lacrosse out in the desert. He connected me to P.J. Rovinelli, a Springfield College alum, who had an esteemed coaching resume in AZ lacrosse. After calling him, I was given an opportunity to join his staff as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for Corona Del Sol.

This was the best thing to ever happen to me. Not only did P.J. bring me in, he gave me the responsibilities I had been looking for. Creating practice plans, cutting up film, controlling the offensive personnel. Those are all things that I yearned for. He expected a lot of time from me, but that is exactly what I needed. I like being challenged. In the one season that I've been here, Corona experienced its best regular season in team history, getting all the way to a state semifinal. it was unfortunate ending with a loss in OT to Notre Dame Prep, but the success of this season was not expected from many of our opponents.

At the state championship game, the Arizona Lacrosse League presents all the All-State awards to all the best players in the state. All the coaches in the league get together and pick who should deserves to be on these teams P.J. asked if I could go to support the guys from Corona who won some awards. I said I would gladly go. Little did I know, I was up for an award for Assistant Coach of the Year. After the Commissioner went through the player awards, I was expecting to be done. Then I heard my name.

"The winner of Assistant Coach of the Year, from Corona, Trevor Drake!"

I was in shock. Still am. I don't win awards. It's not something that I try an do. But, this one is special. I put in a lot of work and made so many sacrifices to come out here and help this program. It felt good knowing I got recognized by other coaches for my work.

The reason I was able to get to where I am today was my hard work. There is one motto that sticks with after all these years. It comes from the championship run from the 2024 Boston Celtics: Whatever it takes.

Whatever it takes to help the team.

Whatever it takes to win.

Whatever it takes to achieve your dreams.

That's my mindset. I'm going to do whatever it takes to become a Division 1 basketball head coach.

And it starts right now.