The Article below was published in Vol. 136, Issue 2 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on October 16, 2020.
Stephanie Carlson ’21
Associate Editor and Sports Editor
In October 2019, Lake Forest College announced that they would be elevating the club lacrosse teams to varsity status for the 2021–2022 academic year. After a long and extensive search, the athletic department announced in July 2020 that two individuals had been chosen to lead the program as head men’s and women’s coaches.
Margaret Zentgraf and Philip Dodson were chosen as the women’s and men’s varsity lacrosse head coaches, respectively. Both having extensive backgrounds in coaching and lacrosse, the Lake Forest College community is excited to see how they will lead the program through its transition.
With the future of college sports uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stentor staff met with both Zentgraf and Dodson to hear how they will approach the new program and what they are currently doing to prepare for next year.
Stentor: Why did you want to coach lacrosse for Lake Forest College?
Zentgraf – “It was appealing to build a program from the ground-up and do it in an area I know very well. I fell in love with the campus when I drove up to check it out during quarantine. I felt comfortable talking to the faculty, staff and students that interviewed me. It was evident through those conversations that athletics are supported on campus and students have a strong sense of self here. Students have such a plethora of academic options at LFC and the work of the Career Advancement Center is unmatched in the state, let alone across the country.”
Dodson – “Lake Forest College Athletics have a long-standing tradition of excellence. I knew that as coach of the men’s lacrosse program I would be given the support needed to duplicate that success on the lacrosse field.”
Stentor: What are some things that we can expect from this new program?
Zentgraf – “We will definitely be a competitive team early on. I expect this team to be very involved on campus and in community service projects.”
Dodson – “We can expect from this program a roster that reflects the diverse student population already represented at Lake Forest College. I am recruiting young men from all over the country— New England, Mid-Atlantic, West Coast, and Midwest. We can expect strong student and alumni engagement. Lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport in the US and commonly known as the ‘fastest sport on two feet.’ Whether you are familiar with lacrosse or not, I know that once you see a game you’ll be hooked.”
Stentor: What are your goals for this new program?
Zentgraf – “I’d like to build a powerhouse—athletically, academically and socially. My goal is to grow a team that is hardworking, aware of the big picture, helpful, and driven to compete at the highest level. A team that follows the Tradition of Excellence.”
Dodson – “My goals are to immediately compete for a Midwest Lacrosse Conference [MLC] title and national tournament berth. As an assistant in the MLC, I amassed a combined record of 31-1 and look to go another 31-1 as a head coach.”
Stentor: How does it feel to be a leading figure in this new program?
Zentgraf – “It’s exciting planning for all of the firsts—practice, traditions, games, gear, travel, etc. I feel very supported by LFC to recruit the best student-athletes.”
Dodson – “I have been given a tremendous opportunity to bring varsity lacrosse back to Lake Forest. This wouldn’t be possible without the path laid by alumni and donors; all the Foresters who have come before me. I am grateful that they have entrusted me with this responsibility, and I look forward to continuing the Tradition of Excellence.”
