Balancing the Demands of Lacrosse and Life

Insights from Notre Dame Star Liam Entenmann

November 20, 2024

Summary: Liam Entenmann is a two-time NCAA champion and current goalie for the New York Atlas. Liam has built an impressive career, both as a college athlete and a professional lacrosse player. His path, from balancing high-pressure moments on the field to developing routines and habits that support his success, offers valuable insights into resilience, focus, and self-discipline. Here, we break down the core strategies Liam uses to thrive in the high-stakes world of lacrosse and beyond.

The Power of Routine: Finding Focus Through Consistency

For Liam, consistency is key to staying mentally prepared. “I always put on my gear in the same order,” he shares. “If it doesn’t feel right, I’ll start over.” This small, consistent routine helps him reach a focused mindset. Routine-building is a powerful executive function skill that anyone can use to manage stress and increase focus, whether you’re preparing for a game, a test, or even a tough day ahead.

If you’re gearing up for a big event or study session, create a mini-routine to shift into focus mode. This could be as simple as organizing your study materials or doing a quick breathing exercise. Developing routines is a proven way to improve task initiation and time management, skills that make focusing easier, even under pressure.

Building Productive Habits with Small Wins

In college, Liam found that a few small, productive habits helped set the tone for his day. “I’d make my bed, drink some water, and get to class on time,” he shared. These “small wins” created a sense of accomplishment and reinforced his discipline and focus.

This “small wins” approach is a powerful executive function strategy, especially for those who struggle with procrastination. Completing small, achievable goals builds momentum and helps keep you organized. Think about choosing one simple task, like reviewing notes or completing a quick assignment, to start your day off right.

These habits are especially helpful for students who struggle with procrastination; the “small wins” approach provides immediate satisfaction and a sense of control, both of which motivate continued productivity.

Leaning on Support When Needed

Like many students, Liam found college academics challenging. To manage this transition, he used Notre Dame’s academic resources and leaned on teammates for guidance. “One teammate was our go-to for class scheduling,” he noted. Building a support network is an essential executive function skill, as it strengthens accountability, organization, and adaptability. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Ask friends for advice, use academic resources, or go to office hours. Seeking support is a strategy that can make academic and personal challenges easier to tackle.

Setting Boundaries to Protect Mental Health

Liam has felt the pressures of competitive sports and is candid about the importance of mental health. “Looking back, I wish I’d reached out for help sooner,” he reflects. Today, he sets boundaries to support his mental wellness, including limiting social media distractions. 

Setting boundaries is a skill for managing mental wellness. Liam’s advice to students: try controlling your social media habits to prevent distractions. Whether it’s setting time limits or only using apps on your computer, a few simple boundaries can boost focus and reduce stress.

Advice for High School Athletes Transitioning to College

Building routines doesn’t just help with sports; it’s also needed for managing academics and personal time in college. Liam emphasizes the importance of finding what works for you rather than copying someone else’s schedule. “Your routine needs to fit your life, not the other way around,” he says. Starting with a few easy habits, like a quick warm-up before morning classes or setting aside time to review practice footage, can help keep you on track without feeling overwhelmed. 

College comes with a lot of freedom, and staying disciplined is key to balancing it all. Liam’s advice is to aim for consistency rather than perfection. “The goal is progress, not getting it all right every day,” he adds. As students take on new responsibilities, establishing routines can create a rhythm that makes college life feel more manageable. It’s these steady, small habits that build confidence and help students stay on top of both athletic and academic demands.

Create Routines That Fit Your Goals

Liam’s final piece of advice? Develop routines that match your unique goals and needs. He recommends starting with “small victories” in the morning, like a healthy breakfast or reviewing your class notes. Building habits tailored to your own strengths is an executive function skill that increases motivation and keeps you on track. 

When you create routines that feel natural, you’ll find it easier to stay consistent and focused over time. Maybe your routine involves listening to a podcast during your commute or setting aside five minutes to plan your day. These personal routines are powerful tools for developing the executive function skills that lead to lasting success.

Key Lessons from Liam Entenmann’s 

1. Create Consistent Routines for Focus: Liam’s pregame ritual helps him reach a flow state, which is essential for performance under pressure. Establishing routines in study or work settings can help others enter peak performance.

2. Set Small, Actionable Goals: Starting the day with small wins, like making the bed or hydrating, can set a positive tone and build momentum.

3. Utilize Resources and Support Systems: Liam leaned on academic resources and team support to thrive at Notre Dame. Students should seek out resources early, as these networks can provide guidance and accountability.

4. Manage Mental Health by Setting Boundaries: Recognizing when to reach out for help and setting limits with social media are essential for maintaining mental well-being.

5. Personal Routines: Find routines that fit your own schedule and needs. Everyone’s optimal routine will be unique, so it’s important to experiment and adapt.

If you’re seeking guidance on building these skills, Untapped Learning offers personalized coaching to help students develop executive function strategies that improve focus, time management, and mental resilience. 

For more tips on achieving success in both academics and athletics, explore Untapped Learning and take the next step toward reaching your potential.

Brandon Slade is the founder of Untapped Learning. He combines his personal experience with executive function challenges with his years of experience in order to help students across the country.