Los Alamitos Boys Lacrosse Coach Matt Cunniffe on Building a Gritty, Division 1 Program

Talking About the CdM Game (1:10)

Los Alamitos faced off against Corona del Mar in a tough matchup that ended in a 10-4 loss. Coach Matt emphasized a game plan focused on executing clears, dominating face-offs and rides, and using the team’s athletic advantage—especially through senior middie captain James Stevens.
Nicolas Pallone, a standout in goal despite only picking up lacrosse as a freshman, continues to rise as one of Orange County’s top goalies.
Although Los Al had several man-up opportunities, they struggled to finish close shots, with CdM goalie Dom DiFrancesco making key saves and the Sea Kings’ defense forcing low-percentage outside shots.
Coach Matt praised his team’s identity as “gritty and scrappy,” noting their ability to win ground balls and rely on athleticism to disrupt opponents.

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Coach Matt’s Background in Lacrosse (5:00)

Originally from Boston, Coach Matt played nearly every sport growing up, including hockey from age 3 through 18. He picked up lacrosse at 13, learning the basics from his mom, and became a four-year starter and two-year captain in high school—the first Division I athlete from his school.
He played at Holy Cross in Massachusetts, where current Los Al alum Julian Jenkins now competes.
After graduating, he returned to Boston to coach JV and assist varsity at Catholic Memorial, while also coaching in the powerhouse Medfield youth program.
When Medfield relocated to DC, Coach Matt took his severance and moved west, helping launch the program at Long Beach Poly in 2017. He joined Los Alamitos as an assistant in 2019 and became head coach in 2021.

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Coach Matt’s Biggest Coaching Influence (8:00)

Coach Matt credits his hockey background and coaches for shaping his approach. His high school coach, Bill Hanson, a Massachusetts coaching legend, taught him valuable life lessons through discipline.
He also highlighted college coach Adam Pascal—his first real lacrosse coach—as a major influence. Pascal played at Middlebury and later coached at Holy Cross.
Host Mark Todd gave a shout-out to Corona del Mar legends Michael and Jack Ortlieb, recalling Mike as the first NCAA goalie to score two goals in one game.

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Coach Matt on Impacting His Players (9:00)

Beyond lacrosse, Coach Matt sees his role as teaching young men how to grow through adversity and do the extra work.
He describes his coaching style as “tough but fair,” emphasizing the balance between guidance and personal growth.
Patience, he says, has been the biggest lesson in his coaching journey.

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The Team’s Captains (11:20)

Jack Wilkerson – Defensive pole
Sammy Brackmann – Defensive pole
Dillon Hobbs – Midfield
James Stevens – Midfield
Charlie Widmer – Attackman

Charlie Widmer (#44) is a standout with over 90 points—6’2”, powerful, fast, and vocal on the field.
James Stevens is a two-way middie with elite speed, known as one of the fastest players in SoCal. He’s committed to Lake Erie College.
Dillon Hobbs is a sharpshooter who leads by example.
Sammy Brackmann and Jack Wilkerson are key anchors on defense—quiet leaders who play with physicality and mentor the younger players.

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Non-Seniors Stepping Into Leadership Roles (12:50)

Rob Hansen – Junior midfielder with a smooth overhand shot and a calm presence. Shot 86% last season and is expected to emerge as a key leader.

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How Coach Handles Team Conflict (14:00)

Coach Matt is all about putting the team first.
If issues arise within the group, they’re addressed directly and constructively.
He believes in vocal, head-on communication to maintain unity.

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Practice Philosophy at Los Alamitos (15:50)

Practices typically run 90 minutes, with key drills including:
• 4v3 keep-away – great for touch and rhythm
• Horse Shoe – rotating uneven-number scenarios (2v3, 3v4, etc.)
• Ground ball drills, 6-on-6 play, and special teams (man-up, man-down) round out sessions.

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Coach Matt’s Philosophy on Playing Time (17:50)

Playing time is earned and treated as a privilege.
Coach Matt urges players to know their roles and leans into the value of being a multi-sport athlete.
He has strong relationships with other coaches at Los Al—like football coach Coach Fenton—and appreciates how other teams support the lacrosse program from the sidelines.

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Los Al Players at the Next Level (19:20)

Ed Shean (’21) – Ohio State
Julian Jenkins – Holy Cross College
Drew Anderson – Marist College
Connor Engel – Manhattan University
Matt Carresi – Concordia University
Cory Bergmann – York College of Pennsylvania
Ryder Buell – Delaware University

Ed Shean was known for his 5:30 a.m. solo shooting sessions before school.

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Rising Talent to Watch (20:45)

Kane Nucum – Face-off specialist in his second year, already receiving offers
Zak Whitman – Sophomore starter on defense, smart and physical
Gavin Batistelli – Long-stick middie
Cooper Lindholm – Attackman

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Looking Ahead for Los Alamitos (22:00)

With playoffs on the horizon, Coach Matt says the team is embracing its identity—gritty, scrappy, and “blue collar.”
Outside of minor bumps and bruises, the squad is healthy and well-supported by a strong sports medicine team.

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Special thanks to Coach Matt Cunniffe for joining this episode of Sunset Rewind, and to host Mark Todd for another great show.