Regy Thorpe talks vision, expectations at introductory press conference
Regy Thorpe discussed his vision and expectations for Syracuse at his introductory press conference. Courtesy of SU Athletics
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Former Florida associate head coach Regy Thorpe was introduced as the fourth head coach in Syracuse women’s lacrosse program history earlier this month. The former SU men’s lacrosse defender replaces Kayla Treanor, who departed the Orange for Penn State, following one of the more disappointing seasons in program history.
Before he joined Florida in 2022, Thorpe served as Syracuse’s associate head coach for nine seasons. He helped the Gators to back-to-back Final Four appearances before accepting the head coaching job at SU on June 6. Now, he’ll look to return Syracuse to its winning ways.
“We have very specific and lofty goals for this program,” SU Director of Athletics John Wildhack said. “The right leader at this time to accomplish those goals is coach Thorpe.”
Here are some takeaways from Thorpe’s introductory press conference on Wednesday:
Pillars of success
A key factor in Thorpe’s hiring was his detailed vision for the program, Wildhack said. Thorpe broke down his vision into several key pillars, which he said places SU in the upper echelon of Division I lacrosse programs: alumni, fans, community and culture.
In his new role, Thorpe hopes to integrate each one deeply into the Orange identity. He said he wants to increase the program’s alumni engagement, leaning on SU’s history and past stars to help propel it toward its first national title. He hopes to harness the fanbase to lead the nation in attendance, and he aims to instill deep outreach from his players in the community.
The most important part of bringing Syracuse its first national title is crafting a culture, he said. As a central New York native, he hopes to instill an identity that relies on “family values” and hard work that does the area justice.
“We’re going to build and bring in players that understand the atmosphere we want (at Syracuse),” Thorpe said. “A culture that the families, players, fans, community and people all over the country are going to be proud of.”
Championship expectations
When discussing potential candidates for the head coaching job, Wildhack emphasized just how desirable Syracuse’s head coaching position is. Taking over one of the most storied programs in lacrosse is a dream job for many, including Thorpe. But that power comes with lofty expectations.
The Orange have reached 10 final fours, including two under Treanor, but have failed to secure a national title. The expectation each season is to contend for one. Thorpe, who played in two national titles at SU and coached in five Final Four appearances on Gary Gait’s staff, knows the expectation as well as anyone.
Syracuse hasn’t been able to finish the job when the lights are the brightest, going 3-7 in Final Four meetings and 0-3 in national championships. But rather than downplaying the expectations, Thorpe is prepared to feed off SU’s status as one of the most ambitious teams in college lacrosse.
“Whether you’re a (Syracuse) coach, a player, a family or a fan, you don’t make plans for the summer until after Memorial Day weekend,” Thorpe said. “You expect to be in the Final Four competing for a national championship. And we’re going to embrace that.”
Now having been to back-to-back Final Fours with Florida, Thorpe has similar experience at the biggest stage in the sport. He hopes it’ll result in SU hoisting its first title during his tenure.
‘Dad energy’
Throughout his nine years at SU and four at Florida, Thorpe became several players’ go-to guy for questions, motivation and even favors. It contributes to Thorpe’s image as a paternal presence in the locker room, something alumni and players still reflect on.
“Dad energy is better than bad energy,” Thorpe said with a smile.
His pregame speeches have become infamous among alumni. Each gameday, Thorpe would prepare a speech focusing on several key phrases for motivation, often drawing on themes of life outside of lacrosse.
His “dad energy” is part of what makes him memorable to most athletes whom he’s crossed paths with. With Thorpe back in charge of SU, it’ll likely strengthen alumni bonds and give the team a unified culture.
His father-like leadership could be crucial in an era of SU lacrosse without familiar stars Olivia Adamson and Emma Ward. Thorpe often had to deal with a younger offense at Florida, and his warm presence could be key in helping Syracuse transition by developing its younger stars.
