Liberty Lions Lacrosse: A Story of Confidence and Championship Culture

For ten years, Lead ‘Em Up has worked to develop leaders and build cohesive teams. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re looking back at some of the championship teams that exemplify the power of culture and leadership.

Next up in our series is the Liberty High School Girls Lacrosse team, a program that built a legacy of success through intentional culture and strong confidence. Under Coach Tom Brandel, this team won three state championships. Their story offers valuable insights into what it takes to not only reach the top but to sustain that level of performance. For Coach Brandel and his team, the key was a unique blend of collective confidence and a commitment to a culture that would last beyond their time on the field.

We sat down with Coach Brandel to learn how they achieved this remarkable success.

The Foundation of Confidence

According to Coach Brandel, every championship season started with a simple, yet powerful, belief. It was a confidence that permeated the entire program, from the players to the coaching staff. This was a confidence built on trust and belief in one another.

“Our Championship teams took the field with a lot of confidence in themselves, their teammates, and coaches, always believing that we could win every game that we played,” Coach Brandel said.

This collective belief was the bedrock of their success, a starting point that allowed them to tackle any challenge with a winning mindset.

Building a Culture for the Long Haul

After their first championship, Coach Brandel knew that sustaining success would require more than just talent. The focus had to shift from simply winning to building a lasting program culture. This is where Lead ‘Em Up became a crucial partner in their journey.

“We started to focus on culture and leadership in year two and year three, because we wanted to sustain what we had and make sure our girls would be prepared for college and life after college,” he explained.

This intentional effort paid off. The team’s bond grew stronger with each season. The players became more comfortable being vulnerable with one another, a critical step in building a truly cohesive unit. As Coach Brandel put it, “The bond and culture was much stronger in year two and year three of our championship run, the players had a stronger connection, and everyone was willing to put themselves out there, (they turned the cool off).”

Thriving Under Pressure

Championship runs are often defined by high-pressure, nail-biting moments. To prepare his team for these situations, Coach Brandel turned to a key Lead ‘Em Up exercise: The Toaster Game. This exercise, which forces players to make quick decisions under simulated pressure, gave them a tangible way to practice staying calm and clear-headed when it mattered most.

“I think the toaster game showed the girls how to think clearly under pressure,” he said. “It gave them strategies to use when you have a lot on your shoulders… similar to hitting an 8-meter shot to win or tie a game with little to no time left.”

This training wasn’t just about winning games; it was about equipping them with the mental fortitude to handle pressure both on and off the field.

A Legacy That Lasts Beyond the Field

While the three state championship trophies are a testament to the team’s success, Coach Brandel believes the true victory lies in the lasting impact on his players’ lives. He sees their work on culture and leadership as a fundamental part of preparing them for the future.

“When you win three state championships there are many ups and downs, a lot of nail-biters… I think Lead Em Up has helped us win, but I also think it has helped us have a great culture even when we don’t win,” he shared. “Many of the lessons in Lead ‘Em Up prepare the girls for life after Liberty Lacrosse.”

The Liberty Girls Lacrosse team built a successful program on a foundation of confidence and sustained it through an unwavering commitment to culture. Their story is a powerful reminder that the lessons learned from intentional leadership can create a legacy far more valuable than any trophy.