Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach David Hone has taken Scouts lacrosse to the next level, and it seems as if they’re only getting better. His passion, knowledge, and leadership is the foundation of the team’s success.

Hone began his Head Coach career at LFHS just two seasons ago and has already made an immediate impression. Last season, the Scouts won the lacrosse State Championship for the first time since 1997, marking a significant achievement in his coaching career. 

“The championship was a great celebration of all the hard work by the 2024 team, past players, coaches, and incredible support by the Lake Forest lacrosse community. It was many years in the making,” Hone said.

Hone grew up in Connecticut where he began playing lacrosse in fifth grade. After playing through middle school and high school, Hone attended Villanova University where he played lacrosse in college. 

When he and his family moved to Lake Forest 15 years ago, he instantly involved himself as a youth coach for the Lake Forest Lacrosse Association. On top of that, Hone spent his time volunteering as an off-season coach for LFHS before becoming the Head Coach in 2022. 

After coaching the Scouts to their first State Championship in almost three decades, Hone quickly proved that he’s prepared to build Lake Forest Lacrosse into a powerhouse. His strategic approach to the game has all the players bought into his coaching abilities. 

“Coach Hone’s preparation and strategy has been the most impressive thing I’ve seen while playing lacrosse. The amount of time he puts into watching games and giving us a game plan is unlike any coach I’ve played for. We always know what to expect because of him,” senior midfielder Jack Walsh said. 

With a State Championship already on his resume, Hone is continuing to coach the Scouts in impressive fashion, and they’ve picked up right where they left off. The Scouts are boasting a 15-2 record with their only losses coming to Central Catholic High School (MI) and St. Viator. A lot of that is attributed to Hone and his motivation to win. 

Every time the team is on the field, whether it’s a game or a practice, the intensity needs to be consistent.

“The coaches always try to replicate the intensity of a lacrosse game in practice. This entails constant motion with little downtime since the best way to physically condition for lacrosse games is to practice hard just like you play,” Hone said.

While he keeps his expectations high and embraces the never-ending grind to improve, Hone’s relationship with his players is unlike most. Because of his efforts to be close with the players, the Scouts have created an inseparable bond. 

“He has a really strong and close relationship with everyone on the team. He doesn’t want to be totally authoritative and loves feedback and communication. It helps us bond with him and trust his coaching more,” senior captain Danny Van Camp said.

There’s no question that this year’s team is loaded with talent, but even the best teams are not immune to losing. However, the Scouts seem to always be prepared no matter who they’re playing because they “spend a lot of time on film review and upcoming game prep,” Hone said.

Having “lacrosse intelligence and mental preparedness” is an important factor Hone preaches to his players. His strategies and in-game adjustments are something the Scouts can rely on as it repeatedly keeps them competitive, even when things aren’t going as planned.

“Coach prepares us everyday to play the best by preaching discipline, high-intensity practices, and attention to detail in every aspect of the game. When things aren’t going well, we stay calm, trust in each other, and make quick adjustments. Whether that’s taking advantage of weaknesses we find on offense, or switching defensive schemes,” senior captain Lucas Kroner said.

Overall, the Scouts are absolutely thriving under Hone. Although he’s only in the middle of his third season as Head Coach, something about his brand of lacrosse is special. Generally, the Scouts greatly outmatch their opponents, and Hone’s approach to lacrosse is the basis for their domination. For the players, this brand of lacrosse is everything. 

“Ever since Coach took over two years ago, the main principal he has continuously stressed is the new breed of Scout. This entails the four pillars of being a Scout: mental toughness, lacrosse IQ, team chemistry, and conditioning. It really is what takes us to the next level,” senior defensive midfielder Huston O’Neil said.

As the regular season wraps up and the Scouts look to make another run at the State Championship, Hone has everyone focused on improving to achieve the end goal.

“We have to be better this year in all key areas. Playing smarter, better team chemistry, physical conditioning, staying healthy, and mental toughness,” Hone said. “As the State Champions, all of our opponents this season are really motivated to play hard against us to beat the defending State Champions. This nonstop challenge should help prepare us well in the upcoming playoff run and goal of another State Championship.”