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04/27/2017 12:00 AMAt the same time a teaching position opened up for Nick Warhola at Daniel Hand High School a few years ago, the chance to join the Tigers’ coaching ranks did, as well. Nick seized both opportunities and has since helped Hand boys’ lacrosse become one of the elite programs in the state.
Nick competed for the lacrosse team at Simsbury High School before playing club lacrosse at UConn and then attending Eastern Connecticut State University. While coaching at South Windsor, Nick started off as a substitute history teacher at Hand. When he was offered a full-time teaching position three years ago, Nick also took an opening as an assistant coach with Hand’s boys’ lacrosse squad, which went on to reach the Class M State Tournament final in 2015 and 2016. This year, Nick is still a varsity assistant for the 6-2 Tigers, in addition to taking the reins as head coach of the JV and freshman teams.
“My employment at Madison started as a substitute teacher at Hand, but I was still coaching in South Windsor, and there weren’t any vacancies at Hand,” Nick says. “But I got the full-time teaching spot here, and then the coaching position opened up, too. It all came together and fell into place.”
Nick adds that he’s seen a lot of unity in the community during his time with the Tigers, particularly an instance where many people, including one of his fellow coaches, banded together to provide a little more comfort at the practice field.
“I have to also thank Mark Feiner, who’s been my assistant the last two years. I can’t do what I do without him. His love for the team is unwavering and he’s been a blessing. He’s second to none with the time he puts into it,” says Nick, a Westerly, Rhode Island resident. “One of the projects him and I worked on was putting together a 300-plus-foot backdrop that separates the parking lot at Hand from the practice facility. My first year as coach, we worked with the boosters for both the high school and youth programs, as well as our athletic department, to get the project funded and approved. Mark and I, along with a bunch of volunteers, put the net up at the beginning of last season, and it’s been a lifesaver.”
The teams that Nick coaches are known for showing respect to both the sport and their opponents. It’s a trait that Nick continues to emphasize at Hand, along with preaching heart and hustle every step of the way.
“I’ve always tried to have my players be all about sportsmanship. When at South Windsor, I was complimented by other coaches about how well the guys played the game and how respectful they were,” he says. “I also emphasize giving 110 percent all the time and being all about it and invested in what we are doing here.”
Being a familiar face within the halls of Hand, Nick has formed strong bonds with several of his players beyond the turf. Nick continues to strengthen these connections by conveying to them how much the sport of lacrosse can impact one’s growth as both an athlete and a young man.
“I’m lucky that I’ve had most of the players here as students. So much of teaching translates to coaching, especially the building of positive relationships. In the classroom and on the field, I make it a point to try and build positive relationships with every single student or athlete based on mutual respect and commitment. You show me that you’re committed and willing to work and learn, and I’ll commit to making you better,” Nick says. “Lacrosse meant a lot to me growing up. I got hooked and then became obsessed with it. It helped define who I am as a person. It teaches life lessons like sportsmanship, teamwork, communication, and so many interpersonal skills. It helped me develop as a person, so I love to share that experience with the kids.”
Given Nick’s passion for coaching, as well as the fact that he works with Hand’s athletes in multiple arenas, Athletic Director Craig Semple feels the Tigers are fortunate to have someone like Nick as a member of their coaching staff.
“He hit the ground running. He is very organized and enthusiastic. The athletes under his directions are progressing and enjoying their experience,” says Semple. “He is doing all the right things to put himself in a head coach role in the near future. We are fortunate to have an education-based coach in our building, making a connection in and out of the classroom with our lacrosse athletes.”
The Tigers have definitely established have a deep assembly line of talented lacrosse players of all ages in Madison. Nick knows that all their preparation prior to high school can only help Hand’s chances of bringing home a championship.
“Within the whole program, we are pushing the idea that Hand lacrosse is one big team, from freshman to varsity. The goal is to grow our student-athletes to play at the varsity level, no matter what their grade is. We are lucky to have significantly good athletes here at Hand. The youth program is also great here. The kids there are very skilled by the time they reach the high school level,” says Nick. “We also want to extend what we do within the community with our youth organization. We want to grow our reputation and encourage the kids to choose to stay in town, in the Madison school system, and play lacrosse for Hand. If we keep those kids in town and our system, it will enable us to compete at an even higher level. The program has seen significant growth the last four years, and we want to win a state title.”