2/29 ILPreps: Torrey Pines’ Zissi and Haverford’s Dawson

Torrey Pines  coach Jono Zissi joins IL’s Dan Kaplan to discuss the preseason and upcoming game against St. Ignatius (Calif.). He reflects on the turning point in last year's season and the culture change he brought to the Torrey Pines’ program. Zissi also highlights the young talent in the pipeline and the trajectory of former player Mason Kohn, now a face-off specialist at Syracuse. He shares the inspiring recovery story of Ryland Roach, who underwent brain surgery prior to the 2023 season, then discusses the instrumental players on the team, including Andrew Cook in goal and Matthew Mannarino on offense. He emphasizes the importance of balancing player and life development and shares his expectations for the season. For the second half of the episode, the Haverford School (Pa.) coach Brendan Dawson joins to discuss the importance of senior leadership and the team's focus on the process of improvement. Dawson also discusses the challenging schedule and the way that some of the 2023 season unfolded. Zooming in on the 2024 Fords, he emphasizes the strength of the midfield group with players like Conner Nolen, Jack Long and William Burfeind, as well the impact that future Navy Midshipman Aydan DiRocco has on the offense. Timestamps Jono Zissi 2:20 Introduction and Preseason 04:31 Turning Point in Last Year's Season 06:39 Changing the Culture of Torrey Pines Program 08:31 Upcoming Game Against St. Ignatius 10:37 Young Talent in the Pipeline 12:21 Mason Kohn's Trajectory 13:44 Ryland Roach's Recovery Story 17:58 Instrumental Players in Torrey Pines Team 20:32 Matthew Mannarino’s Role on Offense 21:37 John Pryor's Fit as an Army Midfielder 22:47 Balancing Player and Life Development 24:34 Expectations for the Season Brendan Dawson 26:10  Introduction and Preseason 27:17 Dawson's Background 32:36 Review of the 2023 Season 33:36 Winning Close Games and Focusing on the Process 36:10 Challenging Schedule and Facing Top Teams 39:50 Face-off-Rich Team and Senior Leadership 47:20 Goalie Room and Competition 49:54 Impact of Aydan DiRocco on Offense 52:03 Junior Class of Defenders 54:56 Uncommitted Players to Watch 56:32 Setting Goals for the Season