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Welcome to The Spirit in the Stick blog – Lessons on Lacrosse and Life! The main purpose of this blog is to offer my two books, The Spirit in the Stick and Fly to Honor to the lacrosse community (and beyond) at no charge as a gift to the game.  — Neil Duffy

Follow Neil on Twitter for his most recent installments. 


 

Turnbull Letters


 

Meet the Author

Neil Duffy

Neil Duffy

Mr. Duffy is a native of Massapequa Park, New York and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. After serving as a naval officer for five years, he taught at a local independent school. He earned his Master of Education degree from Old Dominion University. Since joining the faculty at Norfolk Academy in 1994, Mr. Duffy has taught physical science, algebra II, and physics. He has also coached a variety of athletic teams – both boys and girls - at the Lower School, Middle School, Junior Orange, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels including boys’ basketball, football, boys’ lacrosse, and girls’ basketball. Mr. Duffy has published two novels. The Spirit in the Stick and Fly to Honor, have 60,000 copies in circulation and have given him the opportunity to speak to thousands of students and coaches around the country. Mr. Duffy is currently the Vice President of the Tidewater Chapter of US Lacrosse as well as a board member and coach of 757 Select Lacrosse. During his free time, Mr. Duffy enjoys watching Bulldog athletics and arts performances, reading, and spending time with his wife, son, and daughter.

In the News

Whether teaching physics or coaching lacrosse and basketball, Mr. Neil Duffy's excitement comes from helping his students succeed and grow.

So, it is no surprise that when US Lacrosse named him recipient of the Gerald J. Carroll, Jr. Exemplary Coaching Award - which goes annually to only one coach in the entire nation - Mr. Duffy chose to praise others.

“I accept this recognition with much gratitude on behalf all of the hundreds of fantastic players and fellow coaches with whom I have been so fortunate to work over the last thirty years," he wrote in thanking the Carroll family.

A Letter from the Author

This project has been an overwhelming experience for me for almost twenty years. The number of people with whom I have connected and who have helped me is staggering.

So, I simply want to offer the project back to the game.

The books are offered in print form as well as audio (read by the author). Keep an eye out for other pieces and updates!

Please feel free to get the word out and share the links with your friends. I offer it to the public domain until further notice and only ask that it not be used for commercial purposes.

Thanks so much!

“Respect the Game!”
Neil Duffy