About Us

Pride Lacrosse Philosophy

Philosophy focuses on teaching the game in a way that it is fun for the players. Practices are built around teaching and reinforcing fundamental skills and using small-sided drills aimed at getting players lots of reps and touches. Creativity is encouraged.Players will learn individual and team concepts that can be applied to any level of lacrosse they they might play, whether it be modified, junior varsity, varsity, or collegiate.

We want the kids to enjoy themselves and teammates while they learn the game and life lesson that will last a lifetime

Rob Cornetta - Pride Lacrosse Director / Coach (2024)

Rob Cornetta comes to the Pride with over 20 years of lacrosse experience as a player and a coach. Most recently he served as the associate head coach for two years at Division II Pace University. Prior to that he spent 8 years as the assistant coach. In addition to coaching at Pace, he has worked with youth and high school programs around Westchester County, including Byram Hills and School of the Holy Child in Rye. Prior to joining the Pride, he served as a coach for the Long Island Outlaws and Patriot Elite (NJ) club organizations, as well as working multiple camps and clinics. He was a member of the Pace University men’s lacrosse team from 2003 - 2007.

rob@pridelacrosseny.com

Steve Palenscar - Head Coach (2025)

Stephen Palencsar has been the boys varsity lacrosse coach at Croton-Harmon High School for 9 years. He is also a special education teacher at Croton-Harmon. Additionally, he has coached with the Hudson Valley Spartans, Team 91, the Westchester Warriors, and is currently representing the Hudson Valley as a coach in the New York State regional tournament.

Stephen has coached lacrosse at all age levels and believes in providing a structured and fun learning environment for players to thrive in.

steve@pridelacrosseny.com

Ryan Gorup - Head Coach (2026/2028)

Ryan has been an assistant coach at Fordham Preparatory School since 2008, where he also teaches. In addition, he has served as a volunteer assistant for Pace University's men's lacrosse team for the past few seasons. As a player, Ryan suited up for Fordham Preparatory School, where he served as captain his senior year. He went on to play club lacrosse at Fordham University, where he earned his bachelor's degree, and NCAA lacrosse at Pace University, where he earned his master's.

ryan@pridelacrosseny.com

Rob Werner - Head Coach (2027)

Prior to coaching, Rob grew up in New Rochelle, NY and played high school lacrosse for Fordham Preparatory School. While at Fordham Preparatory School he helped the team to an impressive 29-15 record and two NYCHSAA Championship Games with a career 62% save percentage. He went on to attend University of Scranton for his bachelor’s degree where he played Intramural lacrosse and Iona College for his MBA. Rob still plays in the local adult leagues.

Craig Napolitano - Pride Lacrosse Coordinator/Assistant Coach (2026/2029/30)

Craig is an accomplished player who played at Scarsdale HS and then at the University of Rhode Island. Craig still plays in the local adult leagues. He has been coaching youth lacrosse teams and leading youth clinics in Westchester for many years. He has trained many of our local coaches and even trained parents who wanted to learn the game.

craig@pridelacrosseny.com

James Werner - Head Coach (2029/2030)

Coach James graduated from Bryant University in 2018 where we played Goalie for the Bulldogs for 4 seasons. During his time in the Black & Gold Coach James tallied 212 saves placing him fifth in career saves all time at Bryant. As a Junior, Coach James ranked 9th nationally in all of Division 1 posting a .552 save percentage. That same year he led the Bulldogs to a NEC Conference Championship where he was named the Tournament's Most Valuable Player. Before Bryant, Coach James was a 2014 graduate of Fordham Preparatory School. He was a two-year varsity letter winner in both football and Lacrosse where he served as Team Captain in his senior campaign.