Coach Joe Kostolansky

Joe Kostolansky, a 2003 graduate of Hofstra University is in his second season as an assistant coach at the University of Vermont. Kostolansky enters his fifth year in the coaching profession this season.

“I’m really excited to get Joe on board with our men’s lacrosse program,” Vermont head coach Ryan Curtis said. “He will bring a lot of energy to our team and his history as a player and coach is very impressive. I am confident that his personality and lacrosse philosophy is a great fit for our program. I am looking forward to working with Joe as we strive for an America East championship and a bid to the NCAA tournament.”

“I want to thank Ryan Curtis and the University of Vermont for this great opportunity,” Kostolansky said. “I’m looking forward to helping Vermont reach that next level in lacrosse as we compete for a title in the America East. I’m also excited to be working at the Division I level with this group of student-athletes and look forward to many successful seasons here at UVM.”

Kostolansky brings three years of collegiate coaching experience to Vermont with stints at Skidmore and Nazareth. Kostolansky served as an assistant at Nazareth in 2006, and he helped lead the Golden Flyers to an 11-4 record and an ECAC championship. As an assistant at Skidmore during the 2004 and 2005 seasons, the Thoroughbreds had a 16-12 record and received a berth in the 2005 NCAA tournament.

A 2003 graduate of Hofstra, Kostolansky was a three-year letterwinner at attack for the Flying Dutchmen. He served as team captain as a senior and was also a two-time all-conference selection. While at Hofstra, Kostolansky was part of teams that made four appearances in the NCAA tournament, and in 1999 and 2001, the Flying Dutchmen advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals. In addition, Kostolansky has played for Major League Lacrosse's Rochester Rattlers (2006) and Boston Cannons (2007). In 2006 he recorded 14 goals and three assists. A graduate from Corning East HS (N.Y.), Kostolansky was a North/South All-American in 1998. Kostolansky is a native of Corning, N.Y. He resides in Burlington.

Joe will hire some of the top College and Pro Players to conduct this very popular clinic. Hockey takes place in the morning at the beautiful Riley Rink and features our signature PRO AMBITIONS HOCKEY BATTLE CAMP curriculum with Pro Ambitions World Class On Ice Instructors for 2 hours each day. The kids will have lacrosse training for 2 hours each afternoon with many other great activities in between to take in the beautiful Stratton Mountain surroundings for the perfect combination of Green Mountain adrenaline.

The Stratton Mountain School that is hosting us is a unique boarding prep school located right on Stratton Mountain that trains Olympic alpine racers and snowboarders. The dorms have a colonial home-style setting and the dry land training facilities are top notch. The weight room and athletic training room are perfect for off ice conditioning for hockey players, skiiers and snowboarders as all three athletes focus on core strengthening. This camp is a one or two week stay for an intimate group of thirty-five skaters/lacrosse players each week. Every morning the kids will be shuttled to the Riley Rink which is a state of the art rink complex only 15 minutes from the school. Every afternoon will be Lacrosse training.

HOCROSSE... My new boarding camp adventure combining ICE HOCKEY AND LACROSSE, a discussion on the similarities of the two sports

Lacrosse is the fastest growing team sport in the United States, especially at the high school level. Two New England prep schools: Phillips Academy Andover and Phillips Exeter were the first to introduce lacrosse. It is a combination of basketball, soccer and ICE HOCKEY. Through my research I was interested to learn that hundreds of years ago it served as a preparation for war and games could go on for days at a time. I named my signature copy righted ice hockey camp curriculum THE BATTLE CAMP because my emphasis is on teaching players to win small battles all over the ice. The two sports have so many similarities and I have created an amazing boarding camp adventure with Joe Kostolansky.

A few words from Jeff Serowik:" When I was in prep school at Lawrence Academy, my secondary sport to hockey was baseball. I have distinct memories of giving soccer a go but being graciously asked to consider another sport as I was checking and playing the sport inappropriately too physical..."Cradling the lacrosse ball simulates soft stick handling hands in hockey. The two sports compliment each other and I wish I had played lacrosse along with hockey when I was a youth"

My ten year old daughter and avid ice hockey player was introduced to lacrosse last spring and is loving the sport which I attribute to similarities to hockey (her favorite sport) I believe that if I were back in high school today I would be a hockey and lacrosse player. Most of my campers play both hockey and lacrosse.

A few words from UVM Coach and Current Boston Cannon Player Joe Kostolansky:

The Pro Ambitions commitment pledge is a guarantee that each camper will have a positive learning experience. I also guarantee that each camper will improve his skills and better understand the game by the end of the camp week. When we discuss our staff at Pro Ambitions Lacrosse Camp, it is with great pleasure. We select the best college coaches, collegiate All Americans, and Professional players based on their ability to teach and relate to campers of all ages. Their expertise and experience mean that campers learn and practice state-of-the-art techniques in a competitive but supportive environment. We know this can make all the difference in the success of a camper's experience. Be a part of the Pro Ambitions lacrosse and take your game to the next level.

Joe Kostolansky,

Director Hocrosse, Pro Ambitions Hockey, Inc