Ian O’Hearn became the MIHS Head Coach in 2001, thinking it might be a pit stop. Twenty-five years later, he’s the winningest lacrosse coach in Washington State history and architect of the largest youth program in the state.

This conversation is about what it actually takes to build something that lasts:

--the NY high school program that shaped his philosophy

--the loss that made him realize he was made to coach

--how he met his wife

--why he’s pushed multi-sport athletes for 25 years

--how a preschool-to-varsity pipeline is the foundation of the team's competitive advantage, and

--what parents consistently get wrong on the sideline and in the college recruiting process.

Loyalty. Tradition. Discipline. It’s not just a slogan. It’s 25 years of deliberate work — and this is the story of how it got built.

Parents today sometimes think they need to choose between youth sports programs that focus on long-term development of the entire athlete, and those that play to win.

Kiernan Coles shows that no choice is needed between these two and in fact they go hand-in-hand. The Mercer Island Lacrosse alum went on to play for reigning Division I champion Cornell before returning to coach at the Club.

We discuss how MILC focuses on discipline, accountability, mentorship, and deep investment in youth as the foundation of a lasting winning culture . Kiernan shares how Mercer Island prepared him for college through discipline and resilience, and he reflects on what he learned working through severe adversity, including multiple family losses and a season-ending injury.

Kiernan explains what separates top players (extra work and accountability), offers parent advice about letting kids own the journey, and explains why he returns to coach and mentor the next generation.

Note: opinions expressed are those of the host and guest and not necessarily those of MILC.

What does it look like when the right habits, built early, compound over time?

Evan Condon lived that process, growing up in Mercer Island Lacrosse, helping win a state championship, playing Division 1 lacrosse at West Point and serving as an Army officer, and returning to the Club to give back by coaching the next generation.

We talk about what carries forward, and why that matters.

Among other topics, we discuss:

-- The habits that most shaped Evan's trajectory.

--What matters more: talent, or discipline and caring deeply?

--What separates players who thrive from those who struggle?

--What parents sometimes overemphasize (versus what actually matters).

This conversation about our culture and approach to long-term development shows what can happen when you play The Long Game.

Note: opinions expressed are those of the host and guest and not necessarily those of MILC.