Gary Gait is a legendary figure in the sport of lacrosse, renowned for his incredible skill, innovative play, and tremendous impact on the game. Born on April 5, 1967, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Gait has been often referred to as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time.
Career Highlights:
College Lacrosse: Gary Gait played college lacrosse at Syracuse University from 1987 to 1990, where he was a three-time All-American and helped Syracuse win three NCAA Championships. His acrobatic style of play, including the famous "Air Gait" move where he would leap from behind the goal to dunk the ball in the net, captured the imagination of fans and revolutionized offensive play in lacrosse.
Professional Lacrosse: Gait had a distinguished professional career in both field lacrosse (MLL) and box lacrosse (NLL). In the National Lacrosse League (NLL), he won numerous championships and accolades, including multiple MVP awards. His presence in the league helped elevate the profile of professional lacrosse.
International Play: Representing Canada in international lacrosse, Gary Gait has earned numerous awards and recognition, contributing significantly to Canada's successes on the global stage.
Coaching Career: After retiring as a player, Gary Gait transitioned into coaching. He has been particularly influential in women's lacrosse, serving as the head coach for the Syracuse University women's lacrosse team. Under his leadership, the team has become one of the top programs in the country.
Legacy: Gary Gait's influence extends beyond his playing and coaching achievements. He is credited with helping to popularize lacrosse across North America and inspiring generations of players with his dynamic style and passion for the game.
Gary Gait's legacy is marked by his record-breaking plays, his coaching achievements, and his enduring influence on the sport of lacrosse worldwide.
Which teams did Gary Gait play for during his career?
Gary Gait had an illustrious career in both field lacrosse and indoor (box) lacrosse, playing for several teams across different leagues. In indoor lacrosse, he played in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) for teams including the Detroit Turbos, Philadelphia Wings, Baltimore Thunder, Pittsburgh CrosseFire, Washington Power, Colorado Mammoth, and Rochester Knighthawks.
In outdoor lacrosse, he played in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League (MILL) which later became the National Lacrosse League (NLL), and the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) for the Baltimore Bayhawks and the Long Island Lizards. His contributions to these teams were significant, often leading him to be a top scorer and major influencer in games.
What is Gary Gait's coaching style?
Gary Gait's coaching style is often characterized by his innovative approach and deep understanding of the game, shaped by his own illustrious playing career. As a coach, he is known for emphasizing skill development, situational awareness, and strategic play. Gait encourages a fast-paced, high-scoring offense and is keen on developing versatile players who are effective in multiple aspects of the game.
His coaching is also marked by his ability to inspire and motivate his players, bringing out their best skills and fostering a strong team cohesion. He is well-regarded for his contributions to women's lacrosse, particularly during his tenure at Syracuse University, where he greatly enhanced the team's performance and reputation through his leadership and tactical acumen. Gait's impact on the game is significant, not just in terms of wins and losses but also in how he has helped evolve the coaching techniques and strategies in lacrosse.
How many championships did Gary Gait win?
Gary Gait has had a highly successful career in lacrosse, which includes multiple championships across different leagues and levels. As a player:
NCAA Championships: Gary Gait won three NCAA championships with Syracuse University in 1988, 1989, and 1990.
National Lacrosse League (NLL): He won the Champions Cup with the Philadelphia Wings in 1994, 1995, and 1998. Additionally, he secured titles with the Colorado Mammoth and the Rochester Knighthawks.
Major Indoor Lacrosse League (MILL): Before the NLL was formed, Gait won championships in the MILL.
Major League Lacrosse (MLL): While this league primarily focuses on outdoor lacrosse, Gait's most significant achievements were indoor. However, he contributed significantly to the league in various capacities.
As a coach, Gait has also secured several titles coaching in women's lacrosse at the collegiate level with Syracuse University. His prominent coaching achievements in NCAA women's lacrosse have solidified his reputation in both men's and women's lacrosse communities.
Did Gary Gait win a MLL Championship?
Yes, Gary Gait won a Major League Lacrosse (MLL) championship. He helped the Long Island Lizards win the Steinfeld Cup in 2001. Gary Gait was a pivotal player in the league, known for his significant impact and skill in the sport of lacrosse.
Who are Paul & Gary Gait?
Paul and Gary Gait are twin brothers from Canada who are widely regarded as two of the greatest players in lacrosse history. Born on April 5, 1967, in Victoria, British Columbia, both have had illustrious careers in both box lacrosse and field lacrosse.
Gary Gait is particularly known for his incredible skill set, innovative techniques, and significant impact on the sport. He played collegiate lacrosse at Syracuse University, where he was a three-time All-American and helped lead the team to three national championships. Post-college, Gary excelled in professional lacrosse leagues, including the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and Major League Lacrosse (MLL). He is also known for his coaching career, having coached women's lacrosse at Syracuse University among other positions.
Paul Gait, like his brother, has had a successful lacrosse career and has also played in the NLL. Both Gaits have contributed to popularizing and influencing the sport, each bringing their own unique flair and skill to the game. Their legacy includes numerous championships, awards, and both are members of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Their dynamic style of play and contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on lacrosse.
How old is Gary Gait?
Gary Gait was born on April 5, 1967. As of today in 2023, he is 56 years old.
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