The Maryland Way: How Culture Became Foundation to Build a Perennial Powerhouse

As Maryland men's lacrosse team prepares to play in another national title game, one thing is clear: success in College Park isn’t an accident. It’s the byproduct of a powerful culture, thoughtful recruiting and an unwavering belief in the collective.

Coach John Tillman has built a program that consistently competes at the highest level, not by chasing stars but by identifying players who buy into the Terp way. It’s a system that values character as much as talent and chemistry over ego.

Youth Inc. boys' lacrosse ambassador Matt Hogan spoke with Tillman earlier this year to talk about creating a "We Over Me" culture within his program, and it is essential viewing for any young lacrosse player looking to participate in a winning program at the highest level.

“We’re not looking for the flashiest kids or the biggest names. We’re looking for guys who care more about the team than themselves,” Tillman said in a recent interview with Youth Inc. “If we get that part right, the rest tends to follow.”

Tillman’s blueprint starts long before a player ever steps foot on campus. From the earliest recruiting conversations, Maryland focuses on cultural fit: players who are selfless, hardworking and accountable. In an era when the transfer portal and NIL opportunities have transformed the college landscape, Maryland’s focus has remained steady—build from within.

“The locker room manages itself,” Tillman said. “When your best players are your best teammates, it sets a tone. The new guys fall in line not because they have to—but because they want to.”

That peer-driven standard has created a powerful feedback loop. Each incoming class inherits the expectations of the last. Veterans model the behavior. Rookies adapt. The result? A roster that feels more like a family than a depth chart.

Recruiting the Right People

While many programs chase rankings, Maryland recruits roles. They identify the intangible traits—grit, resilience, humility—that rarely show up in a highlight reel. As Tillman explains, it’s about constructing a puzzle, not just collecting pieces.

“We recruit guys who love the sport, love competing, and want to grow. They might not always be the most hyped, but they become the most reliable.”

And it’s paying off.

Maryland enters Championship Weekend with momentum, depth, and a clear identity—hallmarks of a program that has made 11 straight NCAA Tournament appearances under Tillman. In a sport that’s evolving fast, Maryland’s consistency stands out.

Why It Matters

For parents, coaches, and young athletes across the country, Maryland Lacrosse offers a powerful example: team success doesn’t have to come at the cost of individual development. In fact, when culture is prioritized, winning becomes a byproduct—not the goal.

“When you care more about the guy next to you than yourself, that’s when special things happen,” Tillman said.

As the Terps chase another national title, they’re doing it the only way they know how—together.