Family: Wife- Michelle,
Son- Rhett, Daughter- Bryn
Coaching Career:
• UMass Lowell (2011-present)
• Colorado College (2009-11)
• Ohio State (2006-09)
• SUNY Geneseo (2005-06)
• Princeton (2004-05)
• University of Alaska-Fairbanks (2003-04)
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2
Fourteen-year coaching veteran Jason Lammers found the ice as a 12-year-old in Pittsburgh, fascinated by Penguin legend Mario Lemieux. He played college and professional hockey before transitioning to coaching. Now in his fourth year as an associate coach at UMass Lowell, Lammers’ faith fills him up to pour into his athletes.
FCA: How do you take what you learned as a player and transfer it to coaching?
JL: Playing the game and explaining the game are two radically different concepts. Trying to become a teacher rather than a player was challenging at first, but a good challenge. One time I got asked in one of my FCA coaches’ studies, “What do you think it feels like to be coached by you?” That was a big-time question. If I’m always correcting and demoralizing and yelling, that person shrinks. But if we encourage and empower—boy, that feels a lot better.
FCA: What do you think players are looking for in a coach?
JL: They’re looking for honesty, someone they can trust, someone to explain why to them. We really have to earn student-athletes’ trust, and that’s a big deal. The bigger part is developing a relationship with each individual player and trying to meet them where they’re at personally. That is really important to me in developing them.
FCA: How do you intertwine your faith throughout each day?
JL: I live to continuously grow closer to Jesus and demonstrate by my actions that I’m a Christian. If people ask why, I have an opportunity to tell them it’s because I believe in Jesus, I believe He died for my sins, and I live accordingly. I have an FCA Coaches Bible, so I challenge myself every day to read that. I try to carve time out in the quiet of the morning. I get up early to spend time with Jesus and get centered in my reflection and prayer. I don’t think I stand up as a preacher; I just stand as a light in the world to make a difference.
FCA: How has your faith evolved during your time at UMass Lowell?
JL: Having strong faith, turning over the results, and trusting in God have been huge for me. I used to want to control everything. As a coach you can worry a lot, wondering, “What are they doing now? What are they thinking?” But you say a prayer and put your work in the best you can and don’t worry about it.
Faith is a muscle. You need to work it out just like you would with bench press or squats or box jumps. You have to continually trust Him.
FCA: What do you hope your athletes take from you at the end of their careers?
JL: I really hope they’re a different person when they leave Lowell. I hope they’ve grown and realize there’s a bigger world out there than just themselves. I hope they realize we cared about them and loved them, and they can call us anytime and we’ll come help.
FCA: If you were to define your relationship with Jesus, what would be the theme of your journey together?
JL: Let go and let God. He’s our Father, and He wants what’s best for us. And we’re not going to be sold short of that. I realize I’m a child of God and, wow, that excites me! I’ve been on a real journey of growth in surrendering myself to Him. That’s just so encouraging to me, that He’s going to provide what’s best. It doesn’t mean you don’t work hard; you still do, but you can trust that He’s going to take care of you.
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FCA Staff Quote:
“Coach Lammers is a true example of a three-dimensional coach who is serving the Lord both at his institution and in his home. He has grown tremendously in his walk with Jesus Christ as he impacts his players on the ice, and as men of character off it as well.”
-Rick Randazzo, National Director, FCA Hockey
–This article appears in the January/February 2015 issue of FCA Magazine. To view the issue in its entirety digitally, click here: Jan/Feb 2015 FCA Mag Digital
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Photos courtesy of Bob Ellis and UMass Lowell Athletic Communications