Paul Sydlansky, Founder of Lake Road Advisors | JV Girls Lacrosse Coach | Sports Dad
Some athletes grow up chasing championships. Others grow up building grit - and that grit follows them for life. For Paul Sydlansky, the value of sports has never been about trophies. It's about effort, resilience and showing up - for yourself, your team, and your family.
Today, Paul is a financial planner and founder of Lake Road Advisors, a boutique wealth management firm. But before that, he was a multi-sport athlete, a D1 college lacrosse player, and now, a girls JV lacrosse coach and proud sports dad to three kids.
His journey shows how the power of youth sports can shape character, career, and connection - on and off the field.
The Underdog Mindset
Growing up on Long Island, Paul was the youngest kid on the block, jumping into any pickup game he could - basketball, stickball, you name it. He went on to play basketball and lacrosse in high school and later college lacrosse at Marist, where his underdog mindset was tested - and sharpened.
"I was second string in high school, but I still got recruited because of the team I was on. I didn't play much, but I believed had more to give."
That belief paid off. Paul started two of his four years at Marist, but not without facing adversity. After starting as a sophomore, he was benched his entire junior year - and had to fight his way back.
"That experience taught me to focus on the process. Hustle, show up, do the extra work. Even if the results don't come right away, you build confidence by doing things the right way."
Building a Life Around Balance
After college, Paul built a successful career on Wall Street, working at Morgan Stanley. But when he and his wife had three kids under three, everything changed.
"I'd leave the house before 6am and come back after 8pm. I wasn't seeing my kids and I knew I didn't want that to be my life."
With his wife's encouragement, Paul made a bold move - he left his secure job and launched his own firm. Today, he has the freedom to be present, coach his daughters' lacrosse team, and build a career around the life he wants, instead of the other way around.
Back on the Sidelines - As Coach and Dad
Coaching his daughters' JV lacrosse team alongside his wife, Paul brings the same values to the field that shaped his own success:
- Effort Matters More Than Talent - "There's no excuse for not hustling. Skill is great, but effort is non-negotiable."
- Be a Good Teammate - "It's not about always agreeing. It's about showing up for each other and working together."
- Leadership Isn't Always Loud - "Sometimes the best leaders are the ones who lead by example - who do the work and hold themselves accountable."
Paul believes youth sports offer one of the last remaining places where kids can develop resilience, build relationships, and learn how to lose - and come back stronger.
"When my daughter told me, 'Dad, you really love this,' I knew I was in the right place. Coaching isn't just about the game. It's about being present, making memories, and teaching lessons that stick."
Why This Story Matters & The Mission of Growing the Game
Paul's journey is a reminder that youth sports aren't just about competition - they're about life.
They teach kids how to show up when things are hard.
They teach families how to connect in the car rides between games.
They give coaches and mentors the chance to shape future leaders.
That's what the Grow the Game Newsletter is all about - sharing the stories, wisdom, and lessons from parents, coaches, and athletes who know the power of sport firsthand.
Because when we invest in youth sports, we're not just growing better athletes. We're growing better people.
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