Aaron Galletta has coached the Lasell men’s basketball team for 19 seasons. These years have shaped him as a coach and as a man beyond the court. Galletta is originally from Hyde Park, New York. He went to school at Union College and worked briefly in Long Beach before making his way to Lasell in 2004.
Something that made him want to get into coaching was first enjoying his time as a player. Galleta appreciated the game, especially the camaraderie and competition. After his playing career ended, he went into a life of finance in New York City when he worked for a law firm. Galleta, however, was not a fan of this new lifestyle.
“I ended up missing the competitive environment of college athletics,” Galletta said. “[I got] a volunteer role at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York with my high school coach.” \
Galletta, who had been disinterested in the role next to his former coach previously, said that he was convinced to do the job for one day. This one day led to the coaching career that Galletta has thrived in for almost two decades. He had a great experience in Newburgh and ended up staying there for that whole season. From this point on, it was clear that Galletta’s future belonged in the coaching field.
Photo Courtesy of Lasell Athletics
Speaking specifically about Lasell, Galletta identified the players and alumni as two things that he liked most about the university. He also mentioned that the alumni game is his favorite day of the year.
“Building the relationships with our student-athletes is what I love most,” Galleta said.
The team has been fortunate to have some great players and great runs throughout the years, and part of that has been the contributions of Galletta and his approach to the games. His goal is to go 1-0 every day. He focuses on each game individually and he does not discuss the future until it becomes the present. Galletta turns the page after every game regardless of the outcome, believing the culture of a team revolves around keeping focus on what’s here now and not dwelling on the past.
Galletta also wants more students to come to games, stating “Our crowd is great, [I] love when it’s packed in the [Athletic Center]. We play better when it’s packed.
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