GOVETT'S LEADERSHIP RECOGNIZED BY ALMA MATER

As published in Radford University Alumni News

8/10/2009 - Steve Govett learned to deal with adversity when he was a member of the Radford University lacrosse team. The lessons he learned while battling opponents on Moffett Field helped mold the 1993 graduate into an ambitious and competitive leader for one of the most successful professional indoor lacrosse teams in North America.

“Playing lacrosse at RU was a challenge every day,” Govett said. “We had to battle for everything on the field. We weren't extremely good, but we had heart. I would have to say that I learned humility and perseverance that have stayed with me through my career today.

Govett serves as president and general manager for the Colorado Mammoth, a perennial playoff contender that leads the National Lacrosse League in attendance year after year.

Govett, who majored in economics at RU, oversees team and business operations for the Mammoth which averages about 17,500 fans per game, regularly outdrawing many NBA and NHL teams.

He also builds the team roster, and, because of his own on-field experiences, Govett understands the complexities of the game and has a great rapport with players.

Following his playing days at RU, where he is the school’s all-time leading scorer, Govett played five years professionally for the Philadelphia Wings and won three league championships. Those experiences have taught Govett the necessary skills needed to build a championship team.

His bold wheeling and dealing consistently lands top-notch lacrosse talent for the Mammoth, and the team won the NLL championship in 2006. Govett’s aggressive style – he once set record while with the Wings for the most penalty minutes in a season – and his relentless pursuit of players often draws the ire of others in the league.

In April 2007, Rocky Mountain News printed a story about Govett with the headline: “Govett: The man the rest of the NLL hates.”

“I think hate is probably a strong word; we have one of the greatest organizations in the NLL,” Govett said. “I think there is a fair amount of jealousy out there about what we have created in Denver. They hate me like people hate Brian Cashman of the Yankees and Theo Epstein of the Red Sox. We have a great organization and a beautiful city that is supported by 8,000 season ticket holders that love our product.”

As a lacrosse front-office executive Govett has achieved great success, but that success followed numerous challenges that arose early in his administrative career. In his early days as a front office executive, Govett joined a newly-formed lacrosse team in Washington, D.C. The Power had two winning seasons under Govett’s direction, but its owner was undercapitalized and chose to sell the franchise. Govett was charged with finding a buyer.

“Bringing the team to Denver was a very difficult process,” he said “Kroenke Sports was one of several prospects and ultimately they made the decision to invest in the great sport of indoor lacrosse.”

The challenges have been numerous for Govett, but the rewards have been plentiful. “My job is fun because I get to do what I love,” he said. “I have a great passion for growing our great game both indoor and outdoor. I am part of the fastest growing team game in the United States, but it can't grow fast enough and the obstacles that hamper its growth are many.”

As a lacrosse player at RU, Govett learned firsthand about overcoming tough obstacles.

“My time on the RU campus and on the lacrosse team taught me to deal with adversity, to understand that being the underdog isn't always bad. And to appreciate the scraping and scratching for everything teaches perseverance and an understanding of what a team should be about.”

Govett has always been ready for challenges, whether it’s relocating a pro lacrosse franchise across the country, or moving nearly 3,000 miles from his hometown in Burnaby, British Columbia to study economics and play lacrosse at Radford.

“I guess it’s been cool that a mediocre lacrosse player from the west coast of Canada went to a small Division I lacrosse program, played professionally and won three championships, represented my country in two world cups, and now operates the most successful franchise in the National Lacrosse League,” Govett said. “Long story, but pretty cool.”

With all of his success, Govett counts his days at RU among his greatest memories.

“My fondest memories of RU are my teammates and friends,” he said. “Some of those teammates remain close friends today. One of my fondest memories was playing a lacrosse game on the Moffett quad during fall ball. I don't remember who we played. I don't remember the score, but I do remember that so many students, friends, fraternities and sororities lined the sidelines with couches, chairs, blankets and barbeques. I remember some of our fans actually throwing chicken wing bones at the other team. It was loud, crazy and tons of fun.”