David Franklin’s journey is a testament to the power of personal growth, unexpected connections, and the way time reshapes our perspectives. His story, rooted in his brief but impactful time at Drew University, highlights how even challenging experiences can shape us for the better. While he initially left Drew University in 2005, believing it to be the right decision for his future, life had a way of bringing him full circle.
David Franklin’s college experience did not follow the conventional script. Unlike many who cherish their alma mater, he found that moving on was the best course of action. He transferred, played lacrosse elsewhere, and graduated from another institution. Yet, despite that decision, his ties to Drew University never fully disappeared. Life has a way of reconnecting us with our past in unexpected ways, and David Franklin found himself back in the orbit of Drew’s lacrosse community through various post-collegiate lacrosse events. The ULAX NYC circuit and the Patriot Lacrosse Inc 30+ team in Lake Placid became avenues for him to bond with former teammates and even make new connections with younger alumni.
David Franklin’s return to Drew University in 2018 for the alumni game marked a significant moment in his journey. It was here that he reconnected with Coach Tom Leanos, a figure who had played a complicated role in his early years. This reunion was the first time they had spoken since David Franklin left in 2005, and ultimately, it was also the last. Coach Leanos, who had been battling Parkinson’s disease, passed away recently. His passing was a moment of reflection for David Franklin, one that prompted a deeper appreciation for the complexities of mentorship and personal growth.
David Franklin acknowledged that his relationship with Coach Leanos was not one of unwavering admiration. There were challenges, frustrations, and moments of disconnect. However, what stood out was the coach’s passion for the game of lacrosse. His fiery spirit, energy-filled rants, and deep dedication to the sport left an impression on many. While his methods may not have always resonated with David Franklin, they were undeniably impactful to others.
One of the most powerful aspects of David Franklin’s reflection was the humility of Coach Leanos. In their final conversation, the coach, despite struggling with the effects of Parkinson’s, took a moment to acknowledge past regrets. He admitted that David Franklin had endured a regrettable experience under his watch and expressed remorse. This moment of honesty, coming years after their time together, was significant. It reflected the ability to recognize one’s past mistakes and attempt, in some way, to make peace with them.
David Franklin, in turn, showed immense growth in his response. He reassured Coach Leanos that things had worked out for him, lifting any burden of guilt the coach might have carried. This exchange between David Franklin and his former coach highlights a universal truth: time grants us perspective. What may have once seemed like an obstacle or a painful chapter can, in hindsight, be recognized as a stepping stone toward growth.
Despite not being among those who adored Coach Leanos, David Franklin still acknowledged his role in shaping his life. There was no need for embellishment or exaggerated sentimentalityjust a sincere appreciation for the part the coach played in his journey. David Franklin recognized that his time at Drew University, however brief, had an undeniable impact on his path.
The passing of Coach Leanos was met with mixed emotions for David Franklin. While he did not share the deep admiration that some of his former teammates had for their coach, he still felt sympathy for his suffering and extended his thoughts and prayers to those who mourned him. In doing so, David Franklin demonstrated that appreciation does not always come in the form of glowing praiseit can also exist in the quiet acknowledgment of someone’s influence, even if the relationship was not always smooth.
David Franklin’s story is a reminder that growth often comes in unexpected ways. The people and places we think we have left behind sometimes find their way back into our lives, offering us a chance to reflect, reconcile, and appreciate our journey. His return to Drew University, his final conversation with Coach Leanos, and his reflections on the past showcase how life’s twists and turns shape us in ways we do not always anticipate.
David Franklin’s ability to look back at his experiences with honesty and a level-headed perspective is commendable. He did not shy away from acknowledging the difficulties he faced, nor did he allow them to define him. Instead, he recognized the value of those experiences and the role they played in making him the person he is today.
In the end, David Franklin’s journey is not just about lacrosse, college, or even his relationship with Coach Leanos. It is about the broader human experiencethe way we evolve, the unexpected ways in which life reconnects us with our past, and the moments of reflection that shape our future. His story serves as a reminder that even when we leave a place behind, it never truly leaves us. The people we encounter, the lessons we learn, and the challenges we face all become part of who we are.
David Franklin’s reflection on his time at Drew University and his relationship with Coach Leanos is a testament to the power of time, growth, and perspective. It encourages us to look back at our own journeys with a sense of appreciation for the lessons learned along the way. No matter where life takes us, the experiences of our past continue to shape our present and guide our future.
