STANFORD, Calif. — Lars Tiffany, the head coach for the men’s lacrosse team at the University of Virginia, has made it clear that he will not hold practice on a specific day in January. That’s because he is already aware that many of his players have plans to head to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to support a former teammate, Cole Kastner, who will be playing basketball for Stanford against the Tar Heels on January 18.
At least a dozen Cavaliers players have committed to the trip, showcasing their strong bond and camaraderie. Tiffany remarked on their dedication, stating that their decision to travel 3.5 hours just to support Kastner reflects their affection for him.
The 6-foot-7 forward is now fulfilling his dream of representing a college basketball team after a successful career in collegiate lacrosse. Initially, Tiffany had some reservations about how Kastner’s size would affect his performance in lacrosse.
“During the recruitment process, we pondered the question, ‘Could being too tall hinder impact in college lacrosse?’” Tiffany recalled. “With shorter athletes using shorter sticks and moving quickly, we were concerned. But Cole, with his athleticism, has shown he can excel at an elite level.”
After completing his studies at Virginia, where he played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers’ NCAA championship win in 2021, Kastner transitioned to the Stanford basketball program as a graduate-transfer walk-on. He expressed his excitement about this opportunity, indicating that he is eager to find his role on the team.
“Every single day feels incredible,” Kastner shared. “Being part of this team and university is a remarkable chance, and I am truly thankful for everything UVA and the lacrosse program have done to prepare me for this moment.”
Kastner graduated in May and desired to pursue a master’s degree. By January 2023, he started contemplating the possibility of playing a season of basketball. Coming home to Stanford, where he grew up near the campus, made the experience even more meaningful for him. His father, Eric, was a football and rugby player at rival California.
Inspiration for his journey comes from renowned athletes like Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer, who was a four-time All-American in lacrosse before playing a season of college basketball at Northwestern. Spencer remarked on the importance of following one’s dreams and how it might inspire others.
Kastner knew he had to reach out to Spencer after witnessing his journey. “Once I saw Pat Spencer’s successful transition from lacrosse to basketball, it reignited that idea in my mind,” he explained. “Speaking with him solidified my desire to pursue this dream.”
The skills he honed in lacrosse, such as lateral movements, have also helped him adapt to basketball. Kastner demonstrated these abilities outside Maples Pavilion, showcasing how his former sport correlates with his new one.
Although the transition has come with its challenges, Kastner has quickly become a valued member of the roster as coach Kyle Smith embarks on his first season. He maintained contact with the previous coach, Jerod Haase, about potentially joining the program. Even when Haase departed, the discussions continued, with no guarantees regarding his playing time or role.
Initially, Smith was uncertain about welcoming Kastner to the team, but the praise from others about him made it clear that he needed to give the talented athlete a chance. “I took my time considering it and heard so much about Cole that I finally decided to speak with him weeks into my role,” Smith recalled.
Stanford guard Oziyah Sellers, who hails from nearby Hayward, can relate to what Kastner is feeling being back at home. “I had seen him play lacrosse but did not know his full capabilities until I saw his highlight reel,” said Sellers, a junior who transferred from USC. “Watching him in practice has been an eye-opener; he’s an incredible guy.”
For Kastner, this entire experience is something he will treasure for a lifetime. “I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity,” he concluded.