People can be good coaches without playing the sport. But to coach and TEACH the game at the higher level of travel lacrosse should be done by someone with experience. Any good coach can win games at the youth level, but teaching the intricacies should be left to qualified coaches.
You can usually spot the teams coached by non lacrosse people. While they might have good athletes, the kids usually have bad stick habits that the coaches do not even realize, and so, cannot correct.
Be careful. You get what you pay for!!!!!!!!!!!!!