Personal Statement

I came to lacrosse a little later than most of my teammates.  Before lacrosse, I was a ranked competitive chess player and spent many years learning Tae Kwon Do (excelled at sparring)- eventually earning the rank of black belt.  The strategy for chess and the mental and physical discipline of Tae Kwon Do have proven invaluable as a lacrosse player.  I am passionate about playing defense because you must be tough, smart and strategic.  My goals are to be the most dominate defender on the field, a strong leader, a reliable teammate, and the strongest communicator.  I love causing chaos on the defensive end of the field, not letting players get comfortable, and working as part of a strong team of defenders.  

This year, as a freshman, I was the only freshman defender to make the varsity team.  I was named the defensive player of the year by my coaches.  While I appreciate this, I am humble- all this did was raise the bar and feed my drive to continue to improve.  I have realized there will always be someone with more size or speed than me- I cannot control that, but nobody will outwork or out hustle me.  I am motivated to pursue perfection on every rep, in every practice and in every game.  I work as hard in practice and between games, as I do in games.  

There have been several coaches/leaders that have helped me grow into the player/person that I am today.  Their influence and guidance, and my willingness to be coached, is what has helped me become the player I am today and drives me to learn more.  I would run through a wall for my teammates and my coaches.  

My current GPA is 3.6 and I just took a Pre SAT exam.  I have known since a very young age (my Dad says I was born with a keyboard in my hand) that I would study Computer Science in college.  My academic and lacrosse goal is to attend a college with a strong Computer Science program and play defense on a team with strong coaches and teammates- where I can continue to learn/grow while contributing as a great player and teammate.