Connor Rode '16 Recruiting Profile

I’m currently in my junior year in high school, and about to begin my third year on the high school (varsity) lacrosse team as a middie.  Last season, I was set back by injuries, so I was not able to achieve the most I wanted to out of the season.  However, during the offseason I focused on strengthening my whole body so I would be less prone to injuries this upcoming season.  This season, my goal is to make first team all-league for middies, which is not a small task.  I believe I can do this because frankly last season was a disappointment for me, but now that I am healthy and stronger, there is nothing holding me back from achieving this goal.  I practice and play year-round for Nor Cal Lacrosse (Elite) which is the best team  you can play for, for this club.  This summer I participated in both the Denver Shootout and the Pacific Lacrosse Festival in San Diego with this travel team.  I also played at the Top 205 West lacrosse camp at CU Boulder and also the Maryland Lacrosse Showcase. As a junior, I am working very hard on my school work because I understand the importance of getting good grades.  I'm focused on getting the most I can out of High School, while spending a portion of every day working on strength, speed, agility, leadership and education. I'm working on my strength and agility because I want to play Lacrosse at the collegiate level, and I recognize that strength and agility will play a major part in my ability to successfully compete at that level. I'm working on my leadership skills because I don't just want to compete at the college level; I want to become part of the leadership component of the team. And I'm always working on my education because I recognize that sports drives education, and not the other way around. Once I graduate from college the opportunities to play Lacrosse will dramatically decrease, which means I need to ensure that I get the most out of my college level educational experience.  I'm enrolled in the number one rated public high school in California, Pacific Collegiate School, and one of the highest rated public college -prep high schools (#11) in the nation.  Prior to graduation, I will be expected to take and pass at least 5 AP courses as well as numerous honors courses.  Attending a high school with extremely high educational expectations has helped me focus on the value of a quality education.