- 2022 Spotlight
Personal Statement
I am an attackman. It should be a given I can shoot. Let me tell you some of the things that help set me apart.
First of all, I am from southwest Missouri. While at first glance, this may seem like a negative, it is definitely a positive. I have had to show leadership, initiative, independence, perseverance and grit to help grow the sport in my community and region. It has required me to be strong in who I am, and true to my passion for lacrosse. I have had a goal to play at the highest level for a few years now. That isn't going to come easily to a lacrosse player from Missouri. I have grinded it out, putting in extra hours daily to give myself an opportunity to excel. I pay attention to the small details of my mechanics and performance and am always trying to excel in the margins. When I have opportunity to be coached, stretched and challenged, I soak it up, and immediately start putting in the work to execute what I have been taught.
I know it is my job, as an attackman, to be able to put it in the goal. I have worked very hard to be a dangerous, smart, powerful, creative, fast scoring threat. I have worked and improved my non-dominant left to move and shoot almost as well as my right. I have spent the last year pushing myself to be more than a typical shooter. I am becoming an atypical dodger. When defense slides to me, I dump it to a teammate for an easy goal. If they don't slide, I make them pay. And I don't let up till I have to. I work hard and use my speed, size and physicality for pressure on the ride.
Another incredibly unusual, but incredible strength of mine is that I am the youngest of nine siblings. While certainly, my family has sacrificed for me to help me pursue this dream, I also have inherently had to sacrifice for them. In a big family, it is never "all about me." I understand what it means, perhaps more naturally than most, to be apart of something bigger. While competition is part of everyday life in a house of mostly boys, I really know, in a practical sense, how to place team/family above my own individual interest or desires. To treat people around me with respect and encouragement, along with competition and challenge. How to pull my weight and not expect others to do things for me. This is the type of team culture I am looking for, and looking to help contribute to.
I appreciate your time and consideration. This kid from Missouri is worth the risk. Let me show you.
