Ryan Paulson '21 Recruiting Profile

Ryan Paulson, 2021 Defender/LSM, Niceville, Florida

NCAA # 1705809361

Niceville High School Varsity 6, *CAPTAIN - 2020 Season

Sweetlax Florida Krakens 2021 #12, 850 Lacrosse Club (formerly Sweetlax Redfish) HS #30 (Tallahassee)

I live in the Florida panhandle in CST (it's 7 hours from Orlando). This is not a hotbed of lacrosse, but lacrosse is growing here. I started playing year round lacrosse in 7th grade with a local club Destin Rockets/Emerald Coast Lightning directed by Duke Pope. I have also played for Niceville Eagles Lacrosse Club, North Bay Warriors, and JM24 (regional team). Last summer I joined newly formed regional program Sweetlax Redfish in Tallahassee (2 hours drive one way) which led to my invitation to join Sweetlax Florida Krakens 2021. Also, I also participated in 2019 Warrior All America Games at UMASS. 

How did lacrosse find me? I did not know lacrosse existed until a new kid moved into my neighborhood (we are a big military community here), put a stick in my hand, and that is how it all began for me. At the time, I was running XC and on the middle school golf team. I told my mom "I like to run xc and play golf, but I love lacrosse" and that's what I wanted to do. I made it a priority to attend lacrosse camps, prospect days, and join teams so that I could learn and play to get good enough to hopefully play in college. 

In my spare time, I volunteer as the Defense Coach for the U14 boys lacrosse team. It helps me strengthen my defense IQ by breaking it down and teaching the fundamentals/formations. I enjoy giving back to the youth program and developing the rising group of players that will mostly feed into my high school team.

I am still an avid golfer. I golf often with my Dad and grandfathers. I also enjoying playing the acoustic guitar. My favorite video game is Star Wars Battlefront. My favorite tv shows are The Mandalorian and Brooklyn Nine Nine. Favorite movies are anything Marvel.