Isaac King '19 Recruiting Profile

Hello, I am Isaac King, a student in the class of 2019 at Decatur High School. From a early age, I was interested in playing sports but, I couldn’t seem to find a sport that I was looking for. I first became interested in lacrosse after visiting my cousins in Maplewood New Jersey, over the Christmas break of 2010, where they taught me how to catch and throw in their backyard. The following spring I joined the Decatur Recreational league, where my appreciation and skills as a lacrosse player began to develop and grow. It was exactly what I was looking for and I have loved playing ever since. Since the fifth grade I've played defense and long stick middie, and I have excelled using my quickness, speed, and tenaciousness.

Over time I have become skilled in one-on-one engagements, whether guarding “x”, the alley or the midfielders on top. I focus on being in the best defensive position which allows me to provide support to my teammates. I use my quickness to secure ground balls with speed, and use my awareness to help clear the ball, and assist in creating scoring opportunities for my teammates.

Since joining the Decatur Rec in 2011, I’ve played every year; in the summer I've played tournaments with the the Decatur Tomatoes, the last two years I've participated in the Atlanta Youth Fall Lacrosse League. While in 8th grade I played long stick middie for the Decatur High School Junior Varsity team. After eighth grade the tone and my view of lacrosse changed, I was going into Varsity high school lacrosse, and I began to take the game more seriously. During preseason practice to preparing for my ninth grade season, our coaches were evaluation players to see who would play varsity, and I was one of two freshman players chosen to start. I have started as close defensemen on varsity every game of my freshmen and sophomore seasons. This summer of 2017 I  competed with the LB3 High School Elite traveling team.

Although lacrosse is now an important part of life I also have other ambitions that are just as important. I’m working towards a dream of being an architect or aerospace engineer, and as most people know those careers don't happen by just “getting by” in school. This goal has made me a driven student. My attitude for doing well in school isn’t just for allowing more opportunities in the future, but is more of test to myself (One of the reasons I decided to enroll in the IB diploma program at my school).

For as long as I could remember I’ve been a creative and artistic person, and have created many diverse pieces. I do mostly illustrations and sometimes I’ll collaborate with other people to create something. At times I’ll take those design pieces and hand screen print them on t-shirts or other media. In January of 2017, I did a one week exhibit at our local cafe, Karvana. Music is also a huge piece of who I am (you can’t find me without a set of earbuds on me ). I’ve studied music and guitar for several years and today I am teaching myself the drums, and practicing with a makeshift band. With my friends we plan to participate in local music events in our town.

From fifth grade to 8th grade I've had great lacrosse success, with, of course, some ups and downs and I grew as a lacrosse player while winning games. My freshmen year I had the same expectations for the coming season, however, that was not what followed. My freshmen year was a rough struggle of a season. I can still remember the disappointment I felt towards myself. After that season it became very clear to me that lacrosse was not a sport that you can play by only focusing on yourself. I learned from that experience that you’re not only training and getting better for yourself, but also make yourself a better player who can help his teammates. From that point, I worked to make myself a better player and do the work to help my team be better. This self-realization has translated into my life outside of lacrosse, whether it comes to being a group project at school, an artistic collaboration or even with my band as a drummer. Although it was a tough season, with a lot of hardship, I’m thankful it happened so that I could have this new understanding, and carry with me as a captain in my junior year. Thank you for taking the time to know a little more about me.