Blake Elson '16 Recruiting Profile

As a straight A, Honors Student with a 94.8 average and 33 on ACT,  I am a Junior at Johns Creek High School, Johns Creek, Georgia. My goal is to find an academically challenging college that prepares me well for life and where I can also play big-time competitive lacrosse.
 Johns Creek is in the largest school category in Georgia; we are one of 63 schools ranked 6A (2000+ students).   We are now ranked 1st  in the entire state, all groups, in 2015  lax  and 1st  in our  6AAAAAA northern Atlanta region, where the best lacrosse is played and where the largest H.S. are. We are also ranked #5 in the entire State for  for overall excellence. As one of only five sophomores selected for the Varsity last year , I played in every game, played more minutes than any other sophomore and more minutes than half of the juniors and had the highest shooting % on the team at 47%. I was on the field at the end of a game when the outcome was in doubt. Our win-loss record was 12-5. We went to the 2nd round of the state playoffs, beating the state runner-up during the season and losing to the champions by one goal. This season our team started out being ranked #1 in the state but wound up losing in the first round of playoffs even after having beaten the two finalists. So a dissappointing end to our year, we should have won...
Coaches who communicate clearly what they want from me on and off the field help me improve. They can teach me some larger life lessons.  Coaches face a lot of pressures as the growth of lacrosse has fueled more intense competition. As a student-athlete part of my role is to enable my coach to concentrate on what he needs to do to be successful and not to worry about me; my behavior on and off the field has been and will be exemplary.
Versatility is a major strength so I can help my team in several ways.  I am foremost   a mid-fielder with a strong and fast outside shot who can also cut sharply for the goal.  I’ve also played attack, defense and LSM as needed. I am a strong believer in team play and value making great assists as much as goals.  Unselfish passing leads to more good shots,  goals and wins.
After nine years and at 6’2”, 185 lbs, I have outstanding stick skills, a strong left off-hand, and a nose for ground balls; I like to check and have come through in the clutch.  One of my assets is to see the whole field, quickly grasp my opponent’s positional weaknesses and move the ball up-field rapidly.
Additionally, I coach boys’ lax in the fall, was a member of the Beta Club, volunteer at Georgia Dog Rescue Me and for the Johns Creek Veteran's Memorial and play  varsity basketball as well.  The similarities in both sports have helped my development.  I have a good feel for knowing when I have to score and when to set up someone else.  My school friends come from various groups so I know how to get on with different personalities, like you have on any lax team.
I want to be part of a strong, competitive lax program at a first class university.  If you are looking for a competitive, serious student-athlete, who is a  versatile team player, please let’s have a conversation.  Thank you for your potential interest in me.
Blake Elson