Nicholas Belardo '23 Recruiting Profile

I started playing lacrosse in fifth grade and was absolutely hooked.  I had played a number of sports before finding lacrosse, but none had captured my interest or imagination in quite the same way.  Most of the kids on the team had been playing for years, but my size and strength immediately slotted me for defense.  I absolutely loved the speed, the physicality, and, most of all, I loved fighting for ground balls.  I would literally dream of new ways to pry the ball out of sticks.

Lacrosse gave me purpose and confidence.  I strive to be a leader both on the field and off.  I like being pushed by my coaches and teammates to become better and prove myself against the competition.  I’m most at home on the lacrosse field, but I try to let that spirit spill over into the classroom and everyday life.  I work hard at school to maintain a high GPA and position myself for a bright future.  I'm a lifeguard during the summer and do yard work for my neighbors.  In my free time, I skate, play basketball, and love doing anything physical.

One thing that sets me apart is my sense of humor.  I know there’s a time and a place to joke around, but it allows me to bond with even the most intimidating of people.  I like making people smile by cracking jokes or telling stories to lighten the mood.  My teammates and coaches have called me Jekyll & Hyde because I'm the first to knock you down on the field and then first to give you a hand up.