The player I am today - a gritty, left-handed attackman - is a direct result of how I was taught the game in my youth. My 1st-4th grade coach was the father of one of my good friends. He played some lacrosse in college, but most importantly he taught me to always play the game as a team. Everyone on the team rotated positions equally (including goalie, and I hated playing goalie). But the sentiment stuck with me and continues to this day. I still remember Coach K saying: "no one player on the field is more important than any other player on the field". During these four years, Coach K would hand out a sticker for every assist that someone made. This little reward taught me the importance of keeping my eyes up, and seeing the flow in order to make the assist that allowed me to fill up my helmet as a young kid.

I take an immense amount of pride in my stick skills, vision, and explosive dodging. I try to make everyone around me a better player when I am on the field. I work hard at home on my own time, and you wont find me many places without a stick in my hands. But I also know there are a lot of folks that are just like me. They too work hard, practice and try to get better each day.

The thing I think that sets me apart is my relationship with and lessons that I have learned from my coaches. They have always played a tremendous role in my life and helped develop my passion for the sport of lacrosse. I hope I'm able to give back to my sons and daughters in the same way that my coaches have given me their time and attention.

As a recently named Captain for my Varsity team (first Sophomore ever), being able to translate the gifts I have been given through lacrosse to others - both older and younger - has made me a more emotionally intelligent player and leader.

Halfway through my sophomore year, I was ranked first out of 592 students. I volunteer for Meals on Wheels Central Texas, serve on the leadership board of Beyond Batten, and was recently named to Austin High's Peer Assistance Leadership Group. I also serve on the West Austin Youth Association Junior Board.