For years I was that boy who struggled in school. I would sit frozen with fear that I would be called upon and my answer would be wrong. It was easier for me to blend in than to stand out. Unfortunately, I was the same way on the field. I would practice as hard as I could but on game day my mind would go blank.

This feeling of helplessness followed me for a few years. I wouldn’t say I am a born lacrosse player. I have to work at it and give 100%. I started out on defense but a few seasons ago I volunteered to take the faceoff and instantly at that moment I knew I found my place on the field, the place where I know I can make a difference. I started watching endless hours of videos online and participating in faceoff clinics during the off-season, all to help me reach my short term goal my freshman year on the varsity team.

Hard work and dedication is what brought the “not up to grade level” younger me to the student-athlete I am today and on the field, I am no longer the boy at the end of the warm-up line, I am now the man with all eyes on him.