Every high school lacrosse player was anxious on September 1st because that is when college coaches could start recruiting and signing players. This is every high school lacrosse player’s dream because it shows their hard work is paying off. For Islip High School midfielder Jesse Resnick, he has been preparing for this moment ever since he was younger. “I started playing when I was in 4th grade. My friends were playing lacrosse, so I just picked up a stick one day and thought it was cool. I thought it was a unique sport and I just fell in love with the game ever since.”
Every high school player across the country works hard in order to sign a college contract. This shows that all their hard work over the past couple of years is being recognized. On September 1st, high school players across Long Island got their chance to sign with colleges across the country. One of those players who has made his commitment for next year is Jonny Lewis. Lewis is the current face-off get-off for Calhoun High School in Merrick, NY. The journey to making it to this point started when he heard about lacrosse from his family. “I had an older sister who played lacrosse, she loved it and my parents figured to try it out with me and my other siblings. [I] Fell in love with it since I was a kid and continued to grow my love for the game.” Continue Reading
On September 1st, college coaches can reach out to players in order to sign them as soon as possible. The typical lacrosse player would commit senior year however, some of the best recruits who receive phone calls are juniors. This is the case for Connetquot High School midfielder Tyler McCarthy. He is regarded as one of the best recruits on Long Island and his numbers and accomplishments speak for themselves. Last season, he had 34 goals, 23 assists, and 57 points; however, he is more focused on helping the team win. “I am definitely trying to improve every year. All that really matters is how our team plays. I just want to win so, how many points it takes for us to win I’m definitely trying to do that.”
Matt Caputo is set to bring his talents to The Ohio State University next fall, where he will play Division I lacrosse in the Big 10 Conference. The senior attack expressed his gratitude for where his lacrosse journey has taken him and is ready to end this chapter of his career on a high note.
Jake Spallina is a junior this year at Mount Sinai High School and has recently committed to play Division I lacrosse at Syracuse University. After an incredibly successful season last spring, Spallina is looking forward to what’s ahead; next season and playing collegiate lacrosse with his brother.
Joey Tesler is ready to fulfill his dream of playing collegiate lacrosse, and he will do so starting next fall at Arcadia University. But before he becomes a Division III scholar-athlete, he is looking forward to his senior season at Bethpage High School.
Last Wednesday, September 1, 2021, was a time that college coaches began the pursuit of signing the best lacrosse players throughout Long Island. Some players committed instantly because they had an idea of where they wanted to go. However, some took the approach of waiting to see what college fits best for them. One of those players who received many phone calls is Michelle Pecoraro. Ever since the second grade, she has loved playing lacrosse and has no regrets about it. “I started playing in second grade. My dad played in high school. As soon as I put the stick in my hands, I fell in love ever since.” This amazing journey led her to become an attacker for St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip, New York
Sports are known to bring families together in the best way possible. In the case of Long Island Lutheran High School lacrosse player Robert Barrera, he learned the game from his father. Ever since learning lacrosse from his father, he has loved playing every minute of it. “My love for lacrosse has really grown over the past year. Last April, I switched positions and it has been great ever since.” The change Robert was talking about was from defense to long-stick midfielder. This move improved his game a lot more and made him one of the best players on his team.
When September 1st came along, this was a time for college coaches to get to work and find the next big star in the sport of lacrosse. This is an exciting time for high school athletes because their phones are ringing nonstop. They are anxiously waiting to see what college is calling them to be a part of their program. For some, this recruitment process may take a day or even a couple months. However, I had a conversation with one athlete who just signed a college contract to play lacrosse. Alex Vieni is an attacker from Calhoun High School in Merrick, New York and is committed to play for Towson University in the fall.
Cole Juengerkes is a senior at East Islip High School looking to have an electric last season as a starting defender for the men’s varsity lacrosse team. Next fall, he will begin his collegiate career playing Division II lacrosse at Felician University.
