“What really sparked my love for sports was hockey. I started playing hockey because my dad played it growing up, and he started me early on the ice. We would always watch hockey games on tv, and I really grew my love by watching the Montreal Canadians who are still to this day my favorite NHL team, and when I played it growing up, it was always fun to go on the ice and bond with my dad and older brother.
“I gained my love for lacrosse in a different way. I played tee ball growing up, and I really didn’t enjoy it, so I had a decision to make; either play baseball, or play lacrosse during the spring, and even though I had never even heard of lacrosse, I ended up trying it out, and it turns out I had a lot of fun with it and ended up being pretty good at it too.
“For lacrosse, I do a lot more off season preparation and training then I do for hockey. Two or three times a week, I’ll go outside, and I have a setup in my backyard that I’ll use to play with, and just work on the different skills like my shot, passing, and receiving. For hockey, I do play most of the year, even if it isn’t really competitive leagues, I’ll be on the ice once a week just playing and having fun.
“To mentally prepare for games, I just try to get focused and envision the game a few hours before, so I am in a good head space prior to playing. I always try to have a good healthy meal a few hours before games too so I don’t cramp up, and just try to be healthy so I feel as good as possible physically. A lot of people like to get pumped up before games to get hyped to play their sports, but I am kind of the opposite. I like to get more mellow and just relaxed because I feel like that’s what helps me lock in and be prepared.
“I am going to college for lacrosse next year at Saint Michael’s in Vermont, so I am just getting that out of playing a sport that is awesome. I have been a captain for both sports, and that has taught me a lot about leadership and being a role model in the community, and for my younger teammates. Also learning how to really gain chemistry as a team and sportsmanship as a whole has helped me grow as an individual and helped me gain more confidence to speak up and let my voice be heard.”
