And so it begins …
The NESCAC college lacrosse season officially started on March 1. With H’s senior season underway, it means his time playing competitively is quickly coming to an end.
H was given his first lacrosse stick—a fiddle stick—in 2006 when he was just 3 years old. It was a ‘big brother’ gift from a neighbor (whose son was a high school lacrosse player) when O was born. To this day, we still credit that neighbor for introducing him to the sport he loves. Thank you, @jls_1003.
He learned the basics in a kiddie camp and started playing rec league when we moved to PA. He was 6.
As he got older, he played on a series of travel teams, including a national team. He started on Varsity as a high school freshman, represented Philly in the UA All-American Games when he was a sophomore, and was recruited to play at a boarding school before being recuited to play in college.
College lacrosse was different. At just 5’10”, he was considered small for a defenseman, despite being built like a brick wall. He was used to being a team leader and captain, but like most freshmen, he had to pay his dues—and he did. He worked hard. He stayed coachable. And he took tips from his senior captain, a fellow pole (for those who don’t know, that’s not a slur: it means long pole defenseman), school record holder, and USILA All-American.
It paid off.
[WARNING: Incoming mom brag alert]
Last year was a breakout year for H. He helped his team advance to the finals of the NESCAC Championship and the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championship. He was also selected for just about every lacrosse and student-athlete honor available at the school, conference, regional, and national levels—including being named USILA All-American (like his former captain).
National recognition on The Lacrosse Network.
Even with all the athletic and academic awards and recognition, what I’m most proud of is his character. He’s a beast on the field, but a teddy bear off. He’s kind and considerate and has the biggest heart. He’s the biggest cheerleader and genuinely excited when something good happens to one of his friends. He’s also the one they come to for advice or to talk through an issue.
I know this about him, but hearing it from others always makes my heart melt.
As I met this year’s freshmen parents at the first tailgate, I was told over and over how Henry has been the most welcoming to the underclassmen—inviting them over for Sunday dinner with his roommates (a collection of other senior athletes) and being a sounding board when they needed. Every freshman parent I came across said the same thing: “Henry’s the best!”
I may be biased, but I think so, too.
For the next two months, I’ll be traveling to watch him play his final days of the game he loves so much. After all, he may be everyone else’s biggest cheerleader, but I’m his.
—LJDT
