@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Lindenhurst High School (NY) 2020 Goalie Kathleen Mackey of Team 91 Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Gardner-Webb University.
High School: Lindenhurst High School (Lindenhurst, NY) Grad Year: 2020 Position: Goalie College Committed to: Gardner-Webb University Club Teams: Team 91 Lacrosse Girls & Beach Bums Lacrosse Honors: 3-Year Varsity Player Expected Major: Health Professions Why did you choose Gardner-Webb University, Women's D1? "I fell in love with the school and how everyone is so welcoming there. The team and the coaches are super nice and friendly." Is there anything else you would like to share? "Thank you to my High school coaches, my travel coaches, all of my teammates, and family especially my parents"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Kathleen Mackey on her commitment to Gardner-Webb University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Babylon High School (NY) 2021 Attack, Draw Karlyn Antolini of Team 91 Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Merrimack College.
High School: Babylon High School (Babylon, NY) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Attack, Draw College Committed to: Merrimack College Club Team: Team 91 Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Honors: FLG Showcase All Star Team, 2x Long Island Team at the Maverick National Lacrosse Classic, Starter on Varsity since 9th grade Academic Honors: 18x Principals List member, (92.00 average or above at the end of a quarter) National Honor Society, National Business Honor Society, National English Honor Society Expected Major: Legal Professions Why did you choose Merrimack College, Women's D1? "I loved the small school aspect and how close everyone was. Also I could really see myself fitting in well with Coach Duffys style and what she was doing at Merrimack" Is there anything else you would like to share? "Thank you to my dad who has been my coach since I was 3. I would be nowhere without you and I couldn’t be more grateful. " What other colleges did you consider? "I looked at Marquette and Davidson mainly because my sisters went there, but I wanted to make a story for myself"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Karlyn Antolini on her commitment to Merrimack College. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Trinity Christian School (VA) 2020 Attack Jefferson Yon of Top Caliber Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Calvin College.
High School: Trinity Christian School (Fairfax, VA) Grad Year: 2020 Position: Attack College Committed to: Calvin College Club Team: Top Caliber Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: 1st Team All Conference
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Jefferson Yon on his commitment to Calvin College. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
George McGeeney has been named as the Chief Operating Officer for US Lacrosse, the sport’s national governing body.
McGeeney was selected after an extensive national search led by the consulting firm SRI. The COO position will lead the effective execution and success measurement of the US Lacrosse strategic plan, conduct operational analyses, explore opportunities to advance mission priorities and monitor organizational risk management while serving as a member of the organization’s senior leadership team.
“George’s business experience, career success and passion for the sport are an impressive combination, and I’m thrilled that he will be joining our team to lead the implementation of our strategic plan and contribute to our ongoing operational evolution,” said US Lacrosse CEO Steve Stenersen.
McGeeney is a 1982 graduate of UMBC and was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2002. As a player, he helped UMBC to the 1980 NCAA Division II championship and received the Schmeisser Award from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association as the nation’s top defenseman in 1982.
Following his graduation from UMBC, McGeeney went on to a successful post-collegiate career on the lacrosse field. He helped the U.S. national team to world championships in 1986 in Toronto and in 1990 in Perth, Australia. He was also an all-club selection by the United States Club Lacrosse Association from 1983 to 1990.
“Lacrosse has been such a meaningful part of my life,” McGeeney said. “I played on the U.S. team until I was 30 and my kids have played the sport. I’m at a stage of my life where I’ve been looking for a way to give back.”
In his 35-year professional career, McGeeney has worked in a senior leadership capacity in multiple industries, helping to facilitate organizational transformation. His career has literally taken him around the world. In various stints with Pepsico, he worked in the Czech Republic, Greece, India and Mexico. McGeeney is a former COO and CEO for several private equity backed companies and most recently, he was based in Atlanta, serving as a consultant with Gemias LLC.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in management, finance, operations, business acquisition and integrating businesses,” McGeeney said. “Through those roles, I’ve gained a lot of experience in making businesses more profitable and helping to build culture. I feel extremely fortunate to join an organization that has such credibility and has had such phenomenal success in growing both the women’s and the men’s games.”
McGeeney will begin his tenure at US Lacrosse on February 17th.
The University of Florida signee has undeniably been the leader of Hills squad since starting as an eighth grader with her knack for scoring goals (208 in her career) and being a distributor averaging 20+ assists per season. With that said, Ashley is only 8 points shy from reaching the 300 career point milestone which will most likely happen on opening day, yet the 5 year varsity starter is more concerned with winning. Gonzalez has earned All County three consecutive seasons and has proven to be one of the best on Long Island and she wants to go out with a bang making a deep run in the playoffs. With Ashley at the x, you can be sure she will do everything she can to win and will likely reach 400 career points based on her determination, work ethic and the play maker that she is. See below to get a closer look at the 2x Captain:
Q&A w/ Ashley Gonzalez
Back Of The CAGE (BOTC): For the past four years, you have consistently been the leader of your team and have improved your game in every statistical category with an average of ~73 Points per year but your best season which was last year, you put up 92 points - 5th most in Suffolk County. What keeps you motivated to constantly improve your game and what individual goals do you have for yourself this season? Ashley Gonzalez (AG): My goal going into every season is for our team to get better and for us to make the playoffs because once you’re in the playoffs, anything can happen. Individually, my coach has mentioned that I am very close to approaching the 300 point mark in my career. I would love to have a better season as a senior than last and possibly hit the 400 point mark at Hills.
BOTC: This team lost a few key contributors but has some key returners from all grade levels and positions. With less than 30 days until to season and winter training having begun, what are the expectations/goals for the 2020 season? (AG): Even though we are young and relatively inexperienced, our team is very driven to have a much better year this year and to make the playoffs. I believe that we can get better in every aspect of the game and with some luck, maybe we can be amongst the top teams in the county.
BOTC: You were only a freshman when you committed to the University of Florida. What was that experience like for you to be recruited at such a young age and what led to your decision which you have not wavered from? Also, what other colleges were you considering? (AG): It was definitely a stressful experience having to think so far into my future, especially as a freshman, but it was also exciting because I was starting to make my dream a reality. The University of Florida has a mix of everything I was looking for: great academics, competitive sports, experienced coaches, and warm weather. I was also considering Boston College, Notre Dame, Princeton, Ohio State, and a few others, but I knew that UF was the school for me from the start.
BOTC: What is your most memorable moment thus far? (AG): I’ve had many memorable moments throughout my high school career, but one that stands out to me is from my 8th grade season when we beat Northport. We were huge underdogs in that game, and being so young, I had no idea how dominant Northport really was. In the end, we pulled out with a win. It was the first time in my coaches career that they had beaten Northport so not only was it special to our team, but it was special to our coaches as well.
BOTC: What is your favorite quote or saying from Coach Lori Horbach? (AG): “Today is a great day to have a great day”
BOTC: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions before games? (AG): For every game, I have to wear my hair in a high ponytail with black pre-wrap. The pre-wrap has to be black or I’m convinced my whole game is thrown off. If it’s any other color, I won’t wear it.
BOTC: What’s on your playlist before games? (AG): Our team’s playlist consists of a mix of rap music and a bunch of remixes to pop songs to get us pumped up before each game.
Rapid Fire Q & A's:
Favorite Food? Steak
Favorite Movie? The Blind Side
Favorite Sports Team? New York Jets
Favorite Athlete? Steph Curry
See some of Ashley Gonzalez's Athletic Accomplishments below: Ranked Top 25 Senior on Long Island, Voted Preseason 2nd Team All Back Of The Cage (2020), 2nd Team All BOTC (2019), 5th in Goals in Suffolk County (2019), 6th in Points in Suffolk County (2019), 3x All County (2017, 2018, 2019), All Division (2018), Suffolk County Rookie of the Year (2018)
Check back in a week to meet Jack Cavaioli from Farmingdale High School.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Eastern Regional High School (NJ) 2021 Defense, Midfield Kaitlyn Henry of All American Aim has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
High School: Eastern Regional High School (Voorhees, NJ) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Defense, Midfield College Committed to: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Club Team: All American Aim Lacrosse Honors: 2019 Olympic American Sectional Team 2 Defender, Invited to play on the New Jersey South Team (2018) and New Jersey South Team 2 (2019) in the US National Lacrosse Tournament on Long Island Academic Honors: 4.65 GPA | 32 ACT Score, 2019 Eastern Varsity Basketball Scholar Athlete, 2019 Eastern Varsity Lacrosse Scholar Athlete, 2019 Eastern Varsity Volleyball Scholar Athlete, National Art Honors Society, Eastern Student Alliance (assists freshman with transition to High School), Volunteer Assistant Youth Basketball Coach (2016-2020) Expected Major: Engineering Why did you choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Women's D2? "It was a great fit academically and athletically. The coaches stressed academic excellence and pursuing personal growth, along with creating a strong team atmosphere." Is there anything else you would like to share? "A special thank you to my club coaches (Katie, Mellissa, and Leslie) and my parents for being my support system during my college selection process. I couldn’t have done it without you!!"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Kaitlyn Henry on her commitment to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Shawnee High School (NJ) 2021 Midfield Julie Cassidy of All American Aim has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Duquesne University.
High School: Shawnee High School (Medford, NJ) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Midfield College Committed to: Duquesne University Club Team: All American Aim Lacrosse Honors: Sophomore Year: Led Shawnee Varsity Lacrosse with 66 Goals, Olympic Conference First Team Midfield All South Jersey, Second Team Midfield NJ Group 4 Second Team Burlington County Times All County Team NJ South School Girls Team, Under Armour 150 Championship Team Rally Academic Honors: 3.0 GPA, DECA State Competition Qualifier Expected Major: Business Why did you choose Duquesne University, Women's D1? "I made a connection to Coach Derossiers immediately. Her drive and passion for the program at Duquesne was exactly what I was looking for in a coach. The campus and new athletic facilities will be the perfect place for me to develop as a student athlete. Duquesne’s Business School has a great reputation where I can achieve academically. I am looking forward to my time there! " Is there anything else you would like to share? "Thank you to my family, my coaches at AIM and Shawnee, my teammates and friends for all of your support! "
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Julie Cassidy on her commitment to Duquesne University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Broadneck High School (MD) 2021 Defense Skylar Smith of Pure Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Shepherd University.
High School: Broadneck High School (Annapolis, MD) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Defense College Committed to: Shepherd University Club Team: Pure Lacrosse Academic Honors: All Honors Classes, AP Human Geography, AP Psychology. 3.4 GPA, Future Doctors Organization Expected Major: Health Professions Why did you choose Shepherd University, Women's D2? "Loved the campus and team and environment " Is there anything else you would like to share? "Thank you to my parents and coaches and friends for pushing me to be my best all the time." What other colleges did you consider? "Bloomsburg, & UVA Wise"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Skylar Smith on her commitment to Shepherd University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
During Belle's busy week as her basketball team has advanced in the playoffs, Back Of The CAGE caught up with the #1 ranked senior on Long Island and the returning 2x All-American & 2x 1st Team All State Selection from Westhampton Beach High School, Isabelle "Hurricane" Smith for our weekly Senior Spotlight series interviewing a new senior each week.
The Boston College signee and 6-year varsity starter who made an impact immediately being called upon on Varsity in 7th grade, has put in the blood, sweat, and tears to what she has become today - the top ranked midfielder in the country. Smith is the do-it-all type midfielder who can not only manufacture goals in which she now has 238 career goals in addition to being a facilitator with her 'team' first mentality dishin' out 111 career assists for 349 career points, she is also the top defender and draw specialist on the team.
Belle has won won the FIL Word Championship as only one of two juniors in the entire country on the U-19 National Team and has a resume players dream of having yet she is not complacent with her career, always striving for excellence not only for herself but for her entire team. Everything she has put her mind to with goals she created for herself, they have came into fruition so if I were a better man, I would bet the house that Isabelle can accomplish anything she wants. Among some of her goals, she has her mind set on winning a National Championship at Boston College but prior, she is ambitious to capture a County Championship in Basketball. Being the first player to become an All-American (not just once) at WHB and to etch her place in history with reaching 300+ career points also the first player from WHB to achieve this remarkable achievement, I wouldn't put past Smith capturing a title with her at the helm and the complimentary pieces around her to make a deep run into the playoffs this lacrosse senior. See below to get a closer look at the mega, multi-athlete star and champ.
Q&A w/ Isabelle Smith
Back Of The CAGE (BOTC): Typically in sports, playing for your Country is often regarded as the pinnacle of one’s career. After earning that remarkable achievement representing Team USA this past summer and helping the team to win the World Championship, where would you rank that on your young, impressive resume? Isabelle Smith (IS): Being on team USA is an obvious #1 in the rankings for me. The opportunity to play for your country is beyond what I could ever imagine. To be apart of such an amazing global event, representing USA is a highlight of my career.
BOTC: There have been a few articles that I've read where you have set a couple of goals for yourself and achieved them such as making the USA U-19 National Team and recording 1500 career points in Basketball. Where does your competitiveness and that "mamba" mentality come from and are there any goals that you have made for 2020? (IS): The "mamba" mentality is all about maximizing God given talents. My competitiveness and drive to be the best I can be started with an innate desire within me. Something happens to me when I step on the field or court. I want to be the best and make everyone around me their best as well. My immediate goal is to win the County Championship in basketball. We expect to be the #1 seed going into playoffs. A long term goal is to win a national championship at BC.
BOTC: What is your most memorable moment thus far in your career? (IS): After the 10 month grueling USA tryout process, I was sitting in my car last June in the school parking lot WAITING. I knew my teammates were getting calls about whether or not they made the team. I've never been so anxious. After waiting and praying... and waiting and praying... my phone rang. Best call ever!
BOTC: As arguably the best lacrosse player in the country, why did you choose to play lacrosse for Boston College out of all of the choices that you had? (IS): I remember the first time I went to a BC clinic. I was a 7th grader and I don't think the coaches noticed me. In the car on the way home, I looked at my parents and just said "I going here." Fast forward five years later. Last week at that same clinic, I left with the same feeling I had the first time. Boston College is special. It feels like home. I love every aspect the school offers. The people, academics, athletics, faith, coaches, team and Boston itself, are the best. It's where I belong.
BOTC: Being a multi-sport star excelling in Volleyball earning All State 3 years in a row and being named All County for the 3rd third time in Basketball, did you ever consider playing another sport in college alongside lacrosse? (IS): I toyed with the idea of playing another sport only because my coaches always talked to me about it. It was flattering that my coaches believed in me but I want to dedicate myself to one team. At the end of the day, I'm not just an athlete. I like a lot of things in life and I want to enjoy the full college experience.
BOTC: What is your favorite quote or saying from Coach Mary Bergmann? (IS): "We before me."
BOTC: Are you superstitious and do you have any pregame rituals? (IS): I don't have any special superstitions/pregame rituals but I do always retie my shoes right before the opening draw.
BOTC: What’s on your playlist before games? (IS): Before a big game I listen to "Carry Me Through" by Dave Barns.
Rapid Fire Q & A's:
Favorite Food? Wings
Favorite Movie? How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days
Favorite Sports Team? Patriots San Diego Chargers
Favorite Athlete? Tom Brady
List of Isabelle Smith's Athletic Accomplishments: Lacrosse: 238 Career Goals/111 Career Assists/349 career Points, 6x Varsity Starter (7th-12th Grade), 2x All-American, 2nd Team All Back Of The Cage (2019), #1 Ranked Senior by BOTC (2019), #1 Ranked Midfielder by IL (Class of 2020), All County since 8th Grade, 1st Team Newsday All Long Island (2019), 2nd Team Newsday All Long Island (2018), Team USA U-19 Team Player, WBH 1st All-American, WHB 1st Player to reach 300 Career Points Volleyball: 3x All State, 4x Defensive Player of the Year, 4x All County, 2x Suffolk “Super 7”, 1st Team Newsday All Long Island (2019), Under Armor All Region Team, 2000+ Career Digs Basketball: 4x All County, 1600+ Career Points Milestone
Check back in a week to meet Ashley Gonzalez from Hills East.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: The Loomis Chaffee School (CT) 2021 Attack Trae Ika of Legends Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Saint Joseph's University.
High School: The Loomis Chaffee School (CT) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Attack College Committed to: Saint Joseph's University Club Team: Legends Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: Inside Lacrosse 4-Star Recruit Is there anything else you would like to share? "Special thanks to my parents, coaches, and teammates."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Trae Ika on his commitment to Saint Joseph's University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: James Madison (VA) 2020 Midfield, Attack Josh Rhodes of Top Caliber Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Anderson University.
High School: James Madison (Vienna, VA) Grad Year: 2020 Positions: Midfield, Attack College Committed to: Anderson University Club Team: Top Caliber Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: 2nd Team All Concorde District Academic Honors: Young Men's Service League President Expected Major: Engineering Why did you choose Anderson University, Men's D3? "I chose Anderson University because I am a big fan of the culture they are building as a new program. I believe attending Anderson will allow me to grow in my faith, in my education, in lacrosse, and in life as a whole. Coach Ashton has AU trending in the right direction and I am honored to be granted the opportunity to become a Raven." Is there anything else you would like to share? "All of my coaches along the way especially my dad for always helping me understand lacrosse at a higher level and for teaching me many life lessons along the way. (I) also want to thank my mom for always being my biggest fan and supporting me through it all." What other colleges did you consider? "Lynchburg, Bridgewater, Limestone, Queens & Averett"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Josh Rhodes on his commitment to Anderson University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Highland School (VA) 2020 Goalie Jed Page of BattleLax Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Saint Leo University.
High School: Highland School (Culpeper, VA) Grad Year: 2020 Position: Goalie College Committed to: Saint Leo University Club Team: BattleLax Lacrosse, Diamond National Lacrosse Honors: Maverick D2 All-Star, 1st Team All Conference Academic Honors: Class officer, Honor Roll Student Expected Major: Education Why did you choose Saint Leo University, Men's D2? "Saint Leo has an amazing reputation academically and athletically. The coaching staff is outstanding and the team is consistently at the top of the Division 2 level nationally." Is there anything else you would like to share? "Special thanks to my Mom and Dad I couldn’t have done any of this without them." What other colleges did you consider? "McDaniel, Thiel, Averett & Harford"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Jed Page on his commitment to Saint Leo University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Academy of the New Church (PA) 2021 Midfield, Attack Alex Petrignani of Duke's Lacrosse Club has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Army West Point.
High School: Academy of the New Church (Bryn Athen, PA) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Midfield, Attack College Committed to: Army West Point Club Team: Duke's Lacrosse Club Is there anything else you would like to share? "I would like to thank my parents. The ANC and Easton community and my coaches at The Dukes for helping me out throughout this whole process." What other colleges did you consider? "Drexel, Air Force, St.Joes, Monmouth, & Bryant"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Alex Petrignani on his commitment to Army West Point. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Commack High School (NY) 2021 Goalie Bella Popofsky of Team Elevate Lax has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Presbyterian College.
High School: Commack High School (Commack, NY) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Goalie College Committed to: Presbyterian College Club Team: Team Elevate Lax Lacrosse Honors: Unsung Hero Award Academic Honors: High Honor Roll Expected Major: Biological & Biomedical Sciences Why did you choose Presbyterian College, Women's D1? "I chose Presbyterian because it allowed me to play competitive lacrosse while at a small school. Also, the coaches and team were really welcoming and I am able to study what I want." Is there anything else you would like to share? "My coaches, parents, and peers have inspired and helped me to get to this point."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Bella Popofsky on her commitment to Presbyterian College. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
This week, Back Of The CAGE caught up with the #2 ranked senior on Long Island and the returning NY State Champion from Shoreham Wading River High School, Xavier Arline for our weekly Senior Spotlight series interviewing a new senior each week.
The 5-year varsity starter who has been consistent throughout his career posting up 192 goals and dishing out 174 assists for 366 career points is enjoying being a free agent per se' as he explores opportunities to play football and lacrosse at the division 1 collegiate level. Arline has brought championships to Shoreham as the quarterback of the football team and also in lacrosse proving that he is one of the most electric and dynamic athletes on the island and in the country. His resume is extremely impressive but even though Arline has garnered so much success, he still remains humble and ambitious to capture another state championship and help his team in anyway to succeed. See below to get a closer look at the champ.
Q&A w/ Xavier Arline
Back Of The CAGE (BOTC): Last season, you played such an integral role in quarterbacking your team to win the big 3 (Suffolk Class C Championship, Long Island Championship & NY State Championship) contributing 14 goals and 7 assists with one assist in OT to win the Suffolk Championship over a great undefeated Mt. Sinai team, garnering a plethora of accolades. Having helped your team to capture its 4th NY State title in program history, where would you rank this among your other championship titles? Xavier Arline (XA): This title was so special to my guys and I. We were doubted from day one, from everyone. People were declaring other teams champions before the season even started. We decided to take a different approach, which was to just put our heads down, work in silence, and let our success talk for its self and it worked out for us. We over came the doubt and the adversity which is what made wining so much sweeter.
BOTC: The team has a significant number of key players returning starting in goal, defense, midfield and attack. What are your expectations for the team this season and what are your individual goals? XA: Our goal is to win another State championship, just like our goal every year. The talent we have is outstanding, however, the mindset along with the experience of the guys that fill this roster is what will drive us to complete our goal. Individually, I want to make everyone around me better each and every day. I want to be the best leader [that] I can possibly be, and put my team in position to win games. I believe if I do just that, the accolades for myself will fall into place.
BOTC: From my understanding, you have de-committed from UNC to explore opportunities to play both football and lacrosse in college due to your amazing talent at both sports as evident with your career accomplishments thus far listed below. From what I have seen, Army, Navy, Air Force, UNH, Rice University, and Stony Brook to new a handful have extended you offers. What are you looking for to find the best fit for you and I would be remiss if I didn't ask you if you have any school(s) that are on your leaning towards at this time? XA: I did. I’m very blessed for the opportunity to be recruited and go through this process. I’m looking for high academics - a place where I can have a great degree after school. I’m also looking for a place where I can accomplish many of my personal goals on the athletic fields. I’ve learned a lot about myself throughout the process which is quite special. My decision will be coming soon for sure.
BOTC: Now more than ever, a lot of players are specializing in one sport, however, many colleges coaches are proponents of multi-sport athletes. Being a highly touted recruit at both football and lacrosse, I thought it would be appropriate to ask you your opinion on what you would say the advantages of playing multiple sports are and how the two (if any) help you in each sport? XA: I think it’s important to play multiple sports. It really has the ability to show how athletic you are through the complexity of them all. Footwork is vital in all sports so being able to maintain good footwork can only benefit you for your next event. A big thing I find is that putting the stick down is important. Playing another sport revives your love for the game and the urge to play it, and when you love to do something, you will be able to maximize your full potential.
BOTC: Is there a favorite quote or saying you have from Head Coach Mike Taylor? XA: I don’t have many on the top of my head. Coach Taylor is very laid back which i can appreciate. He has a good balance of getting into us when we need it, and letting us play freely. Although I don’t have many quotes from him, I will say I’ve been more than lucky to play for him these past 5 years.
BOTC: Are you superstitious and do you have any pregame rituals? XA: I’m not going to give any of my superstitions up, but I’ll say this; I am the most superstitious person out there, and to be honest, it’s quite annoying haha.
BOTC: What’s on your playlist before games? XA: I am a rap guy for sure... sometimes the artists and songs vary based on my mood. I don’t like rock though as many of my teammates appreciate.
Rapid Fire Q & A's:
Favorite Food? Ribs/Sushi
Favorite Movie? 13th Hour
Favorite Sports Team? San Diego Chargers
Favorite Athlete? Kyler Murray
List of Xavier's Career Accomplishments: 2X NYSSWA 1st Team All State (2018 & 2019), NYSSWA Player of the Year in 2019, #2 Ranked Player on Long Island by BOTC, #5 Ranked Player by Inside Lacrosse, 1st Team All Back Of The CAGE (2019), 1st Team All Long Island (Newsday) (2019), 2nd Team All Long Island (Newsday) 2018), 5th Year Varsity Starter (8th-12th), NY State Champion (2019), 4x Lacrosse Captain Football: 1st Team All State FB (2019), Top 100 Newsday Players of the Decade (2019), 1st Team All Long Island (Newsday) (2019), 2nd Team All Long Island (Newsday) (2018), 2x Long Island Champion, 3x Suffolk County Champion, 2x Suffolk County Leader in Rushes & TD’s, Football Offers: Navy, Army, Air Force, Notre Dame, UNH, Fordham, Stony Brook, Rice University, 2nd Team All State QB (2019)
Check back next week to meet Isabelle Smith from Westhampton Beach.
