By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/10/12

Merion Mercy junior midfielder Julianne D’Orazio has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Lehigh University.

Julianne D’Orazio log:

Julianne D'Orazio

High School: Merion Mercy

Graduation Year: 2013

Position: midfield

College Choice: Lehigh University

Club Affiliation: Phantastix

Major lacrosse honors: Philly Lacrosse Camp All-Star, Member of the Merion Mercy 2010 and 2011 AACA Championship Team.

Academic honors: National Honor Society, Biology Award 2010, Academic Honors 2010, 2011, 2012.

What will you major in/study? Pre-Dental.

Why did you choose school? “Lehigh University has the perfect combination of strong academics and great lacrosse. The Pre-Dental program will help me fulfill my dream of being an orthodontist. The location of Lehigh will allow my family to come to my games. I fell in love with every aspect of the lacrosse program, especially the coaches and players. I am looking forward to playing for coach (Jill) Redfern and (Kelley) Putnam Necioglu.”

Other schools considered: Temple, Holy Cross, Brown. Hofstra.

What is your HS team’s outlook for the season? “Our goal this season is to be Catholic Academies champs for the fourth season in row. We have a lot of talent and potential to be successful and I look forward to the season with (new) coach John Geary.”

Other comments: “First, I want to thank my parents and siblings for all their support. A special thanks to Merion Mercy coach Danielle Hannigan and to all my Phantastix coaches for everything they’ve done over the years. Lastly, I want to thank all my teammates for making my lacrosse experience so memorable.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/9/12

St. Mark’s (DE) junior midfielder Haley Schweizer has committed to play Division I lacrosse at Johns Hopkins University.

Haley Schweizer log:

Haley Schweizer (Right)

High School: St. Mark’s High School (Wilmington, DE)

Graduation Year: 2013

Position: Midfielder/Center

College Choice: Johns Hopkins

Club Affiliation: Ultimate Goal Lacrosse

Major lacrosse honors, All-Star teams, Camps: All-State selection first year, 1st team All-State Soph year, All-Conference Freshman & Soph years, WDEL athlete of the week 2010, varsity player fresh & Soph years, U15 National All-Tournament team camp All-Star player for JMU, Duke, Penn State, Max Exposure, UNC camps (all camps participated in as well as Hopkins Lacrosse camp), National Tournament selected player- Eastern Shore, Under Armour All-American Tournament– NJ team; ESPN highlighted as top 10 people to watch at Under Armour Tournament, total goals to date, point 156…assists 42, about 80% draw control average

Academic honors: Honor Roll Fresh, Soph, Junior year (1st half), Chemistry Club Vice Pres, Student Council Class Secretary, Psychology Club, Z Club and Blue Gold (service clubs), Fresh year 13th in class of 300, Soph year 20th of 303, and Junior (so far) 21st out of 303.

What will you major in/study? “Neuroscience or Behavioral Biology to prepare me for a masters program in either physical therapy or physician’s assistant.”

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins? “Many factors- from the lacrosse perspective, the coaches are dynamic and the 2012 recruiting class was strong. I come from a big family …1 of 6 (sister, Courtney, is a junior lax player there so family has grown fond of JHU) and it was important for me to be somewhat close to home, so that my parents could get to my games (this year they have 10 home games). From an academic perspective, I wanted a school strong and challenging in the sciences to prepare me for the medical field. I committed early to Hopkins (in November) because they had a high interest in me, their coaching staff is SO energetic and encouraging, and the team seemed as if they were truly a family.”

What is your HS team’s outlook for the season? “Our team made it to the semi-finals my freshman and sophomore years and we hope to make it to semis again this year with a new coach and a hope for a rebuilding/strengthening season.”

Additional comments: “I have started varsity field hockey since Freshman year and have been on the varsity basketball team since sophomore year. I want to thank my parents, sisters (other sister, Taryn, class of 2012 is committed to High Point as a defender for lacrosse), and coaches for pushing me to be the best player that I can be. Coach Tucker and the other coaches pushed me and helped me strive to be better both on and off the field. Most of all I want to thank God, as I always do with all accomplishments, for blessing me with the ability to play sports and all that he has in store for me!”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/9/12

The numbers are amazing: Over 50 sophomore boys have already committed to play lacrosse at Division I colleges and made their choices public.

A year ago at this time, only a handful of sophomores had committed. And it’s not just the Top 5 schools getting the commitments. In all 15 Division I colleges have received sophomore verbals (not all are public).

The rush of sophomore commits has created a large stir in the world of Division I lacrosse and beyond. Speaking to coaches on both sides, college and high school – most don’t like it; and some hate the fact that players are making decisions well before they have a chance to mature – physically or mentally – or make a serious mark as a varsity player. Some have not played any varsity lacrosse or very little.

This year’s crop of sophomore commits does include a number of players that stood out even as freshmen at the varsity level on nationally ranked teams. Some of these players seem as “can’t miss” as you can get.

And you sure can’t blame the players. If you are getting an offer from a school like Johns Hopkins, Virginia or Duke, are you going to turn it down? And if you do, is the same opportunity going to come again next year?

This topic was addressed when Ty Xanders of Inside Lacrosse and I hosted Calvert Hall coach Bryan Kelly last Thursday night on our bi-weekly radio show, “Lax High” on the Lacrosse Radio Network. Kelly noted that the rush to get sophomore commits is of concern to high school coaches and should be addressed by the NCAA.

One of biggest concerns from high school coaches is whether the sophomore that commits will remain as motivated to improve after committing so early in his high school career. And will the number of de-commits rise? Or will colleges change their minds about the players if they don’t see the improvement they had projected? And now there is more likelihood that the coach that recruited the player could leave for another job in the three-year period before the player arrives.

Are we really happy to have 15-year-olds making these life decisions about college and lacrosse when so many other college students don’t often decide until midway through their senior year.

Indeed, the emphasis on summer tournaments, recruiting showcases and club programs has risen by a remarkable rate in the past few years. Surely, the media has hopped on the recruiting bandwagon. This is a direct reflection of the interest in recruiting and the increased competition for the top players among the now 65 Division I men’s colleges.

But somewhat lost in all this is the fate of the late bloomer? What about the senior that matures and develops in his junior year or in the summer before his senior year and is locked out because few Division I schools have any spots left. What about the senior that has not gone on the summer tourney scene due to injury or didn’t play much in the fall of his senior year because he excels on the football field or the soccer field?

There are surely many examples of top seniors that have few options in Division I lacrosse. One is Hatboro-Horsham senior defenseman Dom DeFazio, a two-time First Team All-Suburban One Continental Conference pick who fell behind the recruiting scene.

Two of DeFazio’s past coaches stated that he is capable of playing at a number Top 20 Division I schools. But why does he find himself seemingly locked out of the Division I recruiting scene?

One, he is a standout football player and strongly considered playing college football at first. Then, when the fall recruiting season came in 2011, he was unable to play due to a separated shoulder, causing him to miss such key recruiting events as the Philly Showcase.

DeFazio is still looking for a home to play D1 lacrosse. He will have to walk on somewhere or play at the Division II or III level, which surely is no small consolation.

But for those who wish to play lacrosse at the highest level and are able, there seems to be no time to wait and precious little time to choose.

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacross.com, Posted 2/9/12

Allentown High School (NJ) junior midfield Alex Moore has committed to play Division I lacrosse at USC.

Alex Moore log:

Alex Moore (Left)

High School: Allentown High School, New Jersey

Graduation Year: 2013

Position: Midfield

College Choice: University of Southern California (USC)

Club Affiliation: South Jersey Select Pink ’13

Major Lacrosse Honors: WDNT – NJ South Team 1, First Team All-County, First Team All-Area, CVC Player of the Year, Athlete of the Week, 5th Leading Goal Scorer in the State -105 goals

Academic Honors: National Honor Society, Science & Spanish High School Honor Society. Tutor Junior High & High School students.

What will you major in/study: Science or Math

Why did you choose USC? “The school was a bit further away than I ever expected to go, but I fell in love with the campus and weather during my visit. USC has a tremendous Academic and Athletic tradition and I wanted to part of something special. I want to help build an outstanding USC women’s lacrosse program, while having the opportunity to get an outstanding education.

Head Coach Lindsey Munday and assistant coaches Devon Wills and Hilary Bowen who had extremely successful collegiate careers, as well as, play for the US National Team had a tremendous influence on my decision. I am looking forward to being coached by them.”

What is HS team’s outlook for season? “We should be one of the stronger teams in our conference and are looking to go deep into the state playoffs.”

Additional Comments: “I would like to thank my parents for always being there for me. They are my biggest fans and go to almost every game. They have also guided me throughout my recruiting process. I also want to thank my grandparents, especially my Grandpa Moore for all his guidance and support. I would also like to thank and recognize my high school coach, Mrs. McCarthy and my SJS coaches, Mr. Schlesinger and Mr. Knobloch for all of their coaching instruction and recruiting advice.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/9/12

Upper Merion senior midfielder Lorran Dacosta has committed to play Division III lacrosse at Whittier College (CA).

Whittier is coached by Downingtown High grad and LXM/PRO player Brian Kelly.

Lorran Dacosta log:

Lorran Dacosta

High School: Upper Merion

Graduation Year: 2012

Position: Midfielder

College Choice: Whittier College, CA

Club Affiliation: Dukes L.C, Black Bear, PYLA

Major lacrosse honors: Suburban One American Conference second team, 2011

What will you major in/study? Business Management

Other info: Whittier is coached by Downingtown High grad Brian Kelly (entering fourth year as coach).

Why did you choose school? “I want to pursue an acting career outside Los Angeles. I have been an extra in one film called the convenient truth, and currently I’m building my resume, taking the role as a cop in the movie ‘Can I get justice?’ and as Robin for a college film – ‘Batman Anarchy.’”

What is your HS team’s outlook for the season? “After we had some Thursday practices, we’ve started to get our act together. Once the season comes, we’ll definitely have a solid team.”

Other comments: “I want to thank Coach John Christmas, who worked with me a lot during summer programs. I also wish to thank (Upper merion) Coaches (Brady) McCormick and (Roman) Kupecky.”

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/8/12
From Press Release

James Madison lacrosse coach Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe has announced the Dukes’ 2012-2013 freshman class.

The incoming class includes the following: Jenna Mertz (Villa Maria Academy, Pa.); Emily Pillion (Conestoga H.S., Pa.), Betsy Angel (Roland Park Country School, Md.); Jaci Gordon (Lawrence Academy, Mass.); Taylor Gress (Manchester Valley H.S., Md.); ; Alex Revel (Oakton High School, Va.); and Carter Reifsneider (Collegiate School, Va.).

“JMU is very honored to announce our recruiting class for the 2016 JMU graduating class,” Klaes-Bawcombe said. “This group of young women is not only successful on the field but in the classroom. This class combines athleticism, speed, tenacity, skill, and a championship experience that we will be relying on heavily as we work to obtain our program goals of winning CAA championships and returning to the NCAA final four.”

The seven incoming players will join a JMU program that is coming off back-to-back Colonial Athletic Association championships and NCAA Tournament appearances (2010, 2011) and is a preseason favorite to win a third straight CAA title in 2012.

A closer look at JMU lacrosse’s recruiting class:

Jenna Mertz (Midfield, Villa Maria Academy, PA Express Club, West Chester, Pa.)

Mertz is a two-sport athlete, competing in field hockey and lacrosse. She was also her team’s midfield MVP and leading scorer in her junior campaign. Jenna has received Academic All America honors and is a National Honor Society member.

Coach Klaes-Bawcombe on Mertz: “Jenna will be a workhorse for JMU, constantly moving without the ball. She has great vision and game sense and uses these attributes to impact the game in many ways. She is a consistent player with solid skills and will contribute those hustle stats every championship team needs.”

Emily Pillion (Defender, Conestoga H.S., Phantastix Club, Chesterbrook, Pa.)

Pillion is a two-sport athlete in field hockey and lacrosse. She was recently honored by ESPN as a Top 25 senior defender at #4 and among the Top 100 seniors overall at #23. As a junior Pillion was awarded All Central League First Team and All-Main Line Second Team recognition and was her team’s defensive MVP. Her field hockey team won the Central League championship in 2011.

Coach Klaes-Bawcombe on Pillion: “Emily is a solid defender with great positioning and presence. She has a nice balance between quickness and strength, and we are excited to see her compete very quickly for time on our roster.”

Betsy Angel (Attack, Roland Park Country School, TLC club, Baltimore, Md.)

Angel is a four-sport athlete who also competes in soccer, basketball and tennis. She has been recognized by ESPN as one of the top 25 attackers in the country at #24. In 2010-11 Angel was a member of Roland Park’s lacrosse and soccer teams that were Interscholastic Athletics Association of Maryland runners-up.

Taylor Gress (Attack, Manchester Valley H.S., Checkers Club, Westminster, Md.)

Gress is a three-sport athlete, competing in soccer, basketball and lacrosse. She is a multi-year All-Carroll County honoree for lacrosse and soccer and was a member of the under-15 US lacrosse national champion team in 2009.

Jaci Gordon (Midfield, Lawrence Academy, REV Club, Boston, Mass.)

Gordon is a three-sport athlete, competing in field hockey, soccer and lacrosse. She has been her lacrosse team’s MVP and earned Independent School League Honorable Mention in her sophomore and junior years.

Alex Revel (Defensive Midfield, Oakton H.S., Capital Club, Fairfax, Va.)

Revel is a two-sport athlete, competing in field hockey and lacrosse, and she is a two-time team captain in field hockey. Her Oakton lacrosse team was a state runner-up and has won Concorde District and Northern Region championships.

Carter Reifsneider (Defender, Collegiate School, Future Elite, Richmond, Va.)

Reifsneider is a three-sport athlete competing in field hockey, swimming and lacrosse. She has been honored by ESPN as the #18 best defensive midfielder in the country. Reifsneider played on Collegiate’s field hockey and lacrosse teams that won League of Independent Schools championships in 2011, and her teams were state runners-up in 2010 and 2011 in lacrosse and state semifinalists in 2010 in field hockey.

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/8/12

Landon school junior midfielder Philip Pena has committed to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Delaware.

Philip Pena log:

Philip Pena

Graduation Year: 2013

Position: Midfield

College Choice: University of Delaware

Club Affiliation: Madlax

Major lacrosse honors: Maryland Free State Top 44 Team, Top 205, Brine Shootout with Landon

Academic honors: Honor Roll II

What will you major in/study? Political Science

Why did you choose Delaware? “The coaching staff is great and they were behind me 100% throughout the process. I also had two great visits which gave me a chance to see how nice the campus and facilities are. But ultimately I choose Delaware because of it’s size, tradition, location and the general atmosphere. It was like a diamond in the rough for me.”

What is your HS team’s outlook for the season? “Our ultimate goal is to win an IAC Championship, and after coming up short in last year’s game our team is really excited to get back out there. We are returning a lot of experienced starters as well and a bunch of new young talent.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/7/12

Lower Merion senior attack Tyler Redmond has committed to play Division III lacrosse at Roanoke College.

Tyler Redmond log:

Tyler Redmond

High School: Lower Merion High School

Graduation Year: 2012

Position: Attack

College Choice: Roanoke College

Club Affiliation: Ultimate PA

Major lacrosse honors: Captain 2012. IWLCA Champions Cup, The Northern Rise, IWLCA Capital Cup, Lax by the Sea, UVM 7 v 7.

Academic honors: 4 year Honor Roll

What will you major in/study? Undecided

Why did you choose Roanoke? “As soon as I walked on the campus, it felt right. When I met the team, the girls were people I could see myself with. Since the day I met Coach (Mary) Schwartz, I could tell her outlook on the sport and tactics for coaching were something I liked.”

What is your HS team’s outlook for the season? “My past three years have been pretty tough; two years ago missing playoffs by one game. This year we have a lot of skilled incoming freshman which brings lots of potential to our team. We have been working hard in the off-season and continue to, hoping it will pay off this season.”

Additional comments: “I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for helping me develop as a player and my parents for supporting me at all times.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/7/12

Malvern Prep sophomore defenseman/LSM Chris Isenberg has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Penn State University.

Chris Isenberg log:

Chris Isenberg (Photo by Warren Samolsky)

High School: Malvern Prep

Graduation Year: 2014

Position: defenseman/LSM

College Choice: Penn State

Club Affiliation: Duke’s L.C., Mesa Fresh

Major lacrosse honors: UNC Camp All-Star, Lacross Evolution Defensive MVP, Varsity as freshman.

What will you major in/study? Considering communications

What other schools did you consider: Penn, North Carolina, Loyola

Why did you choose school? “In my first visit I met coach (Jeff) Tambroni and I originally felt welcome. I realized this was something I wanted to be a part of. On my second visit I was seeing how everyone on the team acts together and that sealed the deal and made me decide I wanted to be a part of Penn State lacrosse. There are so many opportunities and also I met the academic adviser and he told me about the supports I’d get and that made me feel comfortable. It has the structure (I need) for academics.”

What is your HS team’s outlook for the season? “We lost a bunch of key seniors, but we have (goalie) Matt Barrett coming back along with a really strong defense. We have lots of depth and we can use everyone.”

Other comments: “I’d like to thank the Penn State lacrosse program, along with my family, Malvern Prep coach Dave Metzbower and everyone that has helped me along the process.”

Brother commits: Isenberg’s brother, Malvern Prep junior midfielder Mick Horrocks, recently committed to High Point University. (see story)

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/7/12

Malvern Prep junior midfielder Mick Horrocks has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at High Point University.

Mick Horrocks log:

Mick Horrocks (Photo by Warren Samolsky)

High School: Malvern Prep

Graduation Year: 2013

Position: midfield

College Choice: High Point University, N.C.

Club Affiliation: Mesa Fresh 2013, Duke’s Lacrosse Club

Major lacrosse honors/camps: PennStar U13, Top 205, Champ Camp

What other schools did you consider: Air Force, Navy, Ohio State

What will you major in/study? Business

Why did you choose school (first year of intercollegiate play is 2013)? “I loved the campus and talking with coach (Jon) Torpey (former Wings and Barrage player) and the guys, it was the right fit for me. I knew it was where I wanted to go.”

What is your HS team’s outlook for the season? “We are really pushing ourselves in the off season and we expect to do some big things this year.”

Other comments: “I want to thank (Malvern Prep) coach Dave Metzbower, my family, (Mesa coaches) Peter Scott, Pat Carney and Bill Horrocks (uncle), and Dukes coach) Ebe Helm.”

Brother commits: Horrocks’ brother, Malvern Prep sophomore defenseman/LSM Chris Isenberg, recently committed to Penn State. (See story).