Men’s recruit: Episcopal Academy’s Smith gets past injuries to commit to Bryant University

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/27/09

Episcopal Academy rising senior midfielder Gerry Smith has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse in 2010-11 at Bryant University.

Smith was beset by hamstring and arm injuries in 2009, attracted the interest of Bryant during the season and then showed even more when he attended the Blue Chip 225 Camp in June at Bryant’s Smithfield, R.I., campus. He committed in early July.

“All season I was plagued by injuries, but Bryant recognized me for my size and athletic ability,” he said. “They wanted to see more, and I think they saw my potential at the Blue Chip.”

Smith said the biggest drawing card to Bryant was second-year coach Mike Pressler, the former coach at Duke who has quickly elevated Bryant (10-5 in 2009) to a major Division I program.

“I chose Bryant largely in part because of coach Pressler,” said Smith. “I felt he would be able to not only hone my lacrosse skills, but to make me reach my potential. I also like his leadership ability and how he can help me develop.

“I feel he is one of the best coaches in Division I.”

Smith plans to major in business and focus on the area of finance “I like the idea of working on Wall Street,” he said. “It’s very enticing for me. I might look at the real estate sector. Bryant also has a great program in International Business.”.

At Bryant, Smith will join a large contingent of Philly recruits. This year’s freshman class at Bryant includes St. Joseph’s Prep midfielder Ian Correia, Malvern Prep attackman JK Poirier, Downingtown East defenseman Mason Poli and Penn Charter defenseman Mike Rauchet.

“The Philly kids will make me feel a lot more at home,” said Smith. “We bring a different part of the game. The Philly kids are more physical and play with a lot more transition. I feel like the Philly connection brings a lot to offer.”

Smith is also excited about the future for Episcopal Academy, which finished a solid third in the powerful Inter-Ac League in 2009 with a 5-3 record.

“I feel like we took the ball and ran with it this year,” Smith said. “We didn’t have the biggest team or necessary the most skilled team, but we came to play every single day, either in practice or in games.”