Men’s recruit: Lower Merion’s Eisenhard will head north to Hobart College

By Chis Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/23/09

Lower Merion senior defender Jake Eisenhard has signed a national letter of intent to play next year at Hobart College.

Eisenhard, an All-Eastern Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association pick last year, said he first became interested in the Geneva, N.Y., college when he coached the young son of a Hobart graduate in the Ashbee Youth Lacrosse program.

Then, last summer he played for a Hobart assistant coach in the Blue Chip recruiting tournament in Fairfield, Conn.

“My coach was the assistant coach, (Mark) Williams, and I played pretty well there,” Eisenhard said. “I really liked the coach, and told him I was interested in Hobart. We scheduled a visit and I absolutely loved it.

“It sits right on a lake and is a beautiful campus. It’s small and a good fit for me. I like the 11-to-1 ratio of teachers to students.”

Eisenhard, a member of the National Honor Society, plans to study chemistry or biology. He noted that Hobart, formerly a Division II power, has managed to remain competitive at the Division I level despite its lack of numbers and financial backing.

“Their alumni came in last year when the school considered moving back down,” he said. “I am really hoping to get there and help and contribute in any way possible.”

Eisenhard is also anxious for the Lower Merion season to begin. The Aces were one of the most improved teams in Southeastern Pennsylvania last year and are expected to challenge for the Central League and District 1 titles.

“I am feeling great about my team,” he said. “We have been holding captains’ practices and the kids are showing great improvement.

“I feel the team is really coming together as a family. Last year was good and we have greater potential this year to be a contender for districts and states.”