Men’s recruit: Malvern Prep’s Connelly likes veteran coach and campus at Delaware

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/16/09

Malvern Prep senior defender James Connelly has signed a letter of intent to play next year at the University of Delaware.

Connelly said he was impressed with Delaware’s longtime coach, Bob Shillinglaw, who has been at Delaware for 31 years.

“I really liked coach Shillinglaw and the facet the entire coaching staff was welcoming,” said Connelly. “I went there last summer to a camp and I loved the campus.

“It was the first time I was there. I wanted to go to somewhat of a big school, and I wanted a college campus.”

Connelly, who will probably major in business, is thrilled to begin his senior year. The Friars, the defending Inter-Ac League champions, are ranked No. 2 in the first state Lacrosse Media Rankings released today.

Connelly is part of a standout Malvern Prep defense that has played together for several years.

“The defense has looked good,” he said. “We have a whole lot of changes on offense, with Matt (Mackrides) and Chris (Layne) graduated. We have a real tough schedule, we have to come to play every game.”

Connelly was one of many Friars who played on the undefeated football team in the fall. He believes that experience can carry over to lacrosse.

“W all play football together, and we’re all really good friends,” he said. “We’re always talking and communicating on the field. It comes easily for us.”