By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/23/11
Malvern Prep junior defenseman Chad Rafferty has made a verbal commitment to play Division i lacrosse at the University of Maryland.
Chad Rafferty log:
High School: Malvern Prep
Graduation Year: 2013
Position: Defense/LSM
College Choice: University of Maryland
Club Affiliation: Mesa Fresh 2013, Duke’s L.C.
Major lacrosse honors: Gait Fab 40 All-Star at Philly Showcase, North Carolina Team Camp All Star, ESPN RISE Sophomore Watch List
Academic Honors: First and Distinguished Honors, 3.9 GPA, Volunteer at the Don Guanella School, Evanfest Youth Lacrosse Tournament, Best Nest events and C.A.R.E.S. Walk
Why did you choose school? “I chose Maryland because Coach Tillman and his staff represent everything that a successful lacrosse program has and everything that is important to me: hard, work, discipline, team first and giving back. I feel like they truly care about developing me as a player and as a person. I felt at home when I visited and felt like I was part of the team. The campus is awesome and it’s only two hours away so my family can continue to be part of my lacrosse life. The academics at Maryland are a good fit for me and I wanted the opportunity to play for a National Championship.”
Other Malvern commit: Rafferty is the second Malvern Prep junior to commit in recent days. Goalie Matt Barrett committed to Virginia on Wednesday.
Also considered: North Carolina, Ohio State University and Villanova.
What is your HS team’s outlook for next year? “We had awesome leadership in our senior class last year and I thought that would be tough to replace. But our captains and other seniors this year have stepped right up to bond our team and make us want to challenge ourselves and work harder. They’ve really taken the initiative to make sure kids are always in the weight room or working on their stick skills. With the senior leadership and Coach Metzbower pushing us, I feel we will see a lot of success as a team this year.”
Other comments: “I want to thank my Malvern Coach, David Metzbower. He was a huge help during this process. I also want to thank my Mesa Fresh coach, John Sims and Duke’s lacrosse coach, Jason Christmas. Thank you also to my West Chester Youth Coaches, Tom Dunn and Brian Burke, who put a long pole in my hands.”
