By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/22/11
Malvern Prep junior goalie Matt Barrett has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at NCAA Division I champion Virginia.
Barrett split duties in goal as a sophomore for Malvern Prep, helping the Friars (14-6) finish No. 25 in the country according to ESPN RISE’s POWERADE FAB 50.
Barrett was rated as Inside Lacrosse’s No. 23 Rising Junior Young Guns this summer. He played in the EPSLA Showcase in June and plays club lacrosse for the Duke’s L.C. and Mesa Fresh 2013.
Barrett was the second top Philly junior to commit to a major Division I college Wednesday. La Salle attackman Matt Rambo had earlier committed to Maryland, the national runner-up.
Virginia defeated the Terrapins for the national crown, 9-7, in an All-Atlantic Coast Conference final last May.
Matt Barrett log:
High school: Malvern Prep
Graduation year: 2013
Position: goalie
College choice: Virginia
Club affiliations: Duke’s L.C., Mesa Fresh 2013
Academic honors: First honors, freshman and sophomore years
Lacrosse honors: EPSLA Showcase, 2011; Inside Lacrosse Rising Juniors Young Gun No. 23; All-Inter-Ac League Honorable Mention, 2011; Jake Reed Blue Chip, 2011
Expected major: Considering business
Also considered: Notre Dame, Penn State, UNC, Princeton
Why did you choose UVA? “During my visit I could see myself playing there. The coaches and players made me feel very welcome. Playing for coach (Dom) Starsia will be cool. I attended the Final Four championship weekend last year and to see them fight back from injuries and some off-the-field stuff and win the championship was great. They were the underdog. It also has a nice college feel.”
On taking his time in the recruiting process: “Some of the top prospects in Philly took their time. You want to make sure you are 100 percent. All the guys were making tough decisions, but my parents were great in taking me to the schools and being there.”
What are your expectations for 2012 HS season? “Definitely one of the things I’m looking forward to is playing behind one of the best defenses in the country. All these guys will be playing Division I lacrosse on day. We have a good chance of winning the Inter-Ac League and beating Haverford School.”
Other comments: He wished to thank his parents, Malvern Prep coach David Metzbower and his staff, former Malvern coaches John McEvoy and Dan Keating, Duke’s L.C. coach Ebe Helm and his CYO coach (from St. Joe’s in Downingtown) Bob Peppleman and Pat Carney.
Leave a Reply