By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/11/12
Wissahickon junior midfielder Luke Gomez has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Hofstra University.
Luke Gomez log: 
High School: Wissahickon
Graduation Year: 2014
Position: Midfield
College choice: Hofstra University
Club affiliation: NXT 2014
Major lacrosse honors: 1st Team All-Times Herald 2012, 1st Team All-League 2012, Co-Offensive MVP 2012, All-Star Philly Showcase Camp, All-Star Brine National Classic, All-Star Summer Slam
What will you major in/study? Undecided
Why did you choose Hofstra? “Hofstra has a long lacrosse history and is in the hotbed of Long Island. On my first visit to Hofstra I felt an excitement with the great facilities and coaching. Head Coach (Seth) Tierney and Asst. Coach (J.P.) Brazel recruited me early and were very patient with me as I went through the process and I truly appreciate that because it is a big decision. The players are all great and welcoming. The location is ideal because it’s near NYC and the perfect distance from home.”
Outlook for your High School team? “We have a great new coaching staff and it brings energy and determination. We have a young team with a lot of chemistry and we are like brothers and have a lot of goals. We want to win our league and I think we will surprise a lot of people with how far we go in post season play.”
Additional Comments: “There are so many people I’d like to thank, starting with NXT Coaches Marty Kupprion, Brett Manney, Mike Avato, Warren Danenza, Dan Deckelbaum, and Andy Hayes and all my 2014 teammates for developing me as a player. It has been an honor to be part of the first NXT team and the whole NXT organization.
“Other coaches that contributed to my play are Wissahickon Coaches Anthony Gabriele, Jim Simmington and Pat Lacon. I have a special thank you to Haldy Gifford who helped me develop my skills and pushed me to become a better player and AJ Juliani (teacher and Middle School Coach) for someone I could always go to for athletic and academic advice.
“Family friend, John Nostrant, was a tremendous resource throughout the recruiting process and I am truly grateful.
“I’d like to thank Shawn Kaplan (Plymouth Whitemarsh, 2010, Current Ohio State Buckeye FO player)for being a role model for me as a player and person.
“I’d like to thank my mom who supported every decision I made, my dad for making it to every single game no matter what, my sister and grand mom for being my biggest fans and my brother, Beau (Navy) for showing me that hard work pays off.
“Lastly, I would like to thank all my friends for all their support throughout this process, especially Brooks Melvin, who I have been playing with since 4th grade and who has made me a better player.”
Maple Zone Sports and Fitness Complex, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Recruits, congratulates Luke Gomez. Maple Zone, located on Conchester Pike in Boothwyn, offers numerous programs, leagues and instructional activities for boys’ and girls’ lacrosse players and also offers boys’ U13 and U15 travel teams. Click here for registration for the Muck Dawgs travel teams. 
