By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/12/12
Great Valley rising junior attackman-midfielder Greg Merrill has committed to the admissions process at Princeton University.
Greg Merrill log:
High School: Great Valley High School, Malvern PA
Graduation Year: 2014
Position: Attack/Midfield
College Choice: Princeton University
Club Affiliation: Man Up
Lacrosse honors: Freshman season (2011): First Team All Ches-Mont League & All-Area Team; broke school freshman scoring record (56g/24a=80 points). Sophomore season (2012): Team MVP, Unanimous First Team All Ches-Mont League, League MVP Nominee & All-Area Team; leading scorer on a Great Valley team that made it to the final four of the PIAA District 1 Playoffs and the state tournament for the first time in school history.
Academic honors: Distinguished honor roll every semester throughout 9th & 10th grade; 4.0 GPA.
What will you major in? Undecided
Why did you choose Princeton? “I chose Princeton because Coach (Chris) Bates offered me a huge challenge and the opportunity of a lifetime: an education at a world class university, and a chance to compete for a national title under an incredible coaching staff. I spent a total of three days on campus, but I knew I wanted to be a Princeton Tiger within the first hour. Coach Bates and his staff took the time to come see me play multiple times, so they know my capabilities and we’re confident my game fits their system.”
Outlook for 2013 HS season: “We are only losing two key seniors, so I expect we’ll be very good again and in the mix for the Ches-Mont league title and make a state tournament run again. In 2012, Coach (Tony) Verna dialed us in just in time for the playoffs. We learned to play as a team, and to close games out in pressure situations. Great Valley has five Division I-bound players on the roster now, with probably more announcements to come soon. I’m lucky to be teammates with two phenomenal underrated attackmen, a group of athletic and unselfish middies, some shut-down defensemen and a great goalie. It’s exciting and fun.”
Other schools considered: Villanova, UNC, Notre Dame and Duke
Other comments: “There are a lot of people to thank, but it all begins with my Great Valley and Man Up teammates. I would like to thank coaches Tony Verna and Billy Cordts for the opportunities they have given me over the past few years. My club coach, Jim Schorn, guided me through the entire recruitment process, and I want him to know that the best decision I ever made was to join Man Up. I also give credit to coach Tony Black and my brothers Brett and Jeff for pushing me, and thank my Mom & Dad for always supporting me and my team.”
Note: Merrill verbally committed to Princeton on December 11, 2011, making him the first sophomore in Pennsylvania history to commit to a Division I lacrosse program. The announcement was delayed until August 9, 2012 in accordance with university policy. He must continue through the admissions process.
Maple Zone Sports and Fitness Complex, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Recruits, congratulates Greg Merrill. 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. 
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