By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/29/13
The Hill School sophomore attackman Jake Saenz has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Bucknell University.
Jake Saenz log:
High School: The Hill School
Graduation Year: 2016
Position: Attack
College Choice: Bucknell University
Club Affiliation: Duke’s Lacrosse Club
Major lacrosse honors, All-Star teams, Camps, Showcases: Varsity lacrosse as a freshman at The Hill School, Jake Reed Nike Bluechip 2013, Brine National Lacrosse Academy Team Pennsylvania 2011 and 2012,Philadelphia Big 4 Showcase (All Star),U.S. Lacrosse U-15 National Championship with Duke’s HHH, National Invitational 175 Summer Select Showcase 2013, Fab Frosh Showcase (All Star) 2013, Prep School Showcase 2013, Brine All American National Lacrosse Classic 2013 Team Pennsylvania as a Freshman.
Academic honors, service projects: High Honors at The Hill School, The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth State Award for High Honors, Pennsylvania Award for excellence in Mathematics, Suma Cum Laude Award National Latin Exam, Citizenship award given by the Pennsylvania State Senate, First Place Science Fair, Pottstown CARES
What will you major in/study? Pre-Med
Why did you choose Bucknell University? “I chose Bucknell for numerous reasons. First and foremost, I chose it for its academic excellence. I have worked hard in the classroom my entire life and Bucknell is the perfect fit academically.
“Secondly, Bucknell is a top D1 lacrosse program. It is in the hunt for a National Championship every year. Attending Bucknell, I feel would give me the best opportunity to maximize my potential as a scholar athlete.
“Lastly, Coach (Frank) Fedorjaka, Coach (Joe) Conner, and Coach (Nick) Marks made me feel like family. They were extremely welcoming and by far the easiest coaches to speak with. They truly care about their players. They don’t just prepare their players for games, they prepare them for life after Bucknell, and that is extremely important to me. After my visit I knew immediately, Bucknell was the place for me. I can’t wait to join the Herd.
What is your team’s outlook for next season? “We lost a lot of 6th Formers (seniors), from last season due to graduation. However, this year we welcome many talented newcomers as well as a new coach, Dave Mullen. Coach Mullen has done a great job working with us throughout the fall to prepare us for our upcoming campaign. I think we will be very successful this season.”
Other comments: “I’d like to thank my Duke’s LC coaches Ebe Helm, Jason Christmas, Mike Mackrides, and my Duke’s HHH coaches Billy McKinney, Eric Gregg, and John Christmas. In addition, my Hill School coaches Dave Mullen, Kacy Small, and Ned Ide. I’d like to offer a special thank you to Coach Small, who has been a part of my career since the beginning, and has always believed in me. I’d also like to thank Coach Fedorjaka, Coach Conner, and Coach Marks for giving me this tremendous opportunity to play for them at the next level.
“Secondly, I’d like to thank all of my teammates over the years; it’s been a great ride. You guys are the best.
“Last but not least, my family. My Mom and Dad have been everything to me. From buying my first lacrosse stick, to cheering me on at high school games, they have always been there. Through freezing rain, brutal heat and endless miles they have never missed a game. I would not be in this position without them. In addition, a heartfelt thank you to my Aunt Patti for her endless support.
“Also, a special thank you to my bud Casey Powell, for instilling the love of lacrosse in me.”
Other schools considered? Dartmouth, Penn, Georgetown, Yale
ReQRuitme, the official sponsor of Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Recruits, congratulates Jake Saenz. Through ReQRuitme, student-athletes can develop their own mobile profile allowing college coaches/recruiters access to their academic and athletic information easily and instantly on the coach’s smartphone or tablet. By using the promo code, PHILLYLAX, all Phillylacrosse.com readers will receive a 50 percent discount on a 12 month (now $75) membership to ReQRuitme. Click here to learn more about ReQRuitme. 
