By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/20/14
Academy of the New Church sophomore attack-midfielder James Vandegrift has made a commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Saint Joseph’s University.
James Vandegrift log:
High School: Academy of the New Church
Graduation Year: 2016
Position: A/M
College Choice: Saint Joseph’s University
Club Affiliation: Duke’s LC
Major lacrosse honors: Invited to Jake Reed’s Nike Blue Chip Rising Sophomore and Junior Camps, Philly Showcase Fab 40 All-Star Selection as a Sophomore
What will you major in/study? Undecided
Why did you choose St. Joe’s? “I wanted to be close to home so I could see my family and friends when I wanted to. Saint Joe’s has a beautiful campus and is in the city which is pretty cool.
“I was really impressed with Coach (Taylor) Wray, Coach (Dan) Keating, and Coach (Steve) Grossi, and the success they have had with the team in their first few years there. I am very excited to see how they contend this year and to be part of the plans for the future of St. Joe’s lacrosse.
“I’m also looking forward to playing again with my brother Ray, who is a freshman midfielder this year.”
What is your team’s outlook for the season? “We are a very young team but we have a lot of potential. We know we have the talent to contend for the league title this year and I am very excited for the challenge. With a new head coach, Rob Forster, who was La Salle’s offensive coordinator the last few years, we have been improving as a program on and off the field every day. The Academy of the New Church made a clear statement when they hired Rob Forster that they want the program to become one of the top programs in the Philadelphia area and compete at the highest level. Since hiring Coach Rob, we have had several talented players from around the Philadelphia area, who have already visited, and are excited to be at ANC next year and the part of the lacrosse program.”
Thank You: “I’d like to thank my family for always coming to see me play and for giving me something to play for. Shout out to my seven brothers for always pushing me to be a better player. I’d like to especially thank my parents for all of their love and support they have given me in everything I do.
“I’d like to thank all of my youth coaches throughout Abington Lacrosse Club for helping me develop my love for the game and instructing me with the basics that I needed to become a player. I’d also like to thank my former High School coaches Pat McDonough and Billy Mckinney, for helping me become a better player on the field, and a better person off the field, while playing for them at Penn Charter.
“Lastly, I’d like to thank all my Duke’s Lacrosse coaches, especially Ebe Helm and Jason Christmas, for coaching me as a member of the best High School club program in the country.”
Maplezone Sports Institute, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates James Vandegrift. MSI is located on Conchester Highway (Rt. 322) in Garnet Valley, offering lacrosse and sports performance training for boys and girls. From summer and fall club teams to camps, clinics, tournaments and leagues, let MSI be your one stop training facility. Visit us at maplezone.com/lacrosse or contact jmurray@maplezone.com.
