By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/19/14

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy junior defenseman Nickolas Lawlor has made a commitment to play Division I lacrosse at St. John’s University.

Nickolas Lawlor ledger:

Nick Lawlor

High School: Springside Chestnut Hill Academy

Graduation Year: 2015

Position: Defense

College Choice: St. John’s University

Club Affiliation: Twist

Major lacrosse honors: Sophomore varsity starter; Philly Showcase (2012 and 2013); Tri-State finalist; Best of the Best finalist; Hot Beds finalist; Brine National Team Pennsylvania (2013)

What will you major in/study? Accounting and Finance

Why did you choose St. John’s? “I chose St. John’s University for two reasons. The first reason is the location and the opportunities St. John’s offers in the area of finance. The second is the lacrosse program. When I was younger my goal was to find a school that would prepare me for my career while playing for a team in a competitive league. St. John’s met all my aspirations plus allows me to be close enough to home for my family to continue to watch me play.

“I would also like to mention that the coaching staff at St. John’s was helpful by reminding me to make sure I chose the school that fits me best. I learned a lot by watching my brother Kyle go through the recruiting process.”

Outlook for your High School team? “We are a very young program in the Inter-AC. We are excited for the season and working hard to continue to improve in one of the toughest leagues in the country. Coach DelGrande has high expectations for our team and we have been doing a lot of off season preparation. Our non- league schedule is very strong and will prepare us for our league games. I am really looking forward to the start.”

Thank You: “Some of the most influential people in my life have been my coaches. I would like to thank all of them for teaching me the game and giving their time to make others successful.

“My first coaches who were instrumental in helping me learn the fundamentals were Coach Tom Coates and Bob Erwine with Horsham Lacrosse.

“Playing for Twist Lacrosse is one of the main reasons I have had the opportunities to play in college. I would like to thank Greg Flego and Jack Devlin for allowing me to play for their organization. Coach Brian Vetter and Coach Steve Henze have coached me throughout my club career and not only instilled in me to play with determination but kept our team together because they believed in our chemistry and our future. Also, a shout out to our Hydration Engineers Mike Eveland and Dave Bala.

“Playing for Coach DelGrande at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy has allowed me to step onto the lacrosse field with strength, commitment and heart each and every practice and game. His experience with the game and his dedication to his athletes is a lesson I will carry on to my college career. I would also like to thank the rest of the SCH Coaching staff, especially Coach Harry Kleintz who has been a part of my lacrosse since day one.

“Lastly, I would like to thank my parents and brother who know what it takes to be dedicated to a sport. They have been there for me every step of the way. Although my parents wanted the decision to play lacrosse at a school to be my choice, I know they are very happy that I chose St. John’s University. Now I will be able to continue to play lacrosse alongside my brother Kyle. This makes travel and seeing us play that much easier.”

Maplezone Sports Institute, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates Nickolas Lawlor. 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.

Tags: Springside Chestnut Hill