This is the second of a series of profiles on four Philly grads who are freshmen at North Carolina, courtesy of UNC Athletics.
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/3/22 – From Press Release
Antonio DeMarco, a freshman midfielder from Penn Charter, was an Inside Lacrosse Top 100 recruit, ranked 38th in the class. He was also a Top-15 ranked midfielder in the class by Inside Lacrosse, a 2021 US Lacrosse All-America, a First-Team All-Phillylacrosse.com pick and 2021 Under Armour All-America. He is ranked as the No. 15 incoming freshman by Inside Lacrosse for the NCAA’s top-ranked recruiting class.
Blake Clifton: First off, when did you start playing lacrosse, and how did you get into it?
DeMarco: I started playing in third grade. One of my buddies I played football with was into lacrosse, and I didn’t know much about it. My parents soon got me a stick for Christmas, and I never put it down, and that was the start of my lacrosse career.
Clifton: What made you decide that UNC was the right place for you?
DeMarco: I like how the balance between academics and athletics is pretty high here. Besides that, UNC has been a dream school to play at since I was a little kid. I have trained with Joey Sankey, who played at UNC, and he inspired me to want to play for the Tar Heels.
Clifton: Talk about some of the relationships you’ve made with guys on the team, whether the new guys in your incoming class or some of the veterans on the team.
DeMarco: I am close with all the guys in the freshman class. My roommate Cooper Frankenheimer is a guy on the team I have gotten close with because he’s from Pennsylvania, too, and we used to play each other in high school. Even before we got to UNC, we all connected and got to know each other.
Clifton: For the fans, describe how you approach each game and where you think your strengths are as a player?
DeMarco: I go into each practice and game with confidence. You do not have enough time to be hesitant to play at this level.
Clifton: In your eyes, has there been an adjustment period for you coming from high school into a college and describe what that experience has been like?
DeMarco: The biggest thing for me is the speed of the game. Everything is so much quicker. I would also say the physicality, everyone is big and strong, and that was a minor adjustment for me. I would say that’s the two big things I have had to adjust to coming from playing in high school.
Clifton: In a short summary, describe Coach Breschi and the coaching staff?
DeMarco: The coaches are amazing. That’s one of the main reasons that pushed me to come to UNC just because of how great they are. I get along with all of them very well. Coach Breschi is the most energetic guy I have ever met in my life. He’s always a fun, positive, and energetic guy to be around.
Clifton: What is something you can eat every day and never get tired of?
DeMarco: I would have to say steak and mashed potatoes. I could eat that all day, every day.
Clifton: What celebrity or famous athlete would you like to meet?
DeMarco: I would say Pop Smoke. I am a big fan of his music.
Clifton: What talent do you possess that not many people know?
DeMarco: I’m a pretty good dancer. I used to do hip-hop dance with my cousin when I was younger, but I don’t do that anymore.
Clifton: Final question, when you think about your college career, is there anything you’re looking to accomplish in your college career.
DeMarco: Well, team-wise, our goal is to win an ACC Championship and then a National Championship. That’s our goal every day, and that’s what we are working for. As far as individually, I would like to make a positive impact as a freshman. Anytime I get on the field, I want to do anything that helps the team earn the win.
