To be the best, you have to play the best.
Ossining senior Mike Zavarella knows that as well as anyone.
The list of the standout attackmen he has gone up against reads like a who’s who of the top seniors in the nation, including Darien’s Case Matheis and John Jay’s Mike Daniello.
That competition, both during the high school and summer travel seasons, has helped the defenseman be in a position to take his talents to the next level.
This week, he decided where that will be. Zavarella has given a verbal commitment to Western New England College.
Here’s a Q&A with Mike on his commitment:
What were the main factors in your decision to attend Western New England?
When I visited WNEC I had the chance to go to a class, see the lacrosse team in action, and meet some of the guys off the field and by the end of the two days I felt right at home. I was impressed by everything about the school and the team, and I knew that it’s an environment where I could thrive.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I received interest from a bunch of schools, but the only other two I was really interested in were Union and Clark.
What adjustments do you think you will need to make to play at the next level?
I have to get bigger and putting on weight has been difficult for me so I really have to work at it. As far as lacrosse goes, I’m going to have to add in more LSM to my game. I’m also going to have to continue to work on my speed so I can maintain my advantage on the field.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths as a player are my speed, my stick skills, and having a high lacrosse I.Q. I would describe my style of play as very fast and aggressive, with the ability to turn defense into offense.
What players have you looked up to as you have moved up through the varsity ranks?
One player that I’ve always looked up to through the years was Jamie McCulloch. He never really got the credit he deserved as a Section 1 player but that never stopped him from achieving his goals.
When did you first realize you had the potential to play at the college level?
I first realized I had potential to play at the college level when I got the chance to play at the Showtime National Recruiting Spotlight where I was competing with players like Case Matheis, Mike Daniello and Jimmy Bitter and did well.
* For background info on Mike, check out his recruit profile by clicking here.
* Be sure to e-mail any recruiting commitment news to us at info@laxlessons.com.
Recruiting coverage
* Updated recruiting review and commitment rundown (for classes of 2011 and 2012)
Posted In: Recruiting Rundown
Congrats Mike
Way to go Mike.
Solid school and a very solid program.
Good luck!
Rock the house Mike!
Go Westrock!
Pops!
Congrats Mike, O is proud of you!
Good luck!
As a well-traveled lax parent, I can tell you he can really play and his teammates all love him.
Congratulations!
Way to go Mike. This is a gr8 fit.