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If you checked our “Updated recruiting review and commitment rundown” yesterday, you learned that one of the leading players on Section 1 Class A title contender Mahopac is set for the next level.

Senior defenseman Frankie Verde has decided on Springfield College.

As a youngster, the 6-foot, 185-pound Verde quit lacrosse to play baseball, but says the decision to come back to lax was the best he ever made.

Here’s a Q&A with Frankie on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision to attend Springfield?
First, I really liked the campus and everything that it offers, I thought it was the best fit for me academically and it has a great education program. Also U spent a night with the lacrosse team and i had a great time with them. I also watched them practice and I was able to tell that I would fit in perfectly.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I also visited Mount St. Mary’s, Assumption College, Kean University and Sacred Heart University.

What adjustments do you think you will need to make to play at the next level?
At the college level. everything will definitely be more fast-paced, so I need to practice my foot work, get quicker and stronger, and there is always room for improvement on stick skills.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I am an aggressive player especially on ground balls, I am a good transition player, I have a great stamina so i often carry the ball up the field on the wingline or down low.

What players have you looked up to as you have moved up through the varsity ranks?
When I was younger, I definitely looked up to Ryan McClay between the training camps he used to run and knowing that he has made it to the MLL. I did quit lacrosse when I was younger and played baseball until I realized that lacrosse was the sport for me and I came back my sophomore year. It was the best decision I have ever made.

When did you first realize you had the potential to play at the college level?
Last year during tryouts for varsity my coaches called me in their room and told me that they were going to switch me from a midde to a defender. Next practice I realized it was a great decision and I was able to pick up the defensive knowledge and skills quickly and I earned myself a starting spot as a junior. Between that season and the summer tournaments i realized I had potential to play in college.

* For more info on Frankie, check out his player profile by clicking here.

Player’s perspective archive

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* November 2010 Signing Week coverage

* Class of 2010 commitment rundown

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