Photos by Ray Nelson/MaxPreps.com
We’re on the brink of another big Saturday of games.
But that doesn’t mean the recruiting news is on hold, folks.
If you checked our “Updated recruiting review and commitment rundown” yesterday, you learned that Tom Branca, a junior goaltender at John Jay, has committed to Fairfield University.
The 5-foot-10 lefty also considered Stony Brook and drew interest from several Division I programs.
The defending Section 1 Class B champion Indians now has 14 college committed players. (See list below.)
Here’s a Q&A with Tom on his commitment:
What were the main factors in your decision to attend Fairfield?
Fairfield, ever since my first visit, seemed like a very good fit for me. I always thought the campus was very nice, and the size of the school was perfect for what I was looking for. Also, on my overnight, I got good feelings from the team, and felt very welcome from the coaching staff.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I had an offer from Stony Brook, which I was considering, and I was talking to Dartmouth, Siena, Penn State and Delaware. I visited all five of those schools.
What adjustments do you think you will need to make to play at the
next level?
Overall, I think I need to continue to improve on my athleticism, and shake any habits that are acceptable at this level, but not at the next.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your
style of play?
My strengths as a player are stopping in tight-shots, outlet passing, and communication with the defense. My style revolves around solid positioning and good goaltending technique. Overall I am an in-the-crease goalie, and I rely on my hand speed and clearing ability make plays for my team.
What players have you looked up to as you have moved up through the varsity ranks?
There have been a lot of players who have had influences on me. I’ve looked up to my brother, who has pushed me every step of the way in becoming a better lacrosse player and goalie. Also my summer coaches, Mike McCall, Paul Carcaterra and Nick Daniello, who have instilled a great lacrosse work ethic. Finally, my youth coach, Chris Maxmin, who has served as a lacrosse mentor my whole life.
When did you first realize you had the potential to play at the college level?
I realized it this past summer, when I was playing intensely competitive lacrosse against some of the best players in the country in the Maverik Showtime All-Star Game.
* For more info on Tom, check out his player profile by clicking here.
John Jay’s college commits
Tom Branca, goaltender, Fairfield, jr.
Trevor Caviola, defense, Endicott, sr.
Evan Chen, midfield, Bates, sr.
Mike Daniello, attack, Johns Hopkins, sr.
Alex Lanza, defense, Gettysburg, sr.
Jack Lambert, defense, North Carolina, so.
Mike Lupinacci, attack, Rollins, sr.
Thomas Mertens, LSM, Endicott, sr.
Brendan Morris, midfield, Gettysburg, sr.
Jimmy Morris, midfield, Gettysburg, sr.
Billy Pray, attack, Rollins, sr.
Forrest Walter, midfield, Colgate, sr.
Jake Weil, midfield, Dartmouth, sr.
Malcolm Winter, defense, Goucher, sr.
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Posted In: Recruiting Rundown, Section 1
Isnt the Pleasantville goalie also committed to attend Fairfield?
yes, he’s a year older
14* commits, BIlly pray is joining Lupinacci at Rollins
Wow and JJ lost to Yorktown how can that be?
Well for starters, John Jay was missing Walter, Morris, and Beck, 3 great middies and Bennet, a solid defenseman. Daniello was also playing with a hurt hamstring. Missing that many players is hard for any team to overcome.
Yes, it is, but isn’t one of them out for the entire season? If so, let’s leave him out of the conversation. And Daniello scored two AND ran down (cheap-shotted?) Tyler Fahey “just fine” in the ‘Town game, and then played in the Rye game just a few days later and played well from what I read…. so when will this hammy (excuse) be “healed?” Jay is a great team, and may beat ‘Town in a Class B rematch, but until then, it’s going to be a long season, constantly hearing about ‘Town’s asterik win……….
Congratulations Tom, Fairfield is not only getting a great goalie but a fine young man as well! Glad to see your hard work has paid off. Good luck this season to you and the rest of the team.
Way to go Tom, looking forward to those Fairfield-OSU games in the future.
Congrats Tom!