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Brian Ward first discovered lacrosse at the age of 5.

Now, just over 10 years later, he’s on the brink of playing at the highest level of Division I lacrosse.

The junior lefty attackman/midfielder from Bayport-Blue Point, a starter since eighth grade, has verbally committed to Ohio State.

Now, here’s a Q&A with Brian on his decision:

What were the main factors in your decision to attend Ohio State?
Ohio State has simply everything that I was looking for in a school. (Head) Coach (Nick) Myers, (Assistant Coach Dave) Dobbins and (Assistant Coach Andrew) Baxter were very nice and welcoming. They really made me feel at home while on campus.

Another essential part that I was really looking for in a school was the academic support. Ohio State also has some of the finest athletic facilities in the country. Having such an amazing support system for the athletes as well as some of the top athletic facilities in the country, Ohio State seemed like the perfect place for me to excel not only on the field but in the classroom as well

What other schools were you considering?
UMass, UNC, Penn State, Cornell, Navy, Towson, Penn and Binghamton.

What adjustments do you think you will need to make to play at the next level?
My strength and speed,  and the ability to use my right hand just as well as I use my left would really increase my level of play. I would also like to work on my finishing skills. Another critical part of everyone’s game is decision-making and my lacrosse IQ, which can only increase through experience.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My biggest strength is my ability to dodge from everywhere on the field. Playing both middie and attack has really changed my perspective on the game in a positive way. I also like to think that my vision and lacrosse IQ are a positive asset to my game. I like to be very vocal on the field, as well as take advantage of the opposing teams mistakes.

What players have helped influence you as you make your ways through varsity?
Collegiate players like Rob Pannell, Steele Stanwick and Billy Bitter have influenced my game a lot. I love how relentless Bitter is to gettingto the goal and creating scoring opportunities. Watching players like Stanwick and Pannell instill how important fundamentals are to the game. They are also prime examples of true offensive quarterbacks.

I also love watching MLL lacrosse because the style of play is so creative and you can learn so much just from watching.

When did you first realize you had potential to play at the college level?
Playing college lacrosse has always been a dream of mine. I first realized I had the potential to possibly play at that level when I was brought up, and given the chance to play on the varsity, as an eighth-grader.

My high school coaches, Coach (Mike) Luce and (Brad) Weinman, as well as my club (FLG) coaches,  have really molded me into the player that I am today.

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

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