Ross Thompson is no stranger to looking beyond just lacrosse in selecting a college to play the sport.
After all, Thompson’s brother, Chase, is a junior midfielder at Franklin & Marshall.
The Mahopac (N.Y.) senior attackman/midfielder’s decision to attend Connecticut College had every bit to do with academics as it did athletics as you will learn.
So it’s clear the 6-foot-1, 160-pound righty has a promising future at the next level both on and off the field.
As a player, Thompson is an adept dodger who likes to distribute from than score, an attribute on display in his highlight film.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Ross on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
One, the great education that Connecticut College provides for its student athletes. Also the NESCAC is one of the most competitive leagues in Division III, and puts a strong emphasis on education. Conn College also just received a brand-new locker room and turf field lights donated by an alumni. I love the energy from (Head) Coach (Dave) Cornell and feel he has the program moving forward.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
During the season I was considering a few Division I schools like Dartmouth, Brown and Quinnipiac. As the season wound down, I narrowed it to a few Division III programs like Dickinson, Middlebury, Washington College and Franklin & Marshall. I visited Dickinson and Washington College, but knew Connecticut College was the right one for me right when I stepped on campus.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths as a player are just having an extremely strong lacrosse IQ and being unselfish. I would explain my style of play as a versatile midfielder converted to attackmen who is a threat from all over the field. My style of play is unorthodox and I’d like to believe my defenders never really know what’s going to happen next.
What areas of your game do you think you need to work on?
I need to work on getting bigger and getting in the weight room this offseason with my teammates. I also think I need to shoot more when I have the opportunity because I pass off too many open shots to pass.
Who have been some of the biggest influences on you during your development as a player?
Some of the biggest influences in my development as a lacrosse player are Ryan and Jordan Rabidou. Growing up during the summer of my elementary school and middle school days, the twins would come over and give my brother and I lessons. Having them as babysitters for many summers, they had a great impact on my lacrosse development as a player.
Also, my brother has taught me almost everything I know about this game and was the one who put a stick in my hands first. I couldn’t thank him more for all of his help throughout my high school career.
What travel team did you play on and what were some of the big showcase events you participated in this past summer?
I played on my high school’s summer team the Mahopac Titans this year, but my recruiting came from going to Good to Great Showcase at Amherst College and National Invitational 175 at Union College. At these showcases, I was exposed to Coach Cornell and (Connecticut College Assistant) Coach (Dan) Corcoran for the first time.
* For more info on Ross, check out his player profile by clicking here.
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Posted In: Recruiting Rundown, Section 1
Nice article. Ross is the Mann.
Sounds like a great if for you Ross. All the best.