Conor Shannon has no shortage of lacrosse role models.
The senior goaltender at 2012 Connecticut Class L state finalist and 2011 state champion Ridgefield’s older brother, Matt, is a defenseman at the University of North Carolina.
Shannon’s coach at Ridgefield, Roy Colsey, is one of the game’s all-time greats and a recent inductee into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
“Having one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time coach you every day in the spring is really special,” Shannon said. “I just try to listen to any advice he gives.”
Shannon has proven to not only be a good listener, but a good player as well. One who will be playing at the Division I level at the newly launched program at the University of Richmond.
The 6-foot, 220-pound Shannon is a strong position goalie whose size makes him tough to get shots past. He also excels in the clearing game.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Conor on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
Choosing to attend a school like the University of Richmond wasn’t a very difficult decision. The campus is incredible, the academics are fantastic, and with a team being coached by (Head) Coach (Dan) Chemotti, the 2012 USILA Division I assistant coach of the year (at national champion Loyola), it should not take very long for us to be competitive in Division I.
And I would be lying if i said that the mascot, the Spiders, didn’t influence my decision. It’s definitely the best mascot in college sports.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I considered mostly small Division III schools like Tufts, Williams, Amherst and Vassar. When I heard that the University of Richmond was adding a D-I team, I knew it would be a perfect fit for me.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I have always been stronger saving high shots. I also love to clear the ball. Seeing a middie run down next to the crease for me to just give them the ball is easily my least favorite part of the game.
No matter what the situation, I will always want to be quarterbacking the clear. The best way to describe my play is aggressive. I am not at all afraid of coming out of the crease to stop the ball or just during a clear.
What areas of your game have you been working to improve on?
I am always working to improve my game as a whole. I may work a little more on getting to low shots more quickly, but in the end, I always want to improve every aspect of my play to ensure that I am ready to play at the next level.
Who have been some of the biggest influences on you during your development as a player?
My parents, my brother, and (Ridgefield Head) Coach (Roy) Colsey. My mom has supported me throughout my whole lacrosse career, and my dad was the first person to ever teach me how to throw a lacrosse ball. Without them, I don’t know where I would be right now.
My brother, Matt, is a defenseman at UNC for (Head) Coach (Joe) Breschi. He works harder than anybody I know, and I always just strive to be like him.
Of course, playing for someone as accomplished as Coach Colsey is enough to make any player want to go that extra mile. Having one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time coach you every day in the spring is really special. I just try to listen to any advice he gives.
What travel team did you play on and what were some of the big showcase events you participated in last summer?
I have played for Coach Colsey’s program, Team Superstar, for the past four summers. The Battle of the Hotbeds lacrosse camp at the University of Delaware was by far the best camp I ever attended. There was always great competition and plenty of coaches along the sidelines.
* For more info on Conor, check out his player profile by clicking here.
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Posted In: fciac, Recruiting Rundown
Congrats big guy
Will be interesting to see how Field goalie situation shapes up with Wynne graduated.
Congrats Conor!