The Yorktown-to-UMBC connection is in full effect.
Last week, we told you that 2015 midfielder Ryan Baker from Yorktown High School (N.Y.) had verbally committed to UMBC.
Yesterday, came word, via LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section, that one of the top defenders in the Hudson Valley, YHS senior longstick midfielder Tomas Rodriguez, became the latest Husker to decide on UMBC, where former Yorktown All-American Steve Settembrino is an assistant coach.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Rodriguez will spend a post-grad year at Trinity-Pawling School (N.Y.) before joining UMBC.
Rodriguez, a righty who is Yorktown’s ninth 2014 commit (four of whom are D-I bound), is an athletic and aggressive player with good speed and footwork. He was also a varsity soccer standout for Yorktown.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Tomas on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The education that UMBC has to offer is great along with the coaching staff and players.
How do you think the post-grad year at Trinity-Pawling will help you get better prepared for D-I lacrosse?
It will help me mature as a player and as a student.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
Albany was the other main school I was in contact with.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
The ability to go stride for stride with the opposing player and to push the ball in transition. My style of play is aggressive ball pressure.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
I need to work on my first step and stick skills. I also would like to get physically bigger.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse?
It started when I was 8 years old. All of my friends played and it seemed like something I would enjoy.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I played for No Limit Ballers.
Any final thoughts?
I would like to thank my family and friends for always supporting my decisions. Also my coaches, without them my skill and knowledge of the game would be nowhere near where it is now.
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Congratulations! TRod!