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dan.tracy.fox.lanePhoto by Jim Stout/MaxPreps.com

To say lacrosse has been a daily presence in Dan Tracy’s life would not be an exaggeration.

After all, defenseman/longstick midfielder from Fox Lane High School (N.Y.) has been surrounded by the sport almost since birth.

His father, also named Dan, was an All-America defenseman at the University of Maryland. His sister, Sammy Jo Tracy, a three-time All-American at Fox Lane, is a sophomore midfielder at the University of North Carolina.

“Having the whole family play lacrosse made it easier to practice,” Tracy said. “There was always a game to watch whether it was me, my dad, or my sister playing. My dad also never had a problem driving over to Fox Lane with me and my sister to work on our game or play pickup with our friends.”

Now, Dan Tracy will be the latest member of his family to play Division I lacrosse. The junior verbally committed to UMass last week, a decision first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.

The 5-foot-10, 175-poiund Tracy, a righty, becomes UMass’ sixth 2015 tristate commit.

Prime Time Director Nick Daniello describes Tracy as “one of the smartest team defenders I have seen in a long time.”

recruiting_updateNow, here’s a Q&A with Dan on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision?
UMass was the complete package. It’s only a couple hours away from home so my parents can watch the games. Coach Greg Cannella is one of the best coaches in college lacrosse and runs a great program. The Isenberg School of Management at UMass is also a perfect fit for my academic needs.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited Boston University, Marquette and Lehigh.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I try to pride myself in being a good team defender and having a very high lacrosse IQ. I also feel I am very versatile and can cover an attackman behind just as well as a middie up top.

What area of your game do you need to work on?
I would say I need to work on being more offensive by pushing the ball up field on the clears and starting fast breaks.

How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
My father introduced me to lacrosse when I was very young. I started playing Bedford Youth Lacrosse in the first grade. I also played youth basketball, wrestled, and played football, but it was solely lacrosse by the ninth grade.

What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I played on the No Limit Ballers for four years and Prime Time for the past two. I also played Moonlight Lacrosse the past three falls. I attended Maverik Showtime, King of the Hill, MVP, Hotbeds and Tri-State.

Any final thoughts?
Mostly I would like to thank my mom, dad, and sister Sammy Jo. Also, Paul Carcaterra, Barry and Matt Bocklet, Nick Daniello, Tim Shurr, Pete McLean, John Kayser, Dave Marr, (Fox Lane) Coach (Chris) Coughlin and (Fox Lane) Coach (Chris) Vazzano. They all helped contribute in different ways that ultimately led to my success.

Have a recruiting commitment to report? Send an email to info@laxlessons.com, contact Joe Lombardi directly at joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.

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Posted In: Hudson Valley, Recruiting Rundown, Section 1

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