One of the catalysts behind Ward Melville’s consensus national championship season and New York Class A state title in 2013 was the play of Dan Nemirov.
A three-year starting goaltender for the Patriots, Nemirov is now a freshman at Cornell University.
So one of the main questions surrounding WM entering a brand-new season is the goalie spot.
The heir apparent to Nemirov is senior Thomas Moore.
Last week, Moore became the latest addition to WM’s Class of 2014 college commits, deciding on Division III power Franklin & Marshall, a decision first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Thomas on his commitment.What were the main factors in your decision?A very important factor in my decision was academics. With Franklin & Marshall having a strong academic reputation, it really helped narrow down my decision.
While on my official visit there, I felt very comfortable with the coaches and players. I had the opportunity to sit in on a class and felt as if I could be a part of the school and see myself there for the next four years.
What other schools were you considering?
The other two colleges I also strongly considered were Denison University and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My ability to communicate with the defense while anticipating the play. Also, I see the field well when clearing the ball and have a good knowledge of the game.
My style of play is aggressive. I really try to explode to the ball off a shot. In addition, I chase after groundballs and run the ball when I see an opportunity.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
As a goalie, there is always something to improve on. One thing I would like to improve on is transitioning the ball quicker off a save by getting the ball to a midfielder to generate more fastbreaks.
How were you introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I started playing lacrosse insecond grade for the Three Village Youth Lacrosse program. Initially I was a midfielder through the sixth grade. However, the only goalie we had was moving and my coach asked the team if there was anyone who wanted to play goalie. I raised my hand and have been a goalie ever since.
I have also been playing ice hockey since I was 6 years old and played travel until this year. I also play for the Melville varsity hockey team with several of my lacrosse teammates.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I played all my early travel lacrosse through the Three Village Youth lacrosse program and then moved on to the Ward Melville Patriot Elite team.
The showcase events I participated in this summer were Blue Chip Elite Top 225 and New England Top 150.
Any final thoughts?
Absolutely. I want to thank my high school coaches, (Ward Melville Head) Coach (Jay) Negus, (WM Assistant) Coach (Chris) Muscarella, and my goalie coach, (Ward Melville Assistant) Coach (Scott) Graham.
I also want to thank Coach Barry Cohen who was my lacrosse coach for my first seven years of lacrosse, and a friend of mine, Coach Brian O’Keefe, for guiding me through the college recruiting process.
Lastly, I want to thank my parents for their commitment and the sacrifices they have made to give me these opportunities.
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: Long Island lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown, Section 11
