You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Nick Washuta’s initial take on the University of Vermont’s campus convinced him it was a place he wanted to be for four years.
“As soon as I stepped onto the campus of the University of Vermont, I fell in love with the school,” said the Class of 2016 goaltender at the Blake School in Minneapolis.
So it should come as no surprise the Washuta, a talented goaltender, has given a verbal commitment to the Catamounts.
The 6-foot-3, 175-pound Washuta, a lefty, has ideal size, is strong on clears and never gets rattled in the cage.
Washuta, who plays for Team Minnesota, was an all-star this summer at King of the Hill and Battle of the Hotbeds and also competed at the Best of the Best Team Showcase, Jake Reed Nike Blue Chip Junior Lacrosse Camp and Brine All–American National Lacrosse Classic.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Nick on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The University of Vermont was a perfect fit for me both academically and athletically. Their top-ranked faculty offers a rigorous and challenging academic setting. It is very similar to what I am used to at the Blake School.
UVM has great facilities, the town of Burlington, VT is absolutely beautiful, and the coaching staff is phenomenal.
I was fortunate to have met with (Vermont Head) Coach (Ryan) Curtis and (Assistant) Coach (Mike) Kruger on my visit and felt an immediate connection with them. They are doing a great job of recruiting high caliber talent and are bringing in two very strong 2015 and 2016 classes. They have created a very tight knit community and they stress the “team” concept.
I am extremely excited and look forward to being a part of the UVM lacrosse program.
Also, since I am a goalie, the idea of having an actual Division I goalie for a coach (Kruger, a four-year starter at Fairfield University) is an added bonus.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
Dartmouth, Bucknell and Ohio State.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I have a very relaxed style of play. However, some tell me I’m too relaxed. I am very confident in my clearing game and my play outside of the net. I am able to track the ball, have quick hands and feet, and I communicate very well to the defense.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
Again, some people tell me I’m too relaxed in the goal, and I also hear that I wait too long to get into my stance.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
When I was in kindergarten, my older brothers were already playing (lacrosse). We were able to find the Princeton Lacrosse Club which had a camp for kindergarteners. One of the days at the camp, no one wanted to play goalie, so I volunteered and I loved it.
From then on, my middle brother who was also a goalie trained me, and my oldest brother who was an Attackman shot on me. They never held back and they always pushed me to get better.
Any final thoughts?
First and foremost, I need to thank my parents for everything they have done for me over the years. They have always supported me and helped me through this whole process. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Next, I need to thank my two older brothers, Andrew and Harrison. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be playing lacrosse. They have always been there for me and pushed me to excel above my potential. They never held back, even when I was young. I am blessed with an incredible family.
I would like to thank my club coaches; Coach Graff, Coach Fleck, Coach Frykman, and Coach Buckley for helping me through the recruiting process and developing my game so I was able to compete at the next level.
I also want to thank all of my Blake High school coaches: Coach Miceli, Coach Brown, Coach O’Connell, Coach Nugent, Coach Sperides, and Coach Posl for helping me become a better player on and off the field and always stressing the importance of sportsmanship and working together as a team.
And, last but not least, I owe a huge thanks to my high school head coach, Frank Clark. His guidance and his support have been immeasurable throughout these past few years. He is not only my coach, but my mentor and an exceptional role model for me as a player. He is extremely dedicated and was a huge factor in my decision to attend UVM.
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