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We’ve been documenting the success Division II Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY has had in landing commitments from Long Island standouts.
The Maveriks have become so proficient, in fact, that they have been able to land multiple commitments from more than one program. The latest is Sachem North High School in Suffolk County where defenseman Elijah Gomez has decided on Mercy, the same destination as teammate Joe Simone, a longstick midfielder.
Both commitments were first reported when they were made last month by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Gomez, a righty, combines quickness and agility with a toughness and a high lacrosse IQ.
“Elijah is another multi-sport athlete who has worked very hard,” Sachem North coach Jason Mauro said. “Elijah brings a toughness to our defense. He has worked extremely hard to compete for our team and beyond.”
Now, here’s a Q&A with Elijah on his commitment.
What were your main factors in choosing a school?
The main factors were the education, class size, campus size, campus life and, of course, lacrosse.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
Besides Mercy College, I was considering Pace University, Florida Southern and Dominican College. I only had the opportunity to visit Mercy, Pace and Dominican College.
How important a factor was the fact that Joe Simone committed to Mercy and you will remain teammates in college?
When it came down to it, Joe and I talked about it all the time. How great it would be to play in college together. It was a big factor after my gut feeling and reviewing the course load for my major. I am very excited to remain teammates with him.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I was introduced to lacrosse by one of my good friends and by my SYAG football coach Tom Behrens. Coach Tom was like, ‘You need to try and play lacrosse.’ I was a little weary because I never had heard of or played it before. But I am sure thankful to them for introducing me to lacrosse.
As a kid I played baseball, basketball, football and I did wrestling as well. I still play football.
What travel team do you play on and what showcases did you attend?
For the past four years over the summer and the fall, I have played on the Sachem North lacrosse club tournament team. I participated in the following showcases: Blue Chip 225, Top 205, Red Storm showcase and Suffolk tryouts.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I would say that my strengths are my lacrosse IQ, my ability to communicate with my teammates, my stick skills and I’m pretty quick on my feet. I’m told to just play fast, physical, smart and to angles. So that’s what I think my style of play is.
Any final thoughts?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my big family for always being there for me no matter what or no matter where. They were there being my No. 1 supporters.
To my grandparents, I want to say I am grateful to them for raising me to be the young man I am today.
Next I would like to thank the coaches that have ever coached me. Without them, I would not be the player I am today. So a big thanks to coach Tom Behrens, Coach Lang, Coach Mauro, Coach Grimm, Coach Benway and Coach Muratore. It really means a lot to me how much you guys helped me improve abilities as an athlete.
Lastly, I want to thank my friends, my teammates, my brothers. Without you guys, honestly, it would be hard to get through a full day. You guys are the greatest teammates to share the field day in and day out. I love each and every one of you.
My band of brothers for my last year ever playing Sachem North Lacrosse, let’s leave it all on the field.
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
