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Johns Hopkins has been at the forefront of the accelerated recruiting process.
The Blue Jays just picked up the first of what should be several Class of 2019 commitments in the next few weeks, landing a verbal from St. Anne’s Belfield (VA) attackman Connor Shellenberger.
Shellenberger’s decision was previously reported by Joe Lombardi on our Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
Shellenberger, a righty, is a versatile offensive playmaker who is also an effective dodger.
The 5-foot-11, 147-pound Shellenberger is a native of Charlottesville (VA),
Now, here’s a Q&A with Connor on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The size of the school was a big factor for me,” Shellenberger said. “I knew that I wanted a small, and compact campus so Johns Hopkins was perfect. Another one of the main factors was the total atmosphere.
Johns Hopkins provides a rich lacrosse tradition and second to none academics.
The last main factor was Coach (Dave) Pietramala, I knew from the second I met him, he was the coach I wanted to play for. It’s not his lacrosse history and stature that gets me, it’s the way he interacts with the players and preaches well doings. Overall I know that I will leave Johns Hopkins set for the real world, a better lacrosse player and more importantly a better person.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited UVA, and UNC. And talked to Denver, and Ohio State
Have you decided what academic major you plan to pursue?
No, I have not.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My biggest strength I would say is that I feel comfortable all over the field. Although I play attack, you’ll often find me up top dodging or looking for a step down, on the wing shooting or coming cross the middle and at X quarterbacking.
I would say my style of play is very unselfish, I have the trust in my teammates that if I get them the ball they’re gonna finish it.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
So many things I need to do, but the main one is staying aggressive through out the game.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I got introduced through my uncle, who was playing in college, and then, when I turned 3, that was the time I started to attend organized clinics and it took off as I got older.
I currently play football in the fall.
I occasionally will get out and play nine holes or so of golf, and I used to play basketball.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I play on Madlax Capital and Madlax Nationals. Our team participated in Adrenaline Platinum Cup, Big 4 Champions League, Capital Classic, Crabs Young Gunz, Jersey Shootout and Terps Young Gunz.
Any final thoughts and people you want to thank for helping you reach this point?
First, I would like to thank my parents for their support and countless hours, dollars spent going to lacrosse tournaments, practices and games. Without them I would not be the person I am today.
I would like to thank Coach Maddux, Coach Kenlay and the entire Madlax coaching staff for their guidance and mentorship.
I would also like to thank Coach Perriello, Coach Rullman, Coach Price, and the rest of the St Anne’s Belfield lacrosse coaching staff. Also, I would like to thank my former coaches, Coach Mattie, Coach Quill, Coach Nalls, Coach Marriott and Coach Boothe. A special thanks to all my teammates at Madlax.
* “Beyond the Northeast” story archive
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Recruiting Rundown section
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2015
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* Recruiting commitment story archive
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Posted In: Beyond the Northeast, Recruiting Rundown
