James Werner is the youngest of four boys.
All three of his brothers played lacrosse at the school Werner now attends, Fordham Prep (N.Y.).
Two of them, Billy (Class of 2003) and Robert (’09), played goaltender, the position James plays. The oldest brother, John (’01), played defense.
“I wanted to follow in their footsteps and joined my first lacrosse team in fifth grade,” James said. “I’ve been hooked ever since.”
So it should come as no surprise that Werney will be playing at the next level. He became the seventh Class of 2014 tristate commit for Bryant University when he decided on the Bulldogs on Nov. 6, a commitment first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
An outstanding athlete, Werner, who also plays football for Fordham Prep, had a save percentage of 66 this past spring. You can watch his highlight reel here.
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Werner, a lefty, is FP’s fourth 2014 commit, joining Joe DeLasho (Fairfield, midfield); Jack Lee (Williams, midfield); and Jordan Shapiro (Clark, goaltender).
Now, here’s a Q&A with James on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The school itself as an academic institution , the coaching staff at Bryant and the overall feel I had during my visit this past summer.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was considering Providence College, Scranton University, Rutgers University, Trinity College and Fairleigh Dickenson University, as well as Bryant. I visited Bryant, FDU and Scranton.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I would describe myself as being a level-minded goalie. Keeping cool during a close game is crucial towards being a successful goalie, and I believe I do this very well.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
My clears are a part of my play that definitely could use work. I need to see the field better and get the ball out of my stick quicker if I wish to make an impact at the next level. My footwork could also use work. T
There is always room for improvement and I will do all I can during the offseason to become a better player.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I decided I wanted to play college lacrosse during last spring season. I was late to the recruiting process which made me very busy this past summer.
Aside from playing in tournaments with my club team, the House of Sports Hitmen, I went to Elite 100, Blue Chip 225 and Peak Goalie Camp along with recruiting showcases at Providence College and Rutgers University.
Any final thoughts?
I would like to thank everyone who helped me throughout my lacrosse career.
My parents and siblings were really great to me the whole time and gave me helpful advice when I needed it. I would like to give a special thanks to my father who really pushed me to my full potential this summer. He helped me travel all over the east coast and spent just as many hours as I did researching events and potential schools.
I would also like to thank my coaches who helped shape me into the player I am today. Special thanks to Coach DeLucia, Coach Henry, Coach Hemsley, Coach Tanzilli (ATG), Coach Gourp, Coach Maxwell and Coach Guadagnolo.
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Posted In: CHSAA lacrosse, New York City lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown
