Liam Byrnes (center) with his college-bound brothers, twins Kieran (Villanova) and Conor (VMI).
Make way for another Byrnes brother, NCAA lacrosse.
First, there was Kieran Byrnes, a 2014 attackman for New York power Garden City, who committed to Villanova in July 2012.
Then, there was Conor Byrnes, Kieran’s twin brother and a 2014 GC defender, who committed to VMI in October 2013.
Now there’s 2015 GC attackman/midfielder Liam Byrnes, who has committed to Gettysburg, a decision first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
“My brothers were prob
ably the biggest influence on me because we would always go up to the field and compete against each other,” Liam said. “It was always a competition and we would play for bragging rights at home until the next time we played. Also, I would always play with their friends which made me better playing against older kids.”
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Liam Byrnes is a righty, who is back at attack during the summer travel season and who played midfield this past spring for Garden City. He is strong with either hand, has deceptive speed and effectively uses his size to create scoring opportunities.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Liam on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The education was the No. 1 factor. Also, Gettysburg is close to home and it is easy for my parents and family to come visit.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was also considering Bucknell, St. Joe’s and Trinity. I visited St. Joe’s and Bucknell
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I think my biggest strength is using my mix of size and speed to beat my defender. I also have a pretty good stick and can go both ways to beat my man.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
I think I need to work on my quickness and my shooting.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I was introduced at age 5 when I would watch my brothers playing in the backyard and I just wanted to be like them. Also, my dad loves the game very much and he introduced me as well.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I play for the Long Island Express and I attended Nike Jake Reed Blue Chip and Philly Showcase.
Any final thoughts?
I just want to thank my mom and dad for supporting me and I would like to thank my brothers for pushing me to be the best I can be. I would also like to thank (Head) Coach (Steve) Finnell and (Assistant) Coach (Tom) Flatley at Garden City for making me a better and tougher person playing for such great coaches.
I would also like to thank Coach (Mike) Schwalje, who coached me with the LI Express and made me exponentially better.
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.
Get in the Zone: The HS Zone
High School Zone: Hudson Valley
High School Zone: New York City
High School Zone: Upstate New York
High School Zone: Pennsylvania
High School Zone: Beyond the Northeast
Recruiting coverage
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2014
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2015
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2016
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2017
* Class of 2013 commitment rundown by high school/prep school
* Recruiting commitment story archive
* 2012 National Letter of Intent Fall Signing Week story/photo archive
Be a Lacrosse Insider
Lacrosse Insider: Tristate Class of 2014 commitments by college
Lacrosse Insider: Tristate Class of 2015 commitments by college
Lacrosse Insider: Tristate Class of 2016 commitments by college
Apps for iPhone/iPad
* Download for free the new LaxLessons’ playbook Android app in Google play.
* Download for free the new LaxLessons’ playbook iPad/iPhone app in the iTunes store.
Connect with us
* Follow LaxLessons on Twitter by clicking here.
* Become a Fan of LaxLessons on Facebook now by clicking here.
Subscribe to our free newsletter
Be sure to sign up for our free online newsletter. Just enter your email address on the “Receive Our Newsletter” link on the homepage of LaxLessons.com.
Posted In: Long Island lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown, Section 8
