Herschel Halesworth is one of the most promising young football and lacrosse players in New York’s Hudson Valley.
After all, how many eighth-graders are the focus of a story detailing their potential? (See that story from back on April 5 on Lacrosse Insider here.)
Halesworth made an immediate impact on the Sleepy Hollow High School varsity lacrosse team this past spring as an attackman and was projected to contend for the starting quarterback position for this coming season.
But Halesworth, , who also plays basketball (and was a prolific scorer in CYO), has had a change of direction. He’s decided to take his talents across Westchester County to Iona College in New Rochelle, a decision first reported earlier this week by Joe Lombardi on Lacrosse Insider.
The 5-foot-8, 140-pound Halesworth, a speedy and athletic player, cited a combination of academics and athleticis as the main reason for the move.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Herschel on his decision.
What were the main factors in your decision to attend Iona Prep?
Academics played a huge role in my decision. I have the opportunity to take AP classes as a freshman and really push myself as a student.
Also, I have a few teammates from my club team (LI Express North) that will also be attending Iona.
But what really set Iona apart was when I spent a day there, it felt like the right place for me, and a place I’d be happy to be at for the next four years.
Not even to mention the athletics, which are very competitive and will truly push my abilities as an athlete.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
Iona Prep had always been my No. 1 choice, but I considered Fordham Prep and Kennedy Catholic, as well as a few boarding schools, such as Trinity-Pawling and Deerfield Academy.
What are your thoughts about leaving Sleepy Hollow?
It is very bittersweet for me. I am beginning a new, exciting part of my life, but at the same time I am leaving friends and coaches that I have grown up with.
I really want to thank my varsity lacrosse coach, Gary Divico, and my JV football coach, James Yancey. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to meet and play with the great teammates I did.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play in both lacrosse and football?
One of my strengths as a lacrosse player is my ability to find the open man after the slide comes, as well as creating scoring opportunities for myself and for my teammates of the dodge.
As for football, I feel as if my speed and athleticism make the difference between getting sacked or making a play. My style of play is based all around on my speed and getting separation from my defender.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and football and what other sports have you played?
My dad (Dave Halesworth) and I were at a neighbor’s house while the national championship game was on. I had never seen lacrosse before this, coming from the city. But as soon as I started watching, I was hooked. I begged him the entire time to get me a stick, and he did, and I’ve grown a love for the game ever since.
As for football, everyone as a kid growing up in Sleepy played Wolfpack Flag Football. Believe it or not, I used to play baseball as well.
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: CHSAA lacrosse, Hudson Valley, Section 1
