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Fall 2014 Signing Week coverage
Click here for LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings
For most recruits, the recruiting process comes down to the school that’s the best fit.
For Nick Daigle, it was a bit more complicated.
The senior midfielder, who helped Warwick HS win the 2014 Section 9 (NY) lacrosse title, was also heavily recruited for soccer, where he starred as an all-section midfielder and striker.
Daigle wound up committing to SUNY Cortland for soccer, a decision first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
But the athletic Daigle’s decision has opened up a possible opportunity with the D-III power’s lacrosse program.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Nick on his commitment.
Were you considering playing both lacrosse and soccer when you started the initial recruiting process, or were you always leaning toward soccer?
Initially, I was leaning towards playing only lacrosse in college.
Immediately after my varsity lacrosse season ended, I strictly attended lacrosse showcases and tournaments. It was not until the end of my senior varsity soccer season that I received interest to play soccer in college.
This is when the idea of becoming a dual-sport collegiate athlete became a real possibility for me. Sometimes, I would find myself in both the lacrosse and soccer coaches’ offices on a college visit in the same day.
What were the main factors in your decision to attend Cortland for soccer?
I’ve always wanted to be part of an extremely competitive collegiate program with the chance of winning a national championship. After visiting the campus and meeting with the soccer coaching staff, I felt as though the coaches had the same competitive drive as I when it comes to winning games. I can definitely see Cortland winning a NCAA national championship and I want to be part of that.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was considering Bates, Catholic, Springfield, Assumption, Muhlenberg, ASU, Kings, Plattsburgh and Hartwick and visited all of them. I felt it was important to personally meet the coaches and visit the campuses.
How did the opportunity to possibly join the lacrosse team come about?
After discussing it with (SUNY Cortland Head Soccer) Coach (Steve) Axtell to ensure he was comfortable with the possibility, I reached out to the lax coaches.
After watching my highlight video they too were open to the idea and extended an invitation to try out for the team. I definitely feel I can contribute and compete at the college level and look forward to the chance at making the team.
What are your strengths as a player in both sports and how would you describe your style of play?
Speed, vision and IQ. In both soccer and lacrosse I aggressively attack the goal. My main attribute is in the transition game. I like to play a fast paced game putting myself in 1v1 situations to get past my defender and score a goal or feed.
Any final thoughts and people you want to thank for helping you, etc.?
This process was not easy so I’m glad its over but during the college visits I met a lot of great coaches and I want to thank all of them for recruiting me and for believing in me. I also want to thank my varsity coaches Van Pelt and McElroy for giving me the opportunity to succeed.
Most of all, I would like to thank my parents for the countless days spent driving me to tournaments, showcases, and games. Without them constantly pushing me to do my best, I would not be in the fortunate situation I am in today.
It’s hard to believe that this will be my last season representing Warwick, but I will try to make it the best and most memorable for the team and myself.
As for next year, I’m looking forward to college and to commit every effort I have into competing and winning a national championship.
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.
LaxLessons – The Leader
* LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings
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.
LaxLessons – The Leader
* LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings
Posted In: Hudson Valley, Recruiting Rundown, Section 9