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Shawn Raum’s college search took him to campuses up and down the East Coast, including as far south as Florida.
But the rising faceoff midfielder feels he’s found the perfect fit in between Sachem North High School in Suffolk County (NY) and the Sunshine State.
Raum verbally committed last week to Mount St. Mary’s, a decision first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
The 5-foot-11, 163-pound Raum, a righty, is adept on offense as well as defense and is known for his relentless and unselfish style of play.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Shawn on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The location in Maryland is perfect , away from home but not too far. The small class sizes were also important. I felt very comfortable during both of my visits with the coaches and trainers.
When I met with the past and present players on campus, I just got a feeling that this was the right college for me.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited McDaniel, Susquehanna, Merrimack, NYIT, SNHU. I also had some interest in West Point, Binghamton, Franklin and Marshall, Muhlenburg, Tampa, Elizabethstown and Hartwick.
Have you decided what academic major you plan to pursue?
I am very interested in becoming a special education teacher. Mount has a great five-year Master’s program that I am going to pursue.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I was not always a faceoff guy growing up, so my strengths would be I can play both offense and defense.
I am a team player and I love setting my teammates up for scoring opportunities, especially on the break.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
The new face off rules. It has been interesting playing in tournaments using the new rules and getting the ball out of the stick quicker. I think all FOGOs are going through this adjustment.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I was 4 years old at my first lacrosse camp with Dave and Doug Shanahan. I ended up playing on Coach Dave’s PAL team. We were taught very young to make three or four passes before we shot. He instilled a team-first mentality in all of us. I enjoy doing gymnastics year-round and I have been a wrestler since the seventh grade.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I play with Sachem North team year round.. Best of the Best 175 at Hofstra U. was my first showcase and it was extremely rewarding. I was asked to fill in with the NJ Riot after the showcase because their face off guy was injured.
Any final thoughts and people you want to thank for helping you reach this point?
I would like to thank my family: My big brother George (Raum) for pushing me hard to be faster and smarter, my parents always being there.
My grandpa for taking me to lacrosse practices at a young age and being at every game and event I played in. He is my No. 1 fan and always seeing him in the stands motivated me as an athlete.
My coaches in Sachem wrestling for teaching me that it’s not the six minutes, but it is what you can do in the six minutes.
My (Sachem North) lacrosse Coach (Jason) Mauro for helping me athletically develop into tougher player.
I would not be where I am without my faceoff coach Schommy and his trainers Ryan, Tommy, Charlie and Santino.
I would like to thank all the guys I train with at the X. We are competitors, but they are my friends.
I would also like to thank the trainers at Revolution Athletics. Especially Jim Scheller for developing a lifting program specifically for faceoff athletes.
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Posted In: Long Island lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown, Section 11