Zachary Martai '21 Recruiting Profile

I love the sport of lacrosse, and have played it for 7 years with Calgary Sabrecats Lacrosse Club. I am a well-rounded athlete – having played goalie with a hockey team for six years, while also playing on my junior high school volleyball, soccer, floor hockey and basketball teams. Now that I am in high school, I decided to stop playing hockey and focus on lacrosse. During the off-season, I play football for my school, and will be training with ELEV8 during the winter months to continue to develop my lacrosse skills.

As a seasoned box lacrosse player, I continue to enjoy being mentored by the many amazing coaches I have meet through the years. I am very coachable – I want to learn more, become better and support my team by advancing my skills. Hard-working, persistent and respectful would be great adjectives to describe me as a player and a person. Through the years, I have often been a captain or assistant captain – and have enjoyed being a mentor for younger players on the team. Presently, I am the Assistant Captain of my lacrosse team.

I have excellent vision on and off of the floor. I am able to scan for opposing players who might become a threat, as well as monitor my teammates that are open for a pass, or need a pick. I have quick hands and exceptional speed in both short and long sprints, which I demonstrated during my years playing soccer. I am aggressive in my play, and able to defend the ball and the house.  I enjoy the fast, physical aspects of box lacrosse, and am confident that my skills with transition nicely for field lacrosse.

Education-wise, I attended a private Catholic school, Clear Water Academy, which has high academic requirements, along with a strong focus on developing Christian leaders that demonstrate virtue and integrity. Many teachers commented on my leadership role through those formation years. Additionally, I was on the Dean's List for the Grade 8 and Grade 9.

Since starting high school (grade 10) at St. Mary's in the Honours Program, I have kept my average at a reasonable grade point. The transition to a new school was relatively smooth, and I continue to focus on improving my grades in order to ensure my academic and career success through post-secondary education.

My grandfather installed the importance of post-secondary education in our family. My mother, along with two uncles and two aunts all graduated from universities/colleges in Ontario, Canada. My father attended college on a soccer scholarship in Alberta, Canada. I have been raised with the clear understanding that my top priority is my education.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to travel to the States on numerous occasions. A few years ago, I decided that I would like to further my education at a post-secondary school in the States in order to continue to challenge myself in the classroom and in lacrosse. I am excited for any opportunity that would allow me to play the sport I love and pursue a higher education.

Additional notes: In 2018, I successfully completed the referee course though Alberta Lacrosse Referees Association. I am presently completed a MOOC course through Universite Laval called Concussion: Prevention, Detection & Management.