Blake Eklund '22 Recruiting Profile

My goal from a young age was to aspire to play lacrosse in college, and for a school that offers excellence in academics, and also in athletics. I feel my team leadership skills on and off the field, make me a solid candidate to play College Lacrosse. I realize, as a College Lacrosse player and student, I will be responsible for two important jobs. My academic status, and my job as a team player. 

My quest to play in college began early in 8th grade, as I decided to leave my home state of AZ, and my family to go east to boarding school beginning my freshman year. I made this commitment, not only to play lacrosse for an excellent prep school, in Avon Old Farms, but also to set my academic goals higher, than I thought I would achieve in AZ. This early decision in life came with hardships, but I always knew I had to keep my eye on the prize. College. Play Lacrosse in college. Business School. And maintaining my strong relationships with family and friends.

Both of my parents have taught me the value of hard work, perseverance and loyalty, without their support, I would not be the person I am today. And truly, I am still growing and learning. My dad's daily affirmations, he has sent my mom and I every day since I was old enough to have a cell phone, have impacted my character and growth as a young man. I am so thankful for that now, as I wasn't that crazy or appreciative about it earlier in my youth. My relationships with my family, friends, teammates, teachers and advisors are what complete me. My loyalty to them is boundless. My character is so critical to me, to be the best version of myself, and what I have learned through all of them along the way. I am grateful every day. For I have fallen, made mistakes, but made the decision to get back up to carry on my goals.

My self discipline and confidence to the sport, my fierce thirst to win, and compete at the highest levels, makes me someone my teammates, past coaches, current coaches appreciate about me, and hopefully, future college coaches will see and want for their team. I have been a leader in scoring, assists, face-offs, ground balls, and defense. Goalies fear my fast shots at 104 MPH. My lacrosse IQ  is extremely versatile, and I can shoot left and right at top speeds. I am known for my speed on my feet. and have edgy dodging abilities. I have an unusually keen eye and steady, strong hands. A lot of these skills, I honed by playing football. Seeing and playing these two sports through a different lens, has given me a strong advantage, whether offensively or defensively on the field. I love both games!

Academically, I work hard for my grades. Achieving above than average grades is important to me, and challenge me daily. But, it's that grind both in the classroom and on the field that give me my feeling of great reward and accomplishment.  I come from some pretty serious stock, academically, in that my grandparents were Dartmouth, Harvard, Vassar and Univ Of Texas grads. I want them to look down at me  from above, and know that I want to excel and work hard like they did. I want to be successful in my life like my parents and grandparents. It is important to me, that they see they have set wonderful examples for me, and that I am forever thankful and in awe of that.

In closing, in Middle School I was on Honor Roll, Student Council, received the MVP award for football, and received the Athlete of the Year Award. (They did not offer lacrosse.) And during my first two years at Avon Old Farms, I have consistently achieved Honor Roll. I was named MVP of my freshman Football Team, and MVP of my JV Lacrosse Team. Unfortunately, my sophomore year COVID interrupted my and many people's lives.  In addition, I have actively participated in individual charitable events, as well as those sponsored by St Michael's Middle School, and Avon Old Farms. I am really looking forward to my future and know it holds great promise.