Joe Barocas '21 Recruiting Profile

The sports activities of my youth have influenced me greatly, shaping me into the person I am now. Lacrosse has allowed me to see the sacrifices that my parents and coaches have made to help me and I believe strongly in giving back.  It has also taught me to budget my time and push myself to be the best version of me that I can.

My father introduced me to lacrosse when I was 7 years old, however, it wasn't until a few years later that I fell in love with the sport. Our youth team needed a goalie and lots of kids tried out. Maybe I was naive but I thought it would be a fun to defend the goal from 5 ounce missiles with a chest pad and little else to protect my body. In my first game in goal, we played Greenwich, CT, a hotbed lacrosse town, and despite a barrage of shots by their offense, we beat them in a close match. When the opposing team's coaches raved about my play, I was hooked. At 12 years old, I tried out and made Team Israel's travel team and was fortunate to play in the WSYL in Denver that summer. I befriended a few Israeli teammates. Later that summer we hosted them at our house for the Maccabbi games, which were being held in our town. A year later, when I turned 13, my family traveled to Israel and I attended a practice with some of my teammates from my WSYL team. Due to shipping costs and import taxes, Team Israel cannot afford to buy a lot of lacrosse balls. Knowing this, I brought a case of balls divided up into my family's several suitcases and carry-on bags, which we gave to the program. In my senior year, I intend to return to Israel and coach over my winter break, to help spark and fuel the same passion I feel for lacrosse in the Israeli youth.

I currently coach elementary age boys and girls in lacrosse for my old club team, the Greenwich Warriors. It is rewarding and fun.

By filling my days with lacrosse and football, I have learned to utilize my time efficiently and push myself to achieve more. After school I often attend practices, clinics and games and so I try to get my school work done whenever I have a free period or a free moment. This has helped me to succeed in school, where I have repeatedly earned a spot on the headmaster's list. I know I can always do better. My teachers cautioned me against too many honors classes for sophomore year. While cognizant of their warnings I felt I could at least try to take on the workload. After my first trimester, I have been able to successfully handle the rigorous academic workload despite football practices each day, football dinners on Friday evenings, games each Saturday and fall lax practices each weekend. 

I had to work hard to become the athlete and student that I am. It was never easy. My youth team was usually the underdog causing me to face a tremendous amount of shots on goal. Playing year round, I endured my share of injuries including broken thumbs, hand and foot. I had to overcome fears of re-injury and learning to re-trust my abilities. I have sacrificed hanging out with my school friends to play in tournaments or attend practices. However, my desire to keep getting better has made these sacrifices worthwhile. My time as a teammate and the rigors of a sports life have shaped and strengthened my time management and executive skills, empowered my drive to succeed, and humbled me to instill these values in our youth.