Matthew Stewart '23 Recruiting Profile

This year I made a tough decision to leave my friends that I grew up with, and played sports with for my entire childhood. I did it to attend a private school far from home. It was one of the most difficult choices I have made. It was a bold but beneficial move for me to take in order for me to better my future. I chose to attend Archbishop Stepinac High School, because they are known for their excellent sports & academics. My choice to attend so far has proven to be a great move. As a freshman football player in a football program that was just voted as one of the top programs in New York State, “one of the most Dominant teams in the last 10 years” by Max Preps, I was picked as a team captain for my football team of 60 kids. I had to work harder than I ever had before to prove myself to new coaches, and to compete with very talented kids who came from all different towns and cities. At the end of the season I was awarded the Stepinac Crusader Award which is an award for a student athlete that shows “everything Stepinac wants to see in a football player, hard work, leadership, sportsmanship, good character and overall great player on & off the field”.

     Through my lacrosse career so far I have learned that my hard work pays off. I have always been a hard worker, and a dedicated athlete however last year I really learned a lot about myself when I sustained an injury and had to miss a season. Instead of feeling sorry for myself I made it an opportunity to better myself. I began working out and training multiple times a week at home and with a trainer. When I came  back for fall lacrosse I was stronger and  faster than ever before, and more appreciative of the game, my coaches and being able to play with my teammates in the game that I love. I know that I have what it takes to play lacrosse at a college level, and be a great addition to any lacrosse program. What sets me apart from other lacrosse players my age is my determination, leadership skills and my personal drive. I am a team player and thrive on learning and growing from my coaches.