Fairfield Prep’s Connor Byrne is eager to help the Jesuits reclaim the SCC title after losing to Cheshire 13-5 in last year’s final.

Whether or not that happens, of course, remains to be seen. But one thing is sure. He has plenty of lacrosse to look forward to after that.

Byrne, a senior attackman/midfielder, has committed to Division III power Amherst College.

Here’s a Q&A with Connor on his commitment:

What were the main factors in your decision to attend UNC?
Well, my top priority in the decision-making process was finding a school that would offer me a great education. Amherst has an outstanding academic reputation, so when I was given the opportunity to play there, I was really excited. Another factor in the decision was Coach Jon Thompson, who I believe is going to do great things with the program.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was also considering other schools in the NESCAC such as Williams,  Middlebury and Colby.

What adjustments do you think you will need to make to play at the next level?
In order to play and excel at the college level I think I have to increase my lacrosse IQ and dedicate myself to strength and weight training.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
If I had to describe my strengths as a player, I guess would say that I have a pretty quick first step and the ability to play with both hands. This is not to say that I cannot improve these aspects of my game, however. Regarding my style, I would say that I am predominantly a dodger.

What players have you looked up to as you have moved up through the varsity ranks?
As I have moved up through the ranks at Prep, I have always looked up to the team captains. They have taught me a lot about the game of lacrosse and helped me to improve a great amount.

When did you first realize you had the potential to play at the college level?
To be honest, not until the fall of my Junior year. The Prep team participates in a bunch of fall tournaments. After playing up at Harvard and Yale I got some e-mails from coaches. That is when I realized there really were some people watching me out there.

* For more on Connor, check out his recruit profile by clicking here.

* Be sure to e-mail any recruiting commitment news to us at info@laxlessons.com.

Posted In: Recruiting Rundown

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4 Responses to “Fairfield Prep’s Byrne opts for Amherst”

  1. Woody Thompson says:

    Connor – you’re one of the best kids ever to come out of the Newtown youth lax program and I know you’ll make everybody proud at Amherst. Congratulations!

  2. CT Lax says:

    Great choice. Great kid.

  3. laxsalad says:

    Huge commit for Newtown program. NESCAC is drawing some excellent players from our area and will prove to be one of the most competitive conferences–again–next year.

  4. BlueWhite says:

    Why is this a huge commit for the Newtown program if he chose to attend Fairfield Prep instead of Newtown? Or is it big for the youth program?

Leave a Reply to Woody Thompson