It’s been the biggest trend on the lacrosse recruiting landscape.
The latest tristate sophomore to commit to a major Division I program — Cold Spring Harbor’s University of Notre Dame-bound Jordan Walter — has brought the total number to 15. (See the full breakdown below.)
Walter, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound midfielder, is known for his dodging and goal-scoring ability and athleticism. You can see for yourself by checking out his highlight film.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Jordan on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
After a lot of thought, I decided on Notre Dame because I wanted both a great academic school and a school where I felt I could fit right in and play for a great lacrosse program.
During my visit, the coaches spent a lot of time with my parents and me. (Head) Coach (Kevin) Corrigan gave us a tour of campus and talking with him made me feel like ND was the right fit for me. (Assistant) Coach (Gerry) Byrne was also so great in describing how unique and special the ND lacrosse experience is.
Also, I got to spend a lot of time with some players and they really were great guys and very down to earth. We saw a basketball game while we were there and I loved the school spirit. Another thing that really influenced me was the amazing alumni career network offered by ND’s lax alumni.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I also strongly considered Duke, Princeton, Harvard and Dartmouth. I spent some time last fall visiting schools to help me narrow it down and visited Princeton, Harvard, Dartmouth, Virginia, Michigan and UNC. I had already been to Hopkins, UPenn, Cornell and Brown as well.
I really enjoyed meeting all the coaches and all the schools were great and had different things that I loved, but it all came together at Notre Dame.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I feel my strengths as a player include my quickness, aggressiveness and ability to move the ball and shoot fast. I also can see an opening pretty well.
What areas of your game do you think you need to improve on?
I am hoping to work on my defensive play, and shooting with both hands on the run.
How does this year’s Cold Spring Harbor team look? What are the team’s strengths? What players do you think will surprise some people, and what games are you looking forward to the most?
I believe Cold Spring Harbor will have a great season. We have some great defenders returning who were important players from last year and we have a great goalie. We have some strong midfielders and attack returning as well, along with some new great additions.
We have a strong position in our division now and we are looking to make it to the Long Island Championships again, and hopefully beyond. I most look forward to the Manhasset and the Friends Academy games. Both are longtime rivals, and both are always great matchups. It’s great to play against guys who we are friends with from the summer league.
* For more info on Jordan, check out his player profile by clicking here.
Regional sophomore commits
CHAMINADE (NY)
Sean Cerrone
College, position: Villanova, midfield
COLD SPRING HARBOR (NY)
Jordan Walter
College, position: Notre Dame, midfield
GREENWICH (CT)
Jack Harrington
College, position: Duke, defense
HEN HUD (NY)
Eddie Gilman
College, position: North Carolina, goaltender
HICKSVILLE (NY)
Patrick McCormick
College, position: North Carolina, attack
MANHASSET (NY)
Benny Borgognone
College, position: Fairfield, defense
MASSAPEQUA (NY)
Ian Kirby
College, position: Towson, attack
NORTHPORT (NY)
Brian Cannon
College, position: North Carolina, attack
SACHEM NORTH (NY)
Michael Aronow
College, position: Penn State, defense
ST. ANTHONY’S (NY)
Greg Galligan
College, position: Georgetown, midfield
SMITHTOWN WEST (NY)
Ryan Keenan
College, position: Penn State, attack
Christian Zawadzki
College, position: Maryland, midfield
SYOSSET (NY)
Liam Blohm
College, position: Ohio State, longstick midfielder
TAFT SCHOOL (CT)
Tyler Breen
College, position: Virginia, attack
YORKTOWN (NY)
Austin Fusco
College, position: Syracuse, longstick midfield, defense
* Have a recruiting commitment to report? Email us at info@laxlessons.com.
Follow Joe Lombardi on Twitter @joe_lombardi or by clicking here. Follow LaxLessons @LaxLessons or by clicking here.
LAXLESSONS Links
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* If you’re a player from the region and would like to share your perspectives on the 2012 season, send an email to info@laxlessons.com. You can check out the more than 100 stories by clicking here.
Schedules scanner
* For a look at how schedules for teams from throughout the region for the 2012 season are shaping up, be sure to check out the “Schedules galore” thread.
Recruiting coverage
* Updated recruiting review and commitment rundown (for classes of 2012, ’13 and ’14)
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Posted In: Long Island lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown, Section 8
