Willie Holmquist is a speedy midfielder who is adept at split dodging.
But when it came time to decide on a college, first and foremost in the Half Hollow Hills West rising senior’s check list was academics.
After weighing considering some of the top academic institutions along the East Coast, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound righty verbally committed to Division III power Tufts, which won the 2010 national title.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Willie on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The main factor in my decision was based on academics. I wanted to go to a great school that would best educate me and prepare me for life after college. (Tufts Head) Coach (Mike) Daly and the team were all very welcoming and made me feel at home on my visit.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was also considering Lafayette, Albany, Amherst, Vassar and Trinity. I narrowed it down to Tufts and Amherst and visited them both.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths as a player are my speed and my split dodge. I like to play between the boxes a lot and I can go right or left out of my split, which creates confusion for the defense.
What areas of your game have you been working to improve on?
I have been working on improving my close defense. As a midfielder, it’s important to play on both sides of the ball; I want to become a better all around middie.
Who have been some of the biggest influences on you during your development as a player?
I’d like to say thanks to many people including my youth coaches, Coaches Geringswald, Delosreyes, Grimaldi, and Peller. They have all shaped me to be the player I am today. They taught me that through perseverance and hard work, you can achieve just about anything. They crafted my work ethic and inspired me to push myself as a player.
Also, I’d like to thank my varsity coaches Haugen, Paratore and Hennessy for helping me make a big jump between my sophomore and junior lacrosse season.
And lastly, I’d like to thank my mom and dad for being supportive of me every step of the way to where I am now.
What travel team did you play on and what were some of the big showcase events you participated in this summer?
I played on the Long Island Express Orange Team and showed up to Tristate, Peak 200 and Elite 180.
* For more info on Willy, check out his player profile by clicking here.
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Posted In: Recruiting Rundown, Section 11
Good to see a student athlete picking a college for the right reason. Congrats to you Willy.
Hills West is proud of you Willy!!