reilly

Bronxville’s run to its first-ever New York state title-game appearance this past spring featured the talents of an outstanding senior nucleus.

But there were also some impact players who were underclassmen.

Freshman attackman/midfielder Reilly Walsh had three goals and two assists as the Broncos downed defending Class C state champion 14-13 in overtime in the semifinals. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Walsh finished the season with 46 goals.

Major Division I program already had Walsh on their respective radars, but that performance heightened interest.

Late last month, after weighing his considerable options, the righty gave a verbal commitment to Duke University.

He also made another big decision, deciding to transfer to the Brunswick School (Conn.).

A versatile player comfortable at either attack or midfield, Walsh has tremendous stick skills, good speed and field vision and a high lacrosse IQ.

recruiting_updateNow, here’s a Q&A with Reilly on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision?
The balance of amazing academics and amazing athletics. Another significant factor was Duke’s coaching staff, how they finished their season and kept the team focused throughout the year on winning the national championship.

I felt I had a connection with every member of the staff. After meeting with them, I knew I wanted to be part of the team.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was considering UVa, Georgetown, UNC, Michigan, Princeton and Maryland. I visited UVa, Georgetown, Michigan, Princeton and Maryland. It was an amazing experience to visit all of the schools. Georgetown was a school and program that is noticeably on the rise and could be a contender for a national championship in a few years with their new coaching staff.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
As I play, I would consider myself a “shoot to get hot, shoot to stay hot” kind of player. I’m a versatile player. I had the chance to play midfield for Bronxville this past season which providing me with a better total field IQ.

I had the opportunity to see the field from a different perspective and contribute in a different way. I hope my versatility gives me an opportunity to develop as a quarterback of the offense as I continue to play.

What area of your game do you need to work on?
As a young player, every aspect of my game can be improved on. I will continue to focus on my off hand and my outside shot. I want my off-hand and outside shot to be a strong threat so defensemen can’t play me to a weakness.

How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
At a very young age, I was introduced to lacrosse by my older brothers, Chris (Wesleyan), Brendan (Wake Forest) and Aidan (undecided).

Each of my brothers taught me something different. Chris has amazing stick skills, stick protection and dodging. Brendan is an amazing D-middie with outstanding speed and amazing clearing ability and groundballs. Aidan has an amazing shot, stick skills and a sick face-dodge.

I cannot say I would be where I am today if I didn’t grow up with the brothers I have, they have done so much to help me prosper in all aspects of life.

My first team was BYLA in first grade, coached by Coach Gay and Coach Horn, who taught me the core fundamentals of the game. I play football as a running back, wildcat quarterback and linebacker. I also do Crossfit in the offseason.

What travel team do you play on last summer and what showcase events did you participate in and will you be participating in?
I play for the Long Island Express Barracudas, coached by Coach Chanenchuk and Coach Powers. LI Express has been an amazing experience with great coaching that has really helped my lacrosse ability.

This summer I have participated in the Blackcard Showcase and Nike BlueChip and will also play in Maverik Showtime. I played in the fall and summer National Invite 175 last year.

Any further comments on your commitment?
I have had so many people that have helped me achieve my dream of playing D-I lacrosse and playing at Duke. I would like to thank all the coaches that have taught me invaluable lessons on and off the field.

Coach Howley and Coach Crotty, who have helped me develop my dodging, off-hand and shot. Coach Chanenchuk & Coach Powers (LI Express) for the opportunity to play and learn with a great team and great coaches. Coach Miller (LI Sting) for the early opportunity to play at a higher level.  Coach Horgan (Bronxville HS) for the invaluable experience and opportunity to play varsity for the Section 1 champion and state finalist Bronxville team. He taught me a lot about myself and lacrosse, helping to develop my full field abilities.

I would like to thank my mentors, my older brothers – Chris, Brendan and Aidan. They taught me so much about lacrosse and more about being the person I am.

My dad deserves the most credit out of anyone. I could not be where I am today without everything my dad has done.

I also had the great opportunity to play and learn from so many outstanding Bronxville teammates, many of them I will have an opportunity to play in college – Jack (Hopkins) & Henry Grass (Hopkins), Matt Behrens (Georgetown), Brewster Warble (Brown), Will Duncan (Providence), Cyrus Adamiyatt and Charles Terry (undecided).

Have a recruiting commitment to report? Email us at info@laxlessons.com.

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Posted In: Recruiting Rundown, Section 1

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7 Responses to “Brunswick (CT) rising sophomore Reilly Walsh looks ahead to Duke lacrosse”

  1. Ra Ra says:

    Yeh boyyy

  2. Bronco Bob says:

    Reilly, it is with tremendous pride that I congratulate you at this special time. Your hard work and focus, couple with your great talent, have given you such a wonderful opportunity. All the best.

  3. Laximus says:

    Kid has a tremendous upside. Nice job by Danowski and staff landing him now.

  4. Laxn says:

    Great interview Reilly. Congrats big guy!

  5. Cyrus says:

    Why is he transferring to Brunswick?

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