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Richie Lenskold faced some tough competition long before joining the varsity team at New Jersey power Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

Lenskold, after all, is the second of four boys in his family – ages 20, 17, 14 and 11. Oldest brother Brian is a junior at Rutgers.

“We all love lacrosse and are all faceoff midfielders,” Lenskold said.

In addition, Lenskold’s uncle, the late Rich Lenskold, played lacrosse at Ohio State.

“My mom and dad (Josephine and Brian Lenskold) all support us playing and we are a close-knit family who all supports each other in the things we do,” said Richie Lenskold, who is named after his uncle.

That support and encouragement has helped Lenskold develop into a future Division I player. The Class of 2015 player has committed to the admissions process at the University of Pennsylvania, as reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.

The 5-foot-7, 165-pound Lenskold, who plays travel lacrosse for 2 Knights, is more than a FOGO, as evidenced by strong showings at several summer showcases, including the Maverik Showtime National Lacrosse Recruiting Spotlight, Fall Philly Showcase, Future Legends and Battle of Hotbeds, where he made the all-star games at each event.

Lenskold can also shoot and score from either hand.

“Typically, I shoot harder righty, but I am more accurate lefty,” Lenskold said. “I can score from either side.”

You can watch his highlight reel here.

Now, here’s a Q&A with Richie on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision?
The chance to attend one of the most prestigious universities in the country and at the same time compete for an Ivy and national title.

I really felt comfortable with the coaching staff  and team. The campus is beautiful and not to far away from home which is great for my parents as they can watch my younger brothers play on the same day.

In addition, Penn is not just looking at me as a FOGO.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
Binghamton, Brown, Colgate, Lehigh and Yale. I visited UPenn, Brown, Binghamton, Colgate and Yale.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I am a smart, quick player that can score from either side of the field. Despite being smaller, I am physical and not afraid of contact.

I am a faceoff midfielder who can face off, stay on the field and become an offensive threat. In transition, I am very good at seeing the whole field and I can usually find the open man for a scoring opportunity. I am always looking for a possible assist.

What area of your game do you need to work on?
I am always looking to improve all aspects of my game as I continue to grow and learn. However, to prepare for the next level I’d like to focus on developing defensively so I can be used at X on both offense and defense.

How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
My older brother Brian introduced me to the game in eighth grade. In addition, my dad’s brother (Rich Lenskold), played lacrosse for Ohio State, so my family always supported my three brothers and me when we began to play lacrosse as it is part of my family’s legacy. We all try to wear my uncles’ Ohio State No. 24 in his honor when we play.

When I was younger, I played baseball, basketball football and hockey. I played football in high school.

Any final thoughts?
I would like to thank my mom and dad for all of the academic and athletic support they have given me.

Also, my brother Brian and my younger brothers Joe and Mike, (Bridgewater-Raritan product) Tyler Barbarich (now playing at the University of Delaware) and (2 Knights) Coach (Allen) Kurdyla, who have helped me become a better faceoff midfielder and (Bridgewater-Raritan product) Ray Mastroiani (now playing at Lehigh), who helped me with improving my shot.

I would like to thank (Bridgewater-Raritan Head) Coach (Chuck) Apel for coaching me and giving me the opportunity to develop on the field and for all his help throughout the recruiting process

Lastly, all the coaches who have recruited me and especially the coaching staff at Penn. (Head) Coach (Mike) Murphy, (Assistant) Coach (Ryan) Klipstein and (Assistant) Coach (Judd) Lattimore for giving me the chance to fulfill my dream.