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To call Matt Gaudet a versatile lacrosse player would be the ultimate understatement.

The native of Hamilton, Ontario, is also a box lacrosse standout, where he has played all possible positions. He was the No. 1 pick in the Ontario Lacrosse Association Junior A Draft on Jan. 14.

Gaudet, a Class of 2016 attackman/midfielder who plays at the Salisbury School (Conn.), has verbally committed to Syracuse University.

The 6-foot, 195-pound Gaudet is a natural righty who is a strong dodger. You can watch his highlight reel here.

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

What were the main factors in your decision?
It’s really close to home, I’ve grown up watching Syracuse lacrosse and it’s been a dream school ever since I started playing lacrosse.

Syracuse has an incredible lacrosse program, great communications and media program, and lastly, the coaches were not only great coaches, who have had tons of success throughout history, but were great people too.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited Denver, UNC, UPenn and of course Syracuse. I was considering Princeton, Cornell, Yale, Penn State as well as the ones I visited.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strenghts would have to be my vision of the field, stick skills and my shot.

I’d describe my style of play as a hard-working team player, who can make a significant impact on both ends of the field. I’m a strong dodger who can put the ball in the net from in close and far out, as well as see the open man for a good pass.

What area of your game do you need to work on?
I could always improve on my speed and footwork. As well, using my opposing hand is a big one, but it’s pretty common for Canadians to only be able to use one hand sufficiently.

How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
My family and I went to an Ontario Raiders box lacrosse game when I was 4 years old and there I discovered my love for this incredible game, within a week I was registered to play box lacrosse for the Hamilton Lacrosse Association.

By the age of 8, I found field lacrosse and enjoyed that even more.

I played rep basketball until the age of 12 when I began to pursue my lacrosse career very seriously.

What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I played for Edge Lacrosse the past two years, but when I started school in the U.S. at Salisbury School, I began playing for the CNY Roadhawks during the fall. I will be playing Sweetlax this summer. I’ve participated in the BlackCard Showcase, All-Canada Games, Great Lakes Games and National Invitational 175.

Any final thoughts?
I’d like to thank my Edge Lacrosse coach Pete Follows who got me back into playing lacrosse on a travel team and back into the recruiting process.

I’d like to thank Edge Lacrosse and the CNY Roadhawks for helping me improve my game and getting me noticed by several universities.

Last but not least I’d like to thank my family. My parents for all the time and money spent allowing me to play the game I love and the support they’ve given me throughout my entire life.

My two older brothers for always pushing me to get better in the classroom and on the field and never settle for anything because everything can always use an improvement.

Have a recruiting commitment to report? Send an email to info@laxlessons.com, contact Joe Lombardi directly at joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.

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Posted In: Canadian lacrosse, Connecticut, Recruiting Rundown

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