Max Metalios got his start as a defenseman when his youth team was short on longsticks.
“My eighth-grade coach, Rob Bonaventura, gave me a long pole because we didn’t have enough guys,” Metalios said.
Since picking up that longstick, he hasn’t put it down. The Class of 2017 standout at the Brunswick School in Connecticut will take it with him to the next level.
He verbally committed to the admissions process at the University of Pennsylvania last week, a decision reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
In addition to ideal size, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Metalios, a righty, has outstanding stick skills acquired from his years as an attackman and midfielder before making the switch to defense. He was anall-star at the Maverik Showtime National Lacrosse Recruiting Spotlight, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Metalios, a Greenwich resident, is an athletic and rangy player who excels in transition.
Metalios, who also plays basketball for Brunswick, is the Bruins’ second 2017 verbal, joining Ridgefield (CT) resident Alex Buckanavage, who is headed to Michigan.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Max on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
Penn is one of the most respected institutions in the world and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity to go to such a great school.
Also, the lacrosse program is great. They just won the Ivy League championship and were the fourth-ranked team going into the NCAA tournament this year.
The thing that most impressed me about Penn was how successful their players were once they got out of college. Penn’s alumni network in finance is unbelievable.
(Penn Head) Coach (Mike) Murphy was very welcoming, and I felt really comfortable talking to him.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
Princeton, Notre Dame, Harvard and Dartmouth.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My stick and groundball skills are my strengths.
Playing attack and middie for several years helps me when I push the ball upfield.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
My whole game could definitely improve. My stance as well as my technique around GLE (goal-line extended) needs a lot of improvement. I’m going to continue to work on my speed, strength, and quickness.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse?
I started playing lacrosse in second grade in Mamaroneck with my buddy’s hockey helmet and a borrowed stick.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I’m on the Connecticut Chargers. I went to Jake Reed, Maverik Showtime and Prep School Showcase.
Any final thoughts?
I want to thank my mom and dad for all the support, time and energy that they’ve invested in me and my lacrosse. My whole family has been really helpful throughout this process and I’m glad that Penn is close to home.
I also want to thank my coaches. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive and helpful coach than (Brunswick Head Coach) David Bruce. He’s helped me so much throughout the recruiting process and always has great advice.
The Brunswick coaches — Coach Bruce, Steve Garnett, Brendan Gilsenan and Rob Follansbee — are always helping me improve my game. Coach (Jeff) Brameier (CT Chargers) has also helped me a ton throughout the recruiting process. He’s one of the most respected coaches in the country and his guidance since fifth grade has been instrumental.
Coaches Mike Velez and Paul Burke have taught me a ton in my last three years of Chargers.
Lastly, thanks to Marty Sands, Rod Fox and Rob Bonaventura who coached me for four years on Titans.
Have a boys or girls 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: Connecticut, New England lacrosse, New England prep schools, Recruiting Rundown
