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Fall 2014 Signing Week coverage
Click here for LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings
Gibson Smith is busy these days as center for one of the top varsity hockey teams in New York, Pelham High School.
But Smith is also one of the leading sophomore lacrosse standouts in the nation’s No. 1 hotspot for lacrosse, the NY/NJ/CT tristate region.
Last week, the defenseman just decided on a college destination, verbally committing to Georgetown, a decision first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
The 6-foot, 170-pound Smith, a righty with good size, also has strong stick skills and is effective in transition.
Smith is Pelham’s second sophomore commit — a first for the Pelicans. The other commitment was made by 6-foot-5 attackman Davis Allen, who, as we first reported here, will follow former PHS standout Matt Landis to Notre Dame.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Gibson on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The most important factors to me were the quality of the academic institution, the caliber and enthusiasm of the coaching staff and the school’s setting and location.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I considered Bucknell, Villanova, Dartmouth, Loyola, Lafayette and Colgate.
I participated in a prospect day and/or visited each of these great schools.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I am known for my stick work, solid defensive positioning and transition play.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
I am continuing to work on my straight away foot speed and upper body strength.
Coach Garth Ainslie introduced me to lacrosse in Larchmont and fortunately for our community he and Matt Tolan started a youth program here in Pelham.
How has playing hockey helped you in lacrosse and did you consider playing hockey in college?
Playing hockey for the last 10 years has helped me develop quick hands and feet, understand the importance of puck/ball movement as well as how to maintain proper defensive position.
A few years ago, I realized that I would have more college opportunities in lacrosse than in hockey.
What travel team do you play on and what showcase events did you participate in?
I have played for Prime Time since the seventh grade. We recently played in the Adrenaline Fall Invitational and Philly Showcase.
This past spring we played at the IL Recruiting Invitational (Session II), MVP Exposure, Tri-State National and King of the Hill Tournaments. Individually I participated in the ’13 Jake Reed Fall Nike Blue Chip, ’14 Philly Showcase and ’14 Battle of the States Showcase.
Any final thoughts and people you want to thank for helping you reach this point?
I am indebted to Nick Daniello of Prime Time for both his great program and his interest in my lacrosse development.
(Pelham varsity) Coach Mike Solazzo and (Pelham junior varsity) Coach James Rogers have also been great resources and role models to me.
Mike Diaz, my personal trainer, deserves a shout out for my continued physical and mental development.
Lastly, I want to thank the many excellent hockey coaches who have impacted my athletic development over the years including: Jeff Hurd, Chris Reilly, Kevin Hagen, Erik Kallio, and last, but certainly not least, Ed Witz.
Click here for LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings
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Recruiting Rundown section
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2015
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* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2017
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* Recruiting commitment story archive
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Posted In: Hudson Valley, Recruiting Rundown, Section 1
