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The number of Class of 2015 commitments for teams in Suffolk County (NY) Division 1, arguable the nation’s most competitive high school conference, continues to increase.
Sachem East just picked up its fifth senior verbal. It comes from defender Connor Donaghy, who decided on Wheaton College, a decision first reported when it was made by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
The 6-foot-2, 183-pound Donaghy is a lefty who is an outstanding position defender who combines good size with strong communication skills and leadership ability.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Connor on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
There were many factors that made me want to come to Wheaton. For starters, I felt an instant connection with (Wheaton Head) Coach (Jamie) Lockard and (Assistant) Coach (Matt) Colombini, they really made me feel at home and comfortable when I was up for my visits. They made me want to be a part of what they are building.
Also, the opportunity to get a degree from Wheaton was not one I could pass up.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
Wheaton, Franklin Pierce, Florida Southern, Scranton, Post, SUNY Oneonta and WCSU.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I believe my strengths are my lacrosse IQ, communication, ball-handling, 0n-ball and
0ff-ball defense. I am more of a positional defender.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
To be the best player I can be, I will need to get bigger and stronger.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I got introduced to lacrosse through my brother. I went to his practices and it look like something that I wanted to try. I also played basketball till my sophomore year.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I played for the Long Island Jesters as well as Sachem East during the summer. I attended Under Armour tryouts, First Look, Nassau and Suffolk tryouts, Elite 100, Island Uprising and Philly Showcase.
Any final thoughts?
First I would like to thank my high school head coach (Robert) Murphy for everything he has done for me and all the time and help he has given with the recruiting process, as well as my other high school coaches: Coach O’Connell for pushing me to always get better and Coach Castagna for his time and effort.
I would also like to thank Scott, Steve and Jimmy of MDP for making me the player that I am today, as well as my youth coaches: Coach Wayne Rhatigan for teaching me how the game should be played and Coach Bill O’Brien for making it fun.
Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for all the time they have spent with me over the years whether it was traveling to tournaments or visiting schools. They did it all with no complaints. I hope to make them proud at the next level.
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Posted In: Long Island lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown, Section 11
