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Photo by Jim Sannerud/MaxPreps
We often use the adjective “versatile” in this space to describe offensive players.
But it can also be accurate when describing defenders.
Soya Goto is living proof.
The senior at Rye High School (NY) plays short-stick defensive midfield, longstick midfielder and close defense.
Goto will be taking his array of defensive abilities to the collegiate level, verballing to Susquehanna University, as first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
The 5-foot-6, 130-pound Goto, a righty, is an outstanding communicator with a high lacrosse IQ.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Soya on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The academics that Susquehanna has to offer, the campus, and the lacrosse program itself. The academics was what I was looking for, a small school that I can excel at.
The campus was beautiful and the lacrosse program is an up-and-coming program winning the Landmark Conference championship two years in a row. The Sigmund Weis School of Business was very appealing to me.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was considering Roger Williams University, Marywood University and College of Saint Rose. I visited Marywood University.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
From the words of (Rye HS coach) Brian Dooley, my strengths as player are my IQ of the game and how I communicate to my teammates.
My style is play is wanting to play fast. I try to make everything about my game fast paced. I also use my IQ to my advantage.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
I need to work on getting bigger and faster. It’s obvious that I am small for lacrosse, so I need to work on getting bigger and faster.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I first got introduced by two family friends. I first picked up a lacrosse stick in my family friend’s backyard and loved it ever since. Before lacrosse baseball and tennis were a part of my life.
Tennis was definitely my No. 1 sport coming from a tennis-oriented family.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I played on Head Heart Hustle Lacrosse coached by Brian and Scott Dooley.
I participated in the Blue Chip 225 Showcase and the Franklin and Marshall Showcase.
Any final thoughts?
I’d like to thank my dad for going through everything with me.
I’d also like to thank all my coaches I had over the years. I’d like to thank my high school coaches Brian and Scott Dooley.
I would also like to thank all of the families that have helped me achieve this goal and sticking with me during the years, especially the Sambergs, DeVitas and the Abates.
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: Hudson Valley, Recruiting Rundown, Section 1
