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Fall 2014 Signing Week coverage
If you’ve been following along on our Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section as they’ve been made, you know Johns Hopkins has the most Class of 2018 tristate commits of any Division I program with five.
One of the biggest freshman commitments for the Bluejays came from just south of Rochester where 6-foot-3, 180-pound midfielder Alexander Mabbett made Hopkins his choice.
In addition to his size, Mabbett is athletic (he also plays football and basketball) and skilled. The natural righty is also relentless when it comes to getting groundballs.
He also is an outstanding student, with a 3.8 grade-point average.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Alexander on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
I always been a big fan of Johns Hopkins and always wanted to play there. Some of the main factors would include the tradition, size, strong academic program and (Hopkins Head) Coach (Dave) Pietramala.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was getting interest from UNC, Michigan, Ohio state and several others. We visited UNC and Johns Hopkins.
Before visiting any colleges, I knew I really wanted Hopkins. I focused much of my efforts towards them and eventually verbally committing.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I like to just get it done. I’m not into the flash thing. I have a very good sense of the field and quickly see opportunities to score as well as assisting my teammates.
I break hard to the cage and I enjoy a little contact in the process. I truly believe that an assist is as good as a goal but will take that shot when it’s there.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
My off hand isn’t as natural (yet) as I want it to be. I continue to work on it especially during the indoor season.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I started off playing soccer up until I was 6 years old. I remember my dad asking me if I wanted to put the soccer ball away and pick up the sticks that were hanging in the garage. I never really looked back.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I play for Sweetlax out of Rochester. I participated in the Jake Reed this past November and I’m scheduled to attend the Maverik Showtime this coming summer.
Any final thoughts and thanks you’d like to give to those who helped you get to this point?
I’d like to first thank my parents for all of their support. We have to travel a lot in the fall and summer and they never hesitated to get me where I needed to be.
I would also like thank Tony Pezzimenti. He was my coach throughout my entire youth experience.
And finally, Coach Mark Thering and Coach Kevin Martin.
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Recruiting Rundown section
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2015
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2016
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2017
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2018
* Recruiting commitment story archive
* 2014 National Letter of Intent Fall Signing Week story/photo archive
* 2012 National Letter of Intent Fall Signing Week story/photo archive
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Lacrosse Insider: Tristate Class of 2014 commitments by college
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Lacrosse Insider: Tristate Class of 2017 commitments by college
Lacrosse Insider: Tristate Class of 2018 commitments by college
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Posted In: Recruiting Rundown, Section 5, Upstate New York Lacrosse
