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Staples High School in Westport just saw its second rising senior give a verbal with attackman Michael Reale’s commitment to Richmond, a commitment first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
The 5-foot-10, 155-pound Reale, a righty who also plays midfield, is an offensive dynamo who is equally effective as a feeder and finisher.
Staples’ first 2016 verbal came from Loyola-bound defender Lucas Jackson.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Michael on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
While visiting Richmond, I felt like it was the school for me. The campus and facilities are amazing. The deciding factor was the balance between academics and athletics.
Academically, Richmond has so much to offer and I am interested in studying business. The Robins School of Business in one of the top business schools in the nation and will be a great challenge.
On top of that, I will have the opportunity to play division one lacrosse for a team that has the potential to be a top contender. I look forward to playing for Coach Chemotti and his staff.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited Sacred Heart University, UMass and Union. I did not visit, but considered the University of Vermont.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I am a versatile player with a very high lacrosse IQ. I play both midfield and attack for Eclipse (travel program).
I play a poised, smooth and crafty style of lacrosse utilizing my quickness and agility to my advantage. My stat sheet is balanced between assists and goals.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
I am working on turning the corner harder when dodging from X and always working on my shot.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
My best friend’s dad, Coach Nick Serniuck, introduced me to box lacrosse. At the time, my family was living in Canada.
In the fifth grade, we moved to Maryland where I was able to compete in one of the hotbeds of lacrosse. I also played football and basketball.
What travel team do you play on?
Eclipse Lacrosse Club.
Any final thoughts and people you want to thank for helping you reach this point?
First, I would like to thank my parents for supporting me and making this whole process possible. Without them playing college lacrosse would of never been an option. They have put so much of their time into helping me reach my goal. Love you mom and dad.
I would also like to thank the Eclipse Lacrosse Coaches, Chip Buzzeo, Mike Regan and Jamie Hanford for helping me throughout the process. Their support made my dream possible. Playing for the Eclipse Lacrosse Club has been a great experience.
Staples High School head coach Paul McNulty has been an outstanding role model. Playing for Coach McNulty for the past three years has been great and I can’t wait for next season. Coach McNulty had confidence in me as a freshman and the upperclassmen made me feel a part of the team.
I want to thank him for helping me build my character on and off the lacrosse field.
This is a good day for the S.
Special thanks to Jon Zames, trainer and friend. I can talk to Jon about anything and he has been a great help in the process both physically and mentally.
Last but not least, I would like to thank one of my coaches from Maryland, Coach Mike Bellotte. Coach Bellotte is the reason I love the game of lacrosse.
Thank you to all my friends and family who have supported me along the way.
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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Recruiting Rundown section
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Posted In: Connecticut, Recruiting Rundown