My Journey to College Lacrosse - Jishan Sharples (BMS '09)top
Playing college lacrosse is an aspiration for many young student-athletes. Playing college lacrosse allows an athlete to further his playing and educational careers, while continuing to open additional doors of opportunity for their future.
To play lacrosse at the college level, an athlete must display the ability to succeed on the field, in the classroom and show a coach that he will contribute in a positive way to the environment and culture within a college team.
As they prepared for the 2011 season, BMS Insider checked-in with former Burnaby Mountain Selects players to reflect back on their journey and talk about some of the experiences that they went through to fulfill their dream of playing lacrosse at the collegiate level...
Name: Jishan Sharples (BMS '09)
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
High School: Lord Byng Secondary
College: McGill University
Location: Montreal, QC
League: CUFLA
Class: Sophomore
Position: Midfield
Major: Finance Major, Concentration in Entrepreneurship
How did you decide where to go to school?
I started thinking about where I would go for post-secondary in the summer of grade 10. I was set on playing lacrosse in the US and started attending numerous recruitment camps in the summers that followed. After thorough discussion with my parents, I decided that my education was my top priority over my lacrosse career. I was contacted by Tim Murdoch, head coach at McGill University, and he told me about how amazing McGill's lacrosse program was and how it was the perfect balance between an ivy league education and high level lacrosse. Being able to attend one of the best university's in the world, and being able to play high level lacrosse, it was a no brainer for me to choose McGill.
What has the transition been like from High School to University?
I found the transition between High School to University an extremely fun and memorable experience. I didn't find it too hard because McGill immediately made you feel part of the community as soon as you stepped in the front gates. University is definitely different than high school. There is no one to hold your hand here and you have to learn to be totally independent. Prioritization is one of the first things that you have to learn within your first few weeks of school. Between the parties, school work, and the rush of entering your very first year, finding your balance is one of the keys to success for the transition from High School to University.
What do you like about your school academically?
McGill is one of the top ranked schools in the world and its not hard to see that it draws some of the best professors from around the globe. This makes every class incredibly unique and each professor gives a different perspective about the world. Although most of my classes are quite challenging, putting in the hours of hard work is an extremely rewarding experience.
What do you like about playing lacrosse at your school?
Playing lacrosse at McGill allows me to have a top level education as well as play lacrosse at a high level. McGill recruits extensively in the US so it's great to play on a team that has a mix of Canadians and Americans. Instead of having to commit to the 40+ hours per week of playing NCAA lacrosse, I am able to have a balanced university life.
What’s in your lacrosse bag?
Helmet, gloves, arm pads, shoulder liners, cleats, turf bits and a massive bag of "Jelly Belly" jelly beans. I have to eat 20-30 Jelly Bellys before each game.
What valuable lessons did you learn from the recruiting process?
Don't ever sit back and wait for people to offer you an opportunity. If you are interested in a certain school, phone the coach, send in tape, and pretty much do everything you can to get that coach's attention. Not doing anything is more likely to result in disappointment.
What role did your family have in helping you get to where you are now?
My parents exceeded every single possible role that is listed in the parents handbook to raising a lacrosse player. My dad introduced me to lacrosse when I was 5 and has been my coach, support system, idol, and inspiration for the last 14 years. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be where I am today. Even though my mom wasn't the biggest fan of contact sports, her continual drive and push for my educational success has landed me at one of the top schools in the world.
Favourite on-field memory from being part of the Burnaby Mountain Selects program?
Winning gold and defeating the Island Selects in the 2008 World Youth Invitational after losing to them during round robin.
Favourite off-field memory from your travels with the Burnaby Mountain Selects?
Hanging out with the boys at the hotel. It was great to finally get to know some of the players you competed with in box lacrosse all your life.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?
You play a finite number of lacrosse games in your life so play every game like its your last. My dad told me this a few years ago and even though it seems a bit cliche, you don't really learn to appreciate this until you're able to count how many more games you have in your career.
What coaching tips have had the biggest impact on your game?
As almost comical and simple as it is, Coach Hoskins constantly yelling, "HANDS, HANDS, HANDS, HANDS" was pretty useful because its now permanently ingrained in my head. Run back and rest on defence was also pretty useful.
What advice would you give younger BMS players aspiring to play at the collegiate level?
Always remember that your education is the most important thing when it comes to choosing a university. Find a school where you will be able to get a solid education and are able to play lacrosse as a side. Don't be disapointed if you contact a coach and he is not interested. Start early and don't always be set on going to one school. Your going to be changing your choices 100 times over and over again and the school that you end up with might not have been one that was on your top 5 list.
