My Journey to College Lacrosse - Richard Lachlan (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: Richard Lachlan (BMS '09)
Hometown: Port Coquitlam, BC
High School: Terry Fox Secondary
College: Roanoke College
Location: Salem, Virginia
League: NCAA Div. III
Class: Sophomore
Position: Attack
Major: Business, Concentration in Marketing
How did you decide where to go to school?
I knew i wanted to further my education while still playing lacrosse and made a list of what I wanted from a school. I wanted a good education and was leaning towards going for a business degree. After narrowing down my list and visiting different schools I picked the one that felt best for me.
What has the transition been like from High School to University?
At first the transition was kind of difficult, living so far from home not knowing anyone and trying to balance school, lacrosse and my social life. But after the first semester everything became much smoother and the transition ended up being not as hard as I had thought it would be.
What do you like about your school academically?
I like that my school has small class sizes compared to most Universities and colleges. Most of my classes have 15 and 20 people and its nice as my proffesors are very involved with my education. Also, Roaoke is a Liberal Arts school so it helps in giving me a more well rounded education.
What do you like about playing lacrosse at your school?
My lacrosse team is like a family and everyone is really close, it's nice when your teammates are also your really close friends, it makes my college experience that much better. As well, I like that my team has a winning tradition and expect to win every game, as well at Roanoke we play a run and gun style which suits my playing style and Canadian roots.
What’s in your lacrosse bag?
Not that much really just my gear, extra clothes, tape and a screwdriver.
What valuable lessons did you learn from the recruiting process?
I learned that coaches at different schools are always trying to schowcase there school to you and you can't just be blown away at the first school that recruits you and tries to dazzle you. Picking the right school for you academically and for lacrosse is a big choice in your life and requires a lot of thought.
What role did your family have in helping you get to where you are now?
My family has played a huge role in helping me get to where I am now. They are the reason I started playing lacrosse and why I love the game so much. Also, they were always supportive and helped me through everything. They helped me in all my decisions, while making sure that in the end I was doing what made me happy.
Favourite on-field memory from being part of the Burnaby Mountain Selects program?
It is hard to just pick one but beating the Baltimore Crabs in Denver is something I will never forget.
Favourite off-field memory from your travels with the Burnaby Mountain Selects?
There are so many great times that I've had travelling with BMS, no matter if we were flying, on the bus, or just hanging out in the hotel, we always had some really fun times.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?
The best advice I've ever gotten is simply to always try your best and work your hardest. Focusing on the little things, as well as the big things is crucial in succeeding.
What coaching tips have had the biggest impact on your game?
Once again its all about the little things, its what makes it all come together. You can't get your shot off if you don't beat your man or find that open space.
What advice would you give younger BMS players aspiring to play at the collegiate level?
I would just tell them to always work hard becausae you never know whose watching and never take anything for granted. If you think you already have what it takes to play at college keep working because there are alot of players who are aspiring to do the same as you.
