My Journey to College Lacrosse - Ryan Zoehner (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: Ryan Zoehner (BMS '09)
Hometown: Coquitlam, BC
High School: Pinetree Secondary
College: Queens University
Location: Kingston, ON
League: CUFLA
Class: Sophomore
Position: Defense
Major: Life Sciences
How did you decide where to go to school?
I made a short list of what I wanted from a university and took that list to all of the schools I looked at. The top of my list was a school that held a good reputation to place me in a Canadian Med School upon graduation.
What has the transition been like from High School to University?
It hasn’t been too bad really. The first semester it was a lot of fun but it took a few months to realize how much work is required outside the classroom. Once I had that figured out I found the transition very smooth.
What do you like about your school academically?
I really enjoy my major, it is catered to students that want to go to med school and that gives me a lot of competition. But, in terms of my school overall I would say that since everyone coming here has put academics at the top of their priority list, the students here are all hard working and that pushes me.
What do you like about playing lacrosse at your school?
Lacrosse here is a great way to get my head out of my books and have some fun. The team is really close and we all have a great time. We are a young team and have struggled in our first two seasons but we have higher expectations for the upcoming seasons.
What’s in your lacrosse bag?
It’s pretty simple; my gear, a roll of tape, extra socks and some Advil.
What valuable lessons did you learn from the recruiting process?
I think I learned the most important lesson any athlete can learn when choosing their school. When I got injured in my senior year of high school I realized that I had to choose a school that I would still be happy at even if I got injured the day I arrived. It is important to pick a school that gives you more than just the lacrosse team. You need to be happy with the city you are in, the classes you are taking and the social life you can have.
What role did your family have in helping you get to where you are now?
Basically my family just wanted me to go where I would get a good education and enjoy my time. They gave me good advice and made sure I looked at all schools like they were under a microscope and notice each detail whether good or bad.
Favourite on-field memory from being part of the Burnaby Mountain Selects program?
I don’t know if I can pinpoint one but I would have to say there were lots of good times, especially with my fellow defensemen and goalie.
Favourite off-field memory from your travels with the Burnaby Mountain Selects?
Just all the travelling with the team, it was a great group of guys and I think we had a lot of fun travelling together.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?
The best advice I received was to do what I was good at, whether on the lacrosse field or in the classroom play towards my strengths rather than always worrying about my weaknesses.
What coaching tips have had the biggest impact on your game?
Just focusing on the little things; simple footwork, ground balls, communication, all the little details of the game that make everything else so much easier. The better you can be at the little things the easier the complicated things will become.
What advice would you give younger BMS players aspiring to play at the collegiate level?
I would say to pick a school that gives you more than just lacrosse. Don’t get me wrong, lacrosse is an important part of the experience but it isn’t the entire package. Once the four years are done you have to be happy with what you have accomplished on the field and off, make sure you focus on both.
