My Journey to College Lacrosse - TJ Cowx (BMS '08)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: TJ Cowx (BMS '08)
Hometown: North Delta, BC
High School: Sands Secondary
College: Mars Hill College
Location: Mars Hill, North Carolina
League: NCAA Div. II
Class: Junior
Position: Midfield
Major: Marketing and Communications
How did you decide where to go to school?
I decided where to go to school based on first if they offered the academic program I wished to obtain my degree in, the team's success, and the team's character along with the coach's coaching style.
What has the transition been like from High School to University?
It has not been as difficult as I first thought. You are provided much more freedom, however you also add much more responsibility to yourself and your team.
What do you like about your school academically?
I like that the small classes provide an intimate setting for students to learn from the professors and that professors are able to know you on a personal level.
What do you like about playing lacrosse at your school?
I love that every day I can play the sport I love and become better each day. Whether its in the film room, weight room, or the field, I continue to strive for excellence.
What’s in your lacrosse bag?
Nothing at the moment; everything is hanging in my locker. Nothing special though, tape, extra shafts and heads.
What valuable lessons did you learn from the recruiting process?
I learned that you don't have to rush into it and feel pressured to take the first offer that is put forth your way. Be patient and always be actively participating in the recruting process by sending out e-mails or film to college coaches.
What role did your family have in helping you get to where you are now?
They played a huge role in motivating and helping me pursue my college dreams of attending a post-secondary institution on a schoilarship for lacrosse. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for them.
Favourite on-field memory from being part of the Burnaby Mountain Selects program?
Competing in the Adrenaline Challenge Lacrosse Tournament down in San Diego. Even though we finished third, I learned valuable lessons playing against the best players on the west coast and had a taste of what it takes to play at the college level.
Favourite off-field memory from your travels with the Burnaby Mountain Selects?
Bonding together as a team in the hotel rooms that we stayed in.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?
Offense wins games, defense wins championships.
What coaching tips have had the biggest impact on your game?
Anything to do with teaching and empasizing the fundamentals because no great player in any sport has not become who they are with lacking fundamentals.
What advice would you give younger BMS players aspiring to play at the collegiate level?
Participate actively in the recruting process by being your biggest promoter and send out e-mails and game tape to college coaches. Academics are just as an important part as the athletic side so make sure to keep your grades as high as possible. Lastly, if you have the motivation and the commitment to play at the collegiate level, you will play college lacrosse.
