By Tom Peace
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 7/19/17
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – Gwenna Gentle says she shocked her mother when she decided to give up soccer for lacrosse in high school.
“It’s only my second year playing (lacrosse); I gave up soccer for lacrosse and I love it,” said the 2019 midfielder/center from West Brunswick (N.C.). “I got got burned out from soccer. I was supposed to play in high school and my mom is the high school coach. She said, ‘I paid all this money for soccer and now you are coming out for lacrosse?’
The decision by Gentle was a good one. She earned all-conference honors as a freshman and Tuesday made the All-Star Game in the 2019 class at the Warrior National Prospect Invite at the River City Sportsplex in Midlothian.
“It’s a big honor (to compete here),” aid Gentle. “It was a lot of fun, especially playing with people I don’t know. It was an honor to be nominated and it was one of the best showcases showcases and most fun I have had all summer.
“At the start I was nervous. I didn’t know anyone. But I got comfortable. I don’t normally get comfortable right away with players I don’t know and I mainly played defense, but I fit in with Team Purple after the first game.”
Others who shined in the 2-day event (all were named as All-Stars):
Addie Pastor, 2019 MF, Mattawan-MI
On the event: “I liked it a lot. The atmosphere was really cool with both guys and girls being here. I met a lot of new people; that’s always fun.
What did she work on? “My club team is working on transition and when I got here the transitions were so smooth. It was great to work with really good girls. I still need to work on getting stronger and working on new things for the draw.”
About the selection process for the event: “I think God because this sport isn’t just about how talented you are, it’s also about how talented you are as a what girls academically and good on lacrosse field.
What type of school is she looking for? “I have to narrow it down. I am just starting to get exposure. I can figure it out a little later.”
Ethan Tyack, 2019 ATT, Dublin-Coffman-OH/Resolute
On the event: “The competition level was good and I was working on my game overall so when I go back to Ohio I have more experience.”
On his college outlook: “I am looking to play in a city school.”
Noah Lastner, 2019 FO/MF, Severn School-MD/Crabs
On the event: “It’s been really fun taking reps and playing against some of the best players in the country. I am working on getting the ball out (quickly) on the faceoff. It feels good to play with another group of guys, while feeling out different things.”
On his college outlook: “I am looking at military academies and Ivy League school. I want to serve my country later in life.”
John Betzko, 2019 DEF, Dallas-PA
On the event: “It means a lot to me. I don’t play a lot of travel in the off-season. I have other sports. It means a lot to play with a bunch of players I didn’t know, but we still feel like teammates.”
What did he work on? “I was trying to work on man coverage; not so much stick skills, but positioning on ball and playing good solid D. I am really happy surviving in this heat; it’s really hot (temperatures have been in the high 90s each day). I think my team played well together and that I played well individually. My off ball, my talk, it’s a lot better.”
Mason Walczak, 2019 ATT, Lee-Davis-VA/Team Venom
On the event: “This is my second year in a row competing and I enjoyed it a lot. It’s cool meeting kids from all over. Talent-wise, I was really impressed with all the kids. They had different characteristics, but they all had to match up with each other. My team didn’t start too hot, but then we came together and started playing a lot better. Last year I was nervous here; this year I felt like I knew what I was doing.”
On the recruiting scene: “There is a little bit less pressure. You don’t worry about the whole recruiting process now. I just like coming out here with everyone else, trying to get better. It is for recruiting, but it’s great to get out here.”
Andrew Cook, 2019 ATT, Atlee-VA/Team Venom
On the event: “Its a blessing to come out here and play the sport I love. I am working on getting up and down the field against better defensemen and trying to get more groundballs. I am having more fun.”
What was he working on? “I was working on my off hand. Definitely if you don’t have a strong off hand, you won’t be successful in this sport. It’s definitely a great event with great exposure. I like how they select players academically and physically. They know colleges want to have both.”