By K.I. Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 1/4/18
St. John’s College High School (Washington, D.C.) 2018 face-off specialist-midfielder Ian Groom has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Hampton University.
Ian Groom profile:
High School: St. John’s College High School, Washington D.C.
Position: Faceoff/ Midfield
Graduation Year: 2018
College Choice: Hampton University
Club Teams: Nation United, Blackwolf, New Jersey Riot
Lacrosse Honors: 2017 WCAC Champion, Baltimore Summer Kickoff All-Star Brine National Lacrosse Classic Maryland Team
Academic Honors/Service: National Honors Society, Eagle Scout
Expected Major: Criminal Justice
Why did you choose Hampton? “I chose to attend Hampton University because of the opportunity to make history playing lacrosse for the first D1 Historically Black College University (HBCU) lacrosse program in the nation. I know that their school will be great and it will make history and that is something that I want to be a part of.
“Ever since I was in middle school, I dreamed of playing in college. I knew the path to achieve this honor would not be easy, but I dedicated myself to the sport and through all the trials and tribulations, I received several offers but decided to play for Hampton. While the program is fairly new, the recruitment of top athletes who enjoy the game as much as I do has been amazing and I am looking forward to playing with the team and Coach Carter. I view Hampton’s lacrosse program as being bigger than just lacrosse, but a symbol for younger African Americans aspiring to play at the college level that you can overcome the many obstacles to become great and accomplish your goal. I believe that Hampton will be seen as an example for these young lacrosse players showing them that they can overcome the obstacles they will face playing the sport of lacrosse, and through those obstacles become excellent players. Seeing and playing for a team of not just one, two or three African Americans but a team is predominantly African Americans is surreal. The sense of comradery from playing on a team with people who look like you and can relate to your experiences is something that is unmatched and I look forward to playing at HU in the Fall 2018.”
HS team’s outlook for 2018 season? “Should win the 2018 WCAC Championship.”
Thank You: “I want to thank Coach Rualo for teaching me all that I know about faceoffs. I want to thank Coach Trig for helping me to find the mentality I need to be successful at the DI level. As well as giving me the opportunity to play with and against elite level players on his club team Blackwolf. I want to thank Coach Horsey for helping me to develop my love for lacrosse. I want to thank Nation United for showing me what diversity in lacrosse truly looks like, and helping me to gain the confidence that has turned me into to player I am today. I want to thank Gregory Cotten my teammates dad/ my uncle who would take me to, and from all the games/practices. I really appreciate all that you have done for me and will always remember what you have done for me. Thanks to all of my teammates, you have all impacted me in your own individual way. Lastly I want to thank my mom for always being there. For being my biggest fan and supporter, I could not have become the player I am today without her.”
Other schools considered: Florida Institute of Technology, Wagner College
ConnectLAX, the official sponsor of TopLaxRecruits.com Boys’ Recruits, congratulates Ian Groom. ConnectLAX helps players find their college matches, connect with coaches and get recruited to the right school. Click here to start your free search and compare >1,500 college teams. Free resources also include their private lessons and events directory.
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