The Doors That Lacrosse Opened For Me
By Matt Danowski

I have long said that without lacrosse, I wouldn't have gotten to do half the amazing things that I have done in my life. I wouldn't have been able to graduate from and work on my Master's from one of the best universities in the world, I would not have met some of my best friends, I would not have been able to travel the country and play in some of the world's greatest

stadiums, and the list goes on. Lacrosse has opened so many doors for me that I am forever indebted to the game. For, many of the skills I developed on the field—motivation, sacrifice, dedication, focus, decision-making—translated into the type of personal characteristics that would keep leading to success.

Throughout high school, my father always told me that lacrosse can open doors for you, but that your academics will keep them open.

I never really understood what he was talking about, but I trusted him. At the time, my dad was the men's lacrosse coach at Hofstra. In his 21 years there, he coached the team to eight conference championships and eight NCAA tournament bids. He's been in the game 28 years now, currently coaching at Duke. During his storied career, he has won NCAA D-1 National Coach of the Year, ACC Coach of the Year, US Lacrosse Person of the Year... In short, the man knows

the game. But he always brings more to his players than lessons on the field. My dad is also about life lessons, so when he told me to focus on lacrosse AND academics, I listened intently.

I worked hard on my grades throughout high school, as well as working hard on and off the field. Eventually, as a senior, I was looking to attend some of the finest universities this country has to offer.