How Lacrosse Shaped My Life
By Joe Walters

There was no need to go on my fifth recruiting visit; I was sold on being a part of the Maryland Lacrosse family. However, I was not the best student (a C+/B student), and my SAT scores were not exactly Ivy League status, so I nervously waited to hear if I could be admitted into Maryland. It was one of the best days of my life when I received the call from Maryland's Coach Cottle, letting me know I had been accepted and welcoming me to the school/team.

Without working hard on the lacrosse field and making sacrifices to elevate my game, above and beyond what everyone else was doing, I never would have gotten the opportunity to continue my education at a quality institution like Maryland and play at the highest level — big-time Division 1.

I brought with me to college my father's teachings of work ethic and sacrifice, spending time after every practice shooting/dodging, when my teammates had left the field for the day. When it was game day, the extra time I put in was evident. It's natural to become complacent and satisfied, but with the guidance of my father and Coach Cottle, I worked even harder, with the goal of being the best player and leader I could possibly be for our team.

I walked away from Maryland as the All-Time leader in goals and points, a four-time All American, two-time ACC Player of the Year, etc. I look back on my childhood, when I used to dream of just playing at that level; I never would have imagined accomplishing such accolades, but working hard, making sacrifices, and never being satisfied sure paid off.