By K.I. Goldberg
LILacrossenews.com, Posted 10/2/12

John Jay-Cross River junior midfielder Shawn Smith has mad a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Michigan.

Shawn Smith log:

Shawn Smith (#24, Center)

High School: John Jay High School – Cross River

Graduation Year: 2014

Position: Midfield

College Choice: Michigan

Club Affiliation: Prime Time Lacrosse

Major lacrosse honors: Earned All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League as a sophomore, Made All-Star teams at MVP and Battle of the Hotbeds.

Academic Honors: Honor Roll Student

What will you major in/study? Undecided

Why did you choose Michigan? “I was looking for a school that had a great balance of academics and athletics, and Michigan certainly fit that category. During my visit, Coach (John) Paul really made me feel at home and I knew that Michigan was the place. Also, the fact that they are an up-and-coming program was appealing to me and something I want to be a part of. Ann Arbor is a beautiful place to go to school as well.”

What is your HS team’s outlook for next season? “The season is a long time from now, and there is still a lot of work to be done until then. However, we will be returning the core of both our midfield and defense.

“Our defense and goaltending were the strongest parts on our team last year. Only losing one defenseman really helps us, along with returning younger guys who gained valuable experience this year. I think a lot of new guys will step up and make an impact immediately.

“I think we definitely have the ability to be a dominant team in Section 1 this year and I couldn’t be more excited for the season to come.”

Other Schools Considered: Yale, Dartmouth, Navy, Army, Marquette

Tags: John-Jay-Cross River