Homegrown Lacrosse

To start off, where do you go to school? What club team do you play for? What position do you play? 

Eden Prairie. Minnesota Elite and Lakeshore Lacrosse. Midfield.

I understand that you’ve committed to play for Denver. What made you choose there? Any plans on what you’ll study? 

The overall feel of the campus and academics really fit what I was looking for. The great lacrosse there just happened to be a bonus. Also, I grew up there so I know the area pretty well. I want to study pre-med or something related to biology, but anything can change from now until then.

What other schools did you look at? What was the recruiting process like for you? How did you get top coaches to notice you?

I looked at Denver, Princeton, Penn, West Point, Dartmouth, and Ohio State. The recruiting process for me was a great experience. The feeling of having all your hard work pay off is awesome. I got my main looks from coaches through all-star games at tournaments like Tri-State and Hotbeds. Also I did a Top 205, which was very fun. I also owe a lot of credit to my coaches for talking to other coaches and getting my name out there.

What type of stick do you use? What type of pocket?

For my head I use a Nike CEO and for my shaft I use a Sci-Ti Pro. The stick is really light and I prefer a shallow pocket that is easy to throw with for quick releases off my dodges. I prefer low to mid pockets in my stick.

Favorite dodge?

Split dodge because it gives me the most separation from my defenders.

What’s your pre-game ritual?

Brushing my teeth before games. Playing with a clean and minty taste in your mouth makes all the difference.

Best player you’ve ever gone against?

Arik Andreen is probably the best long-pole I’ve ever played against (Junior at Eden Prairie). His defense is incredible and I can never beat him one on one. He’s quick and strong with his stick.

Favorite lacrosse memory?

I’ve had a lot, but most recently it was the All-Star game at the Battle of the Hotbeds last summer. I got 3 goals and an assist and that’s where Denver saw me play. It was an incredible feeling.

How did you get started playing?

My 3rd grade football coach took our entire football team and turned it into a lacrosse team in Colorado.

Favorite sport besides lacrosse? Why?

Definitely football because you have to rely on your teammates every single play and no team can be good with just one amazing guy. It takes an entire team to win games and I like that aspect of the game.

Go-to lacrosse trick?

I like the helicopter. It looks really simple but is hard to do without someone teaching you.

Favorite teenage mutant ninja turtle?

Leonardo.

Favorite Saturday morning cartoon?

Speed-Racer.

Weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? 

Kimchi that my dad brought home. Its cabbage soaked in this red sauce and it’s absolutely disgusting.

5 seconds left and you’re down by one, are you letting D-Wade or LeBron take the shot? Why?

D-Wade. No question. We all know how LeBron plays in the 4th quarter

You just won the lottery, first thing you buy?

A dome to put in my backyard so I can shoot anytime I want year-round.

Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Edward.

You’re stranded on a desert island with 3 people, who are you bringing?

Mila Kunis, Les Stroud (the guy on Survivorman), and Brooklyn Decker.

Any secret talents?

I can do a double tailwhip on a Razor scooter.

Best advice for aspiring lacrosse players?

Keep working hard. Shoot every day, play wall-ball every day and it will all payoff. 

From Jacob Matenaer: One thing your sport has brought to your life?

A great work-ethic, an oppurtunity to travel across the U.S.A., and the chance to meet a lot of great people. 

Finally, what's one question you want to ask the next person we interview? 

If you could play on one high school team in the nation for a season, who would you play for?

Interview has been edited for clarity.