By Drew Buono
This year’s Pride men’s lacrosse team can be summed up in a statement by senior defenseman Brett Moyer: “This team possesses something special.” Moyer has already been named a preseason All-American, and why not have a special season after earning CAA Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-American last year.
Moyer chose to come to Long Island instead of going to Penn State (located in the same state as his Ridley Park, Pa. home) because “Penn State wasn’t as well known in lacrosse as Hofstra was.”
Also, Moyer was given more of an opportunity to play as a freshman with the Pride than he would have been if he decided to play in Happy Valley.
“There were four seniors who were going to graduate the year before I joined the Blue & Gold, [so I knew I’d have a chance to contribute right away]” he said.
Since Moyer has been with the Pride, the team has improved. Moyer said he is thankful to be on the team and knows it has a legitimate chance at winning the NCAA Tournament.
He has also received many individual accolades during his Pride tenure.
“It gives me confidence and motivation to make myself play as well as I can,” he said. “I don’t take anything for granted, and if they want to call me one of the best then I know I have something to prove not only to everyone else, but to myself as well.”
Moyer said it’s great to win individual awards, but he’d much rather have team championships such as the Colonial Athletic Association or NCAA title.
While discussing the team’s schedule for this season, Moyer commented about the state of men’s lacrosse versus other sports at the University. According to Moyer, he was happy about the recognition the team receives nationally and on campus compared to other Pride teams.
“We play top teams from across the country, so it’s great for any program no matter what sport it’s for,” Moyer said.
While Moyer is planning on graduating with a degree in physical education, he has his hopes on playing professional lacrosse.
“It’s not something you can make a comfortable living from,” he said. “But I do plan on trying out once I graduate here.”
This past weekend, Moyer and the Pride just opened its regular season against No. 10 University of Massachusetts, succumbing to the Minutemen, 11-7. Moyer was disappointed with the loss.
“We have never beaten them as long as I’ve been here,” said Moyer, who is one of the most optimistic guys on the squad. “When I saw the schedule for this season, this game stuck out more so than any other.”
The real challenge though, will be to see how far this team filled with experience and leadership can go. No matter the outcome, Moyer said it was a great honor just to be a part of the Pride.