By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/4/17
Shipley School 2018 LSM/defenseman Will Drake has been named the Pansini Law Group Scholar-Athlete of the Week.
The award recognizes senior and junior lacrosse players that excel in academics, service and athletics.
Will Drake profile:
Clik here to view.
Shipley School 2018 LSM/DEF Will Drake
High school: Shipley School
Year: 2018
Position: LSM/defenseman
College choice: Undecided
Club team: Mesa Fresh 2018
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg3s0cBDaf8
Extracurricular Activities
• Germination Project 2016 Fellow
• Shipley Debate team
• Member of DECA
• Columnist for The Beacon Newspaper
• Model Congress delegate
• Current Events club member
Community/ Service Organizations
• Cradles to Crayons
• Built a school cafeteria in Njoro Village, Tanzania for one week
• Sixers Foundation
• Homelessness Task Force
Academic honors/awards
• 4.6 GPA (weighted)
• 2 published poems
• All-honors course load
Athletic honors:
• 3-year Varsity lacrosse starter – Has 27 groundballs and 10 takeaways in first four games for 3-1 Gators
• Nike Blue Chip invitee
• Voted Most Improved Player for lacrosse as a Freshman
• 3-year Varsity squash starter
What are your college plans and future goals?
Drake: “I have not yet committed to a college for lacrosse, though I am fortunate to be in discussion with several schools. I am looking for a school that offers a great education and a rewarding lacrosse experience. I have not yet set my mind on a specific field of study, so I hope to find a school that has many options for majors. I want a school that also places a strong emphasis on its athletics program.”
How do you describe leadership?
Drake: “I believe that leadership can be exemplified by being the best possible example for others. The ideal leader earns the trust of his teammates and takes ownership of all aspects of his team. Leadership also involves finding an equilibrium between opposing character traits. For instance, a leader needs to be confident in his abilities, but humble enough to realize when he has made a mistake. In my experiences, the best leaders I have had are the ones who inspire confidence in me.”
How do you balance lacrosse, school, and extracurriculars?
Drake: “I balance lacrosse, school, and extracurriculars by managing my time efficiently. It is important to prioritize the different tasks that I need to do throughout the day, so I can ensure that I am spending my time on what matters most to me. To organize all of my activities, I schedule my weekdays down to the minute. I strive to make the most of each day and to benefit from the challenges that life presents. I am exceptionally passionate about the activities I do, but I often rely on discipline, rather than motivation, each day. On the days when I do not feel like working, I use my discipline to push myself and achieve my goals.”
High school coaches from Philly, Delaware, South Jersey, or the Lehigh Valley may nominate a player (junior or senior) for the Pansini Law Group Scholar-Athlete of the Week by e-mailing us at golax@phillylacrosse.com