Rose basketball highlights
THU.| 4-10-25 | SPORTS
Standout Junior lacrosse player Elliott Ward began playing lacrosse when he was in third grade. He didn’t realize the impact this sport would have on his life and how much he would fall in love with this passion.
Ward has played lacrosse for eight years. He was first exposed to the idea after local lacrosse coach, Rob McCarthy, talked him into attending a lacrosse clinic.
“My mom had a chiropractor appointment with Dr. Rob McCarthy, and I couldn’t stay home alone,” Ward said. ”I went with her, and he suggested I do a [lacrosse] clinic, and I’ve never stopped.”
When Ward started high school, he began playing football during the fall and lacrosse during the spring. After taking lacrosse more seriously, he saw a potential future in playing collegiately, he didn’t want to take the risk of getting an injury and missing recruitment opportunities.
“I stopped playing football because I didn’t want to miss my recruiting year,” Ward said.
In Ward’s freshman year, he was particularly welcomed by Charlie Blizzard, a senior at the time. This impacted his love for the sport and the way that he encourages incoming players.
“He was a calm and relaxed guy; he would talk to anyone, he was humble [and] didn’t try to fit in: he was himself.” Ward said.
Ward suffered two injuries his freshman year: a broken thumb and a concussion. Although these setbacks came with the inability to be on the field, he used this time to his advantage.
“[I built] my faith and my relationship with Christ,” Ward said. “I still decided to support my team and go where they went.”
Ward has built lifelong friendships while playing the sport he loves. He truly believes the connections he has made through lacrosse changed the way he views this game.
“[I’ve connected with] Reading Blount, Brody Jones, Ryan Jones and Aidan McCarthy,” Ward said. “I’m playing a game I love with my friends, and I get to enjoy it with them.”
Ward’s coaches have greatly impacted his playing. Rose assistant coach, Cameron Evans,
described Ward’s coachability as very easy and understanding.
“He understands the game and the rationale behind coaching recommendations,” Evans said.
Ward’s devotion to the sport is very evident to not just his coaches but his teammates as well.
“Elliott is a leader on and off the field,” Evans said. “He has the desire to learn and compete.”
In the future, Ward hopes to take his passion and move up to the next level, then pursue a medical career.
“I definitely want to play in college, and after that, I want to go into the medical field,” Ward
said.
