After his college lacrosse career ended brilliantly with a National Championship at Dowling, Vito DeMola was inked by Rochester of Major League Lacrosse in March. Two weeks later he got a call from Lizards coach Joe Spallina saying he was traded to his hometown Long Island club.
Originally his goal was just to make the active roster, and then once that was achieved it was to become an integral part of squad. After his debut in a 14-11 victory over Boston on Sunday, DeMola will probably be seeing ample time on the field this season. He scored two goals in the win.
“It is such an amazing opportunity to play the sport I love at the next level,” he said. “Ending my college career winning a National Championship was the highlight of my career and then a pro career was born and I just get to keep making more memories.”
DeMola’s family and friends have been with him on this lacrosse journey since day one, but there might not be anyone as proud as his 12-year-old brother.
“I’m happy he is able to experience this with me as well as the rest of my family, but as a little lax player he is living his dream too,” DeMola said.
DeMola, who graduated from Sachem East, is on the same roster as Sachem alum Doug Shanahan. DeMola attended Shanahan’s first instructional camp at the PAL Complex in Holbrook back in 2003.
“I guess we have really come full circle,” he said.
DeMola’s debut comes just weeks after fellow Sachem East alum Keith Kinkaid made his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro