There’s a new trend going around Sachem North lacrosse and it’s one of honor and class. At a rapid pace, student-athletes are committing to play at service academies.
Keith McCoy is the latest to add his name to the list after signing a National Letter of Intent to play for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
“The USMMA has many options for myself in all aspects,” he said. “The Academy has a good lacrosse program, a beautiful campus, a one of a kind academic program, and military discipline.”
He said he hopes to work on ships as an engineer for a few years after graduation and then move up the corporate ladder.
McCoy, a defenseman, was also considering Providence, Vermont, Tufts and SUNY Maritime before settling on the USMAA, which affords him many benefits and the opportunity to play on Long Island.
“It is nice knowing where I will be for my years to come and I hope to visit campus a few more times so that I have a sense of feeling at home before really calling King’s Point my home,” he said.
Last year he was the fourth defenseman on Sachem’s depth chart, but after off-season work and elevating his game this summer his stock has risen.
“We believe he will still continue to develop and be a force for us on defense,” said Sachem coach Jay Mauro.
He has unfinished business first, however, at Sachem. This year has all the makings of a special one for the Flaming Arrows.
“This year we are full of talent and chemistry,” he said. “When we play our best lacrosse I think that we are a State Title competitor. I also believe that the only team that can beat us is ourselves. If we all stay focused, we can shock many people.”
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro