Carson Myers – Gettysburg College – Lacrosse 

As a junior, Myers has two years left with his Friar Brothers; however, following graduation in 2023, he will be continuing his career playing Division 3 lacrosse in Pennsylvania. 

When determining a school, Carson wanted to compete at a high level of lacrosse, but prioritized his academics.

“The commitment process definitely felt pretty long. Feels good to be done and know where I am going. I had a decent amount of interest from multiple D1 schools that weren’t what I was looking for academically which is why I decided to prioritize academics while still competing at a competitive level of lacrosse,” Myers said. 

Carson’s persistence and commitment to the sport of lacrosse along with the support of his family and friends ultimately helped Carson with his recruitment process. 

“I would definitely say my family and coaches helped me the most throughout the process. My family was super supportive and always willing to take me out to visits, some up to 5 hour drives away. My coaches from both Malvern and club also helped a lot with finding the right fit for me, which is of the utmost importance,” Myers said. 

Allured by the balance of the challenging academics, a top-tier lacrosse program, and an inspiring head coach, Carson fell in love with Gettysburg.

“When I was on campus there was definitely a feel factor where I could see myself there for the next four years after Malvern. I also got along great with Coach Toner who shared a lot of the same values as me and had a drive to win a national championship that I shared. The academics at Gettysburg are also great, which is obviously a major piece of it and led to me finding the perfect balance between a top lacrosse program and great academics,” Myers stated.

Carson’s dedication to pursue the sport of lacrosse helped him lay out a set of goals for his future at Gettysburg. He made it clear that academics should always be kept on the same level as his athletic goals.

“I have a lot of goals both athletically and academically that I want to accomplish at Gettysburg. Athletically the main goal Coach Toner and I have talked about is going to and winning a National Championship on a team I will have a real impact on. I also am making it my goal to be an Academic All-American at least one of my four seasons at Gettysburg,” Myers said.

Carson’s ultimate advice for younger athletes is to find their interest in life and pursue whatever passion that fits them best. 

“I would say the major thing is it should never be D1 or bust. Whatever the best fit for you is the place you should go,” Myers said. “‘You’ being the important part of that because whatever people think or say about where you end up shouldn’t affect your decision. Do what’s best for you.”

John Romano – Penn State Behrend – Water Polo

The recruiting process started for Romano in the summer of 2020, right before his junior year. Like many athletes, most of his season was canceled, but Romano was still able to play for his club team with Malvern’s head coach, Jay Schiller. 

“I was being recruited sophomore summer into the junior fall season, and then had a shutdown with minimal games,” Romano said. “However I was able to develop film and send it out. I play club in the spring and summer, with Coach Schiller, and that helped a huge bit with commitment and recruiting.” 

This process lasted until Romano’s senior season, and he announced his commitment in November. 

“Senior year I had a full fall season and was able to get some big exposure from August till October which led me to commit in mid-November,” Romano said.

Penn State Behrend wasn’t one of Romano’s top schools at first, but after playing his senior season, he decided it was the right fit.

“PSB was not always one of my top school choices,” Romano said. “Their head coach reached out to me after a skills combine and said he liked what he saw. I sent him my junior highlights from the club and school season and he was interested. I went for an official visit and they offered me. I had decided before all of this that I was going to wait till my season was over to commit to a school. I ended up choosing Penn State. It was my major and I loved the team and campus atmosphere.”

Romano notes that his biggest influences include his parents and Coach Jay Schiller.

“They [Romano’s parents] are always there to support me at games, tournaments, skills, combines, you name it they are there cheering me on and that means a lot to me. Also, Coach Schiller, of course, was an influential part of my growth within the sport. He has been my coach for six years in water polo and swimming and really taught me the game along with introducing me to college coaches along the way,” Romano said.

Going forward, Romano’s goal on the collegiate level is to adjust to the new style of play and maybe even win the “Natty Chip.”

“Right now my coach at Penn State is creating a very strong team for the future,” Romano said. “There were eight recruits in the freshman class last year and my class currently has four commits with more on the way. I’m hoping that we can be divisional winners within the next two years, and maybe even play at D3 champs for a shot at the Natty Chip. Personally, I am excited to play college polo and get adjusted to a new type of game.”

Romano’s advice for a younger athlete is to make the most of the off-season, working on their ball skills and swimming.

 “I think some good advice is to put in the effort in the off-season,” Romano said. “Swimming regularly on a school or club team is a necessity. Coaches won’t want you if you are slow. Get your name out there and reach out to as many coaches as possible. Make a highlight reel or tape and get film from games and combines. Take advantage of every opportunity to play.”