The outlook for the West Virginia University men’s lacrosse team this season is high. Coming off the team’s best season in school history, there are numerous expectations to look forward to in 2020.
No one may be more confident than junior defensemen Jake Purdy, who was recently named team president and co-captain for the upcoming campaign. Purdy, a native of Granville, OH, is an athletic coaching education major with a sport communication minor.
The WVU men’s lacrosse team is returning all but one starter from last season. As a team leader, Purdy says he has focused his energy to ensure success on the field for the Mountaineers. “We are ready to ball out and show the country WVU lacrosse isn’t a joke anymore,” Purdy said.
Meanwhile, Purdy serves as the assistant head coach/defensive coordinator for the University High School boy’s lacrosse team in Morgantown. Purdy says this role has allowed him to develop as a leader and student-athlete, while gaining a better understanding of the game and becoming knowledgeable about different defenses and how to decipher them.
“I have often found myself in leadership positions on various teams, which have given me the opportunity to see the bigger picture of the game rather than my own individual performance,” says Purdy. His ultimate career goal is to become a high school teacher and full-time lacrosse coach, to help his athletes on the field and in the classroom.
Purdy’s decision to enroll in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences was inevitable. “I had heard great things from former ACE graduates and all they’ve achieved. I liked how the curriculum was hands-on, as I believe that is what coaching is all about,” stated Purdy.
He credits Brian Houk, head lacrosse coach and former ACE graduate as his mentor in CPASS. “Brian has helped me with anything I needed surrounding coaching and lacrosse. We have an interesting relationship and have got to know each other well over the years,” added Purdy.
As for advice for incoming WVU students, Purdy says students should take advantage of the many clubs and social activities on campus. “Join a club and meet people you normally wouldn’t meet. You will gain experiences and personal connections that may go a long way,” he said.
Purdy says his favorite aspect about Morgantown is the unity between Mountaineer students. “The pride in Morgantown is immense, which every school does not have,” he said.