As I sit here writing this letter back home in New York, I really am not sure where to even begin. Never in a million years would I or anyone have thought that a virus pandemic would shut down the entire nation. Furthermore, I never would have thought it would end my lacrosse career early during my senior season. As athletes across the world are all going through this difficult process, it’s heartbreaking for everyone. Many seniors never got the opportunity to finish off their collegiate athletic career the way they wanted and with a bang. As COVID-19 continues to cause this world pandemic and difficult time for athletes, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on the amazing times I had with my lacrosse family.
Growing up, it was always a dream of mine to play collegiate lacrosse for a stellar program with a great coaching staff and teammates. Upon graduating high school in 2016, I was blessed with the opportunity to do just that. First, I would like to share a special thanks to my parents who have supported me over the years in every way possible and for their constant love and encouragement. Next, I would like to thank Coach Fahey for recruiting me to Concordia and for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love across the country. Thank you for all your dedication and endless hours you have put into this winning lacrosse program.
To all my coaches over my four years at Concordia (Fahey, Scarcello, Fuqua, Asmundson and Pallex), thank you for teaching me the essentials to becoming a great lacrosse player and for always pushing me to constantly improve. From practices, film sessions, to bus trips and games, I have learned so much on and off the field and I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for your endless motivation and support.
To all my teammates I have had, you guys are all family to me and always will be. Thanks for all the memories over the years and for always being there for me through the good and bad times. I will miss each and every one of you.
Finally, I would like to take this section to point out the rest of the seniors. The ones who were there on move in day with me freshman year. Men, it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you guys over the years and playing lacrosse with y’all. Thanks for always pushing me to become the best possible lacrosse player I could be and for always having my back. Thank you for all the memories we have made, they will last a lifetime and I know we will all keep in touch. We are family forever.
Sincerely,
Ben Gramarossa