Get ready for a new kind of freshman orientation. This week's lesson will be led by Steve Boyle, a first-year student-athlete here on campus. Steven's got a lot of wisdom for a mere freshman, and he's come up with quite an agenda.
First off, a newcomer to Hopkins should settle in. Boyle knows all about settling -- sure, he's placed his shirts, Easy Mac and micro-fridge strategically around his cozy Wolman dorm room. He's memorized his schedule and pinpointed the best times to dine at Fresh Food Caf8e. What Boyle settles best though, are lacrosse balls. In goals, that is. He makes sure to perfectly settle the ball in the net, often times settling the score as well. Take for instance Saturday's game against c9 oh, only the top team in the nation.
As the first half of the game came to a close, the Blue Jays were trailing Princeton 2-3. Boyle not only settled that ball in its comfy home of mesh netting but also made sure to take care of the scoreboard before halftime. Every Hopkins freshman needs to learn how to plan. Boyle also knows a few things when it comes to planning. This student athlete has learned to juggle a whopping four classes, daily practice, and a girlfriend. Not to mention extracurricular activities on Saturday nights!
"When you have to get stuff done, you have to get stuff done," Boyle said. If you can't handle the profundity of Boyle's wisdom, I encourage you to stop reading this article right now. What Boyle has mastered besides NHL 07 is how to carry himself at all times. He's modest, collected, mature and respectful. Do keep in mind that we're talking about a freshman here. But don't take my word for it. Listen to his junior teammate George Castle.
"It is sometimes hard being a freshman at this level, but I think Steve is handling it nicely," Castle said. "He is a nice kid and great to be around."
As a freshman, one must show respect for one's older, more knowledgeable colleagues. And even though Boyle has already proven that he is wiser than most first-year students, he's quick to give credit to his inspiring older teammates.
"I look up to [senior] Jake Byrne, [junior] Paul Rabil and [senior] Steve Peyser," Boyle said. "They're hard workers and set things up for the team."
He also appreciates Hopkins' exquisite coaching staff.
"The coaches are really great," Boyle said. "They teach us a lot [and] they obviously have a great knowledge about the sport."
What does this fountain of wisdom wish for his team's future?
"I'd like to go to the Final Four and try to win the National Championship," Boyle said. In order to achieve this, Boyle plans on tweaking a few specific areas of his game, specifically, his offensive proficiency.
"I'd like to improve my shooting skills," Boyle said.
From Saturday's performance, however, it seems like Boyle's shooting skills need little adjustment, as Boyle zipped in three goals and was named the Inside Lacrosse Classic Player of the Game. And though this may be his first major contribution to the Hopkins' team, Boyle has been helping out since he began playing in sixth grade. After an eight-year career, the wise one has developed quite a passion for lacrosse.
That's another thing Boyle understands that many freshmen still battle -- understanding and following his passion. True, he may not know his major yet, or be able to articulate exactly why he adores the game so much. But he does what he loves, without even thinking about it on or off the field. It's a blind commitment that many skeptical Hopkins freshmen aren't willing to make.
"He plays like a veteran," junior long-stick midfielder Matt Bocklet said. True, Boyle has shown the student body that he has the wisdom and skills of no average freshman. But don't think this athlete of eighteen years is too old for his age. Finally, after accrediting teammates, mentioning areas for improvement, emphasizing time management and naming goals for the future, he exposes his more freshman-like feelings about the weekend.
"Yeah, it was a pretty cool feeling I guess," Boyle said. Spoken like a senior sage.