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EDGE Announcement - Matthew Di Lella

By AT, 08/19/15, 11:45AM EDT

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Congratulations to EDGE 2017, Matthew Di Lella on his verbal commitment to Quinnipiac University! Matthew, a product of Oakville minor lacrosse, started with the EDGE program at U11 and has developed over time into one of the top LSM's in Ontario. Matthew is currently a student at The Hill Academy where he is learning from one of the best LSM's in the world, Brodie Merrill. Matthew has enjoyed success on the field as a member of the EDGE 2017 team that won NSCLA, Philly Showcase in 2014. Matt also won a National Championship with Team Ontario Field in 2014. Matt has also represent EDGE at various elite showcases like the Warrior Select Showcase and Maverick Showtime.

Matt is best described as a smart and athletic player who can impact the game on both ends of the field. Matt has good vision on the field and uses his speed to push the ball in transition and make correct plays up field. Matt excels on defense, utilizing his footwork and agility to stay with his man and has excellent stick checks to bother and strip opponents. EDGE 2017 Coach, Adam Lukanchoff, had this to say about Matt: Matt is a tremendous player, with an incredible ability to read plays before they occur. He has the ability to push the ball up field and create offense in transition from the defensive side of the ball.  Every time Matt is on the field he is a threat at both ends. Matt will excel at the collegeiate level and is a great addition for the Bobcats. 

We had a chance to speak with Matt about his experience and time with EDGE. 

Where did you first begin playing lacrosse? Where are you currently enrolled/playing?

MD - I first began playing lacrosse for the Oakville Hawks when I was 7 years old. I tried out for the Hawks because the Hawks assistant coach was also my hockey coach and he encouraged me to get involved once the hockey season ended. I loved the sport immediately and never looked back from there.  I currently play at the Hill Academy and I play box lacrosse for the Oakville Buzz Junior B team.

Why did you choose Quinnipiac?

MD - I chose Quinnipiac because when I visited the school in June I initially fell in love with the campus and the school buildings, but more importantly, I chose this school because when I meet the coaching staff, Coach (Eric) Fekete, (Mason) Poli and (Bill) Tully, I felt a sense of commitment and passion for the sport that I knew I wanted to be a part of.  I know I will learn a lot from this coaching staff, and as a result, I will grow both as a person and player. I am looking forward to being a part of a lacrosse program that is growing rapidly and I hope to be able to make a difference in the future.

What are you looking forward to most at?

MD - Beside being a part of the lacrosse team, I am really looking forward to becoming engaged in the extra curricular activities offered as well as the social aspect of the school.  I am also looking forward to being a part of the school spirit and representing the Bobcats wherever I go, not only in lacrosse, but in supporting other sports teams like hockey and basketball.

Future ambitions and goals beyond NCAA lax?

MD - My future goals and ambitions beyond NCAA is to get a degree in engineering from Quinnipiac. Over the years I have developed an interest in both the maths and sciences and academically I do very well in those subject areas.  Therefore, I believe I could be very successful as an engineer and I have even considered opening my own engineering firm in the future.

When did you join Edge? Can you tell us about your experience in the program?

MD - I joined Edge at 10 years old when it was first offered to my age group. The team I tried out for was U11.  I remember after playing that first year of Edge that I knew my goal would be to try to get a scholarship and play in the NCAA.  My experience with the Edge program has been extremely positive.  Some of my greatest memories have come from playing on the Edge teams and travelling all over the United States.  Edge is a great program because it not only encourages team play and personal development, but it also emphasizes academic achievement.  This unique program helps Canadians get into the NCAA.  Edge is also such a great experience because of the great friendships that develop.  I have been fortunate enough to play with such skilled athletes from all over as well as play against some of the best lacrosse players in North America.  Some of these friendships began in my first year at Edge and I am proud to say we are still great friends who continue to support each other now.

Any future advice for Edge members?

MD - Some advice that I have for future Edge players is to stick with the process. It's long and difficult at times, but it can also be very rewarding.  Something my coaches at school continue to say and it has resonated with me  is,  "control what you can and everything else will work out.”

Favourite memory with Edge?

MD - My favourite memory with Edge has to be the summer of 2014 because of the success we had with all the tournaments we entered.  It was especially memorable because we won NSCLA and beat the Crabs in overtime of the semi-final game.

Any shout-outs, special thanks?

MD - I would like to start off by thanking my family.  My parents made a lot of sacrifices to help me get to this point in my lacrosse career and helping me realize my dream.  I would like to thank my dad for giving up his weekends to drive me all over the States and my mom for instilling good organization skills. I would also like to thank my high school, The Hill Academy, for helping to push my game to the next level and for mentoring me both on and off the field.  The Edge organization has introduced me to many people who influenced my development and although Coach Jason Donville was my Hawks coach first, he was instrumental in guiding me while playing for Edge and remains an important part of this journey.  I would also like to thank Coach Adam Lukanchoff  and Coach Adam Gardner for their continuous support of my defensive skills.  I would like to thank Stu Brown and Alan Tsang for helping to get my name out to college coaches by booking us into the best tournaments and hosting the Great Lakes Showcase.  Finally, I would like to thank my teammates from the Edge 2017.  These boys are all great players and great friends and I look forward to seeing you on the field!  


Matt's 1st season w/ EDGE