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Edge Commitment - Marc Antoine Pion

By MW, 03/03/14, 2:45PM EST

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Congratulations to Marc-Antoine Pion (Edge 2015) on his recent commitment to attend Harvard University in the fall of 2015!  Marc-Antoine joined the Edge program in the fall of 2012 and was our first ever out-of-province Edge member.  The 5’11, 190lbs, Montreal Quebec native began his lacrosse career at College Jean-de-Brebeuf in grade 7.  Since then Marc-Antoine has grown into a very solid defender who has the ability to shut down  opposing offensive threats.  ”We were fortunate to have had Marc Antoine for a season.  He showed his ability and tenacity each time he touched the field.  He really only has 1 speed and 1 level of intensity.  This proved to be his biggest asset, as many opposing attackmen and middies did not like to play against him.  He will make a great defender at Harvard” said Edge 2015 head coach Marc Burton.  Pion is currently enrolled at IMG academy.  We would like to wish Marc-Antoine the best of luck at Harvard both in the classroom and on the field.  We have no doubt that he will be a great asset to the Harvard defence for years to come!

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

I first began playing lacrosse in my hometown of Montreal at College Jean-de-Brebeuf in Grade 7. I am currently enrolled at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and play for their Varsity and National lacrosse teams. Before attending IMG, I played for the Westmount Lynx in Montreal, and Edge.

Why did you choose to attend Harvard?



I strongly believe that Harvard is the only university where I could truly develop not only as an athlete, but also as a student, and most importantly a person. No other school can offer an academic reputation like Harvard. The staff and the players are very welcoming, and the facilities are without equal.

What are you looking forward to most at Harvard??



I’m looking forward to playing at the next level, and going to college at one of the best schools in the world.

What are your future ambitions beyond NCAA lax?



Beyond NCAA lacrosse, I really want to make a difference in the lacrosse community in Montreal, where lacrosse isn’t as popular as it is, for example, in Ontario. I want to help the sport grow, and pass on my passion to the younger or less experienced players.

Can you provide some insight into your experience with EDGE, when did you join the program? How did you hear about the program?



I joined the Edge program in the fall of 2012. It was an enriching experience for me because I got to play with one of the best clubs in North America. I was the first player from Quebec to ever play with Edge, and I believe that is very important because lots of incredible players are developing in Quebec, and it’s paramount they have an opportunity like I did. I heard about the program after the All Canada Games in 2012, and as soon as the opportunity to play for Edge presented itself, I knew I wanted to play for the program.

What advice do you have for any future EDGE players about the recruitment process?

I think that the most important pieces of advice I could give to future Edge players about the recruitment process would be to take their time, and work hard on every aspect of recruitment, especially academics.

Best/Favourite memory playing with EDGE?

I really enjoyed playing at the MVP Tournament in 2013 because it was my first time playing with the team, and Edge went undefeated in the tournament.

Describe the type of lacrosse player you are, who did you look up to growing up? Who would you compare yourself to now? 



I consider myself an athletic defenseman. I am not particularly big compared to defensemen in the NCAA, but I think that through my hard work on the field and in the weight room, I compensate for my lack in height. Growing up, I looked up to all the players on the McGill University lacrosse team because they play the best level available in Montreal.

Feel free to include any shout-outs, special thanks

I would like to firstly thank my mom for how much time she has invested in helping me reach my NCAA goal. I am incredibly grateful for everything she’s done for me. Also, I would like to thank the people who initiated me to lacrosse: Phil Lalonde and Jacques Boisvert. I would also like to thank Tim Murdoch from McGill for always having been there to help me during the recruiting process and teaching me advanced principles. Being the first French Canadian player to commit to play D1 lacrosse is something very big for me, and I truly believe that paving way for the future generations of lacrosse players in Quebec is something of great importance.