Congratulations to Josh Nicholson (Edge 2015) on his recent commitment to attend Brevard college! Josh has been with the Edge program for 2 years now and has quickly developed into a strong shut down defender. The 6'1, 170lbs, Whitby, Ontario native began playing his minor lacrosse at the age of 8 with the Whitby Minor Lacrosse Association. "Josh has been a delight to coach. He has a top tier work ethic, he's physical and has a very high lacrosse IQ as well as great speed and athleticism to aid him in clearing the ball. He will certainly work his way into a strong leadership role and should prove to be the back bone of Brevards D during his tenure there" said Edge 2015 head coach Marc Burton. Josh is currently enrolled at Henry St High School playing with their spring varsity lacrosse team. We would like to wish Josh the best of luck both in the classroom and on the field at Brevard, we have no doubt that he will have an immediate impact with their program!

We had a chance to catch up with Josh

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

I first began playing lacrosse at the age of 8, playing minor box lacrosse in Whitby, Ontario. Later playing rep lacrosse in Whitby where I was first introduced to field lacrosse. I am currently enrolled at Henry St. High School playing on the spring varsity lacrosse team. I am looking to forward to Junior box lacrosse tryouts in the coming weeks.

Why did you choose to attend Brevard?

I chose to attend Brevard College because it is a brand new program starting its first season in 2014. I ultimately chose Brevard because I want to be part of the school’s lacrosse foundation and help build the program for future years to come. I immediately connected with the boys on the team and respect the coaching staff and the vision to build the team.  Brevard is also a small school with the ideal classes for me which made my decision simple.

What are you looking forward to most at Brevard??

I am looking forward to being part of a new program and having a great chance at winning a national championship in my 4 years at Brevard. I feel I can really contribute at the defensive end of the field and learn more in the process to continue to develop my game.  Playing lacrosse while getting a degree is an awesome combination.

What are your future ambitions beyond NCAA lax?

My future ambitions beyond the NCAA are to complete my Master’s degree in a business related course. After that I plan on going to grad school possibly in the USA and obtain a law degree. I want to be able to give back to the lacrosse community as a coach/mentor and continue as a referee, the little kids are the best to ref!

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 2012 fall season after hearing how impressive they were after competing with the top teams in the USA. My experience with Edge was phenomenal. The coaching staff and everyone involved with the program, including current and past NCAA players, where a tremendous help in shaping me into a lacrosse player that college coaches found eye-catching. Being only in the program for a season and a half I can defiantly say that Edge is the top premier field lacrosse program in Canada.

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

To any Edge players in the recruiting process or soon to be I would advise to never judge the school by the division it plays in. Remember that education comes first and to play lacrosse is a bonus.  To make it all happen there is a lot to balance, including practicing, working out at the gym, keeping up your grades, creating your profile, reaching out to coaches and creating video highlights that will make a coach want to come watch YOU play.  It is very satisfying when all the hard work opens doors for you and EDGE is there to help through the entire recruitment process.  

Best/Favourite memory playing with EDGE?

My favourite memory playing with EDGE is my very first game with the program. I had never played a game in the United States, I had no idea what to expect, after I stepped foot on the field, it was nothing like I had ever played before. I will always remember the rush of that game.

Feel free to include any shout-outs, special thanks

I would like to thank Marc Burton, Stu Brown, Alan Tsang and the rest of the edge family. Without the EDGE program I wouldn’t have been able to complete my dream of getting a lacrosse scholarship. Also John Phillips, coaching me for two years in Whitby and having the greatest impact on my lacrosse career. But more importantly teaching me some of the most valuable life and lacrosse lessons . I would also like to thank my parents for investing all the time and money into me and for introducing me to the game of lacrosse.