Congrats to Edge 2016 Liam Hamilton on his commitment to Monroe Community College! Liam, a product of the Markham minor lacrosse association joined up with the Edge program in the fall of 2014. Monroe Community College is Junior College (NJCAA) and located in Rochester, NY. The Monroe Tribunes finished the 2015 season 8-7 and ranked 14th in the NJCAA. Liam is hoping to help contribute to another winning season in 2016 while continuing his studies and eventually transfer to an NCAA program. 

We had a chance to catch up with Liam about his experience with EDGE and decision to attend MCC. 

Where did you first begin playing lacrosse?

LH - I started to play in Markham at the age of 8. I was first introduced to lacrosse when I was in grade 1 when my father came home with Toronto Rock tickets. I didn't know what the Toronto Rock was or what sport they played. All I knew was I was going to the Air Canada Centre which is all that mattered to me at the time. I remember the Rock were playing the Bandits and someone on Buffalo scored and did a back flip off the glass. I was mind blown. I asked my dad to sign me up for lacrosse ASAP and the rest is history.

Where are you currently enrolled?

LH - I am enrolled at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York for fall 2015.

Why did you choose MCC?

LH - I chose Monroe Community College for multiple reasons. One being the location of the school; Monroe CC is located in Rochester. Rochester isn't far from home and is a great lacrosse town with two professional teams. Both Coach Ross and Coach McSorley do an amazing job running the lacrosse program and showed keen interest to have me involved from our first meeting. I can not wait to get the first steps of my career started at Monroe CC.

What are you most looking forward to at MCC?

LH - What I am most looking forward to at MCC is being apart of a great team. I can only imagine what it would be like for someone moving to a different country and not knowing anyone. I will be in the same position but I will instantly have 30 new family members/teamates that always have my back and I will always have theirs.

Can you tell us about your decision to attend MCC and what your goal is at the school?

LH - I had strong interest from some D2 schools but due to NCAA academic eligibility requirements I decided to pursue the Junior College route. I had a number of opportunities from JuCos in New York state and I decided to choose Monroe CC because they offer all the courses I want to take in my field of study, Sports Management. My goal at MCC is to help the team be in the top 10 rankings every week of the season and transfer to a 4 year school when i finish my Associate's Degree.

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

LH - I joined Edge in the fall of 2014. I initially was cut from my local club team as their staring left handed attack men had already committed to top D1 programs and the backups had committed to strong D2 programs, so there was not room for me. We received an email from True North and we went to the tryouts. At those tryouts Alan noticed me, pulled me aside and said "What's your name? I think we have spot for you at Edge". My experience with Edge has been nothing but great. If I had never gone to the True North tryouts, I would have never meet Alan and be involved with the Edge program. 

Any future advice for Edge members?

LH - This is probably the most common advice for lacrosse players, always keep your stick in your hands or near by. Carry the stick around the house, play wall ball as much as you can and even bring it out with your friends.  I'll tell you, the best moments with my friends are when we play catch in my backyard or when we play catch in a school field. This everyone should know but is always a good reminder, school is the most important aspect for a student athlete, keep your grades up. 

Favourite memory with Edge.

LH - The fall season we had in 2014 was pretty special. We lost only 2 games of our 13 I believe. 

Who did you look up to growing up?

LH - Everybody had a favourite athlete growing up. Mine was Darcy Tucker. In his day, Darcy was probably the toughest, meanest, small player in the NHL.. His dedication to get the puck was surreal. I'd have to say my role model is and always will be my Father. He does so much for me. Words cannot express how lucky I am to have such a good father figure in my life.

Special shoutouts

LH - Thank you to my fantastic parents for the support I have received over the years, this whole journey wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for you guys being by my side through the good times and bad times. 

A special thanks to Edge and all my coaches who have helped me improve my skills over the years. 

A big shoutout for Markham Lacrosse and everyone who has helped me become the player i am today.

Huge shout-out to my past and present teammates.