ANNAPOLIS, Md. — For BJ Burlace, lacrosse is life.
“Lacrosse has been in my blood since forever,” he said. “My dad played. My mom played. All my aunts and uncles played.”
BJ has too. He never had a choice. The St. Mary's senior wouldn't have it any other way.
“Since the day I was born I've had a lacrosse stick in my hand. So, it's been second nature to play lacrosse.”
What's also been second nature is his drive to succeed.
All fall and winter BJ's team worked out five days a week. He didn't miss one day.
Why?
“They want to be the best,” he said. “To be successful.”
Mission accomplished.
BJ is All-Metro, All-MIAA 'A'Conference, All-Area and All-County. The long stick midfielder leads on the field as a captain and a four-year varsity starter.
“He has a target on him when he goes on the field, because he's been in this league for four years, and he's handling that very well this year,” said St. Mary's Head Lacrosse Coach Victor Lilly. “Throughout his time the kids have looked up to him, the kids that are beneath him or even his peers. They sort of follow BJ. It's basically another coach on the field.”
“I've always wanted to be a captain. It's something I've looked up to since my freshman year,” added Burlace.
BJ also leads in the classroom as part of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and Ambassador Club.
“I've always been great with my homework and all academic activities. My mom's always pushed me to get it all done on time, get it before and just be the best I can be.”
BJ volunteers his time to several charities.
This fall he'll attend Yale and suit up for the Bulldogs next spring.
Congratulations BJ Burlace. You're this week's M&T Bank Student Athlete of the Week.
To nominate a student athlete to be the next M&T Bank Student Athlete of the Week click here.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerWMAR and Facebook
