Luke Breitenecker ’23 is a three-year Senior and member of the Boys Varsity Lacrosse. Next year Breitenecker will play lacrosse for Lafayette University. Teammate Sean Donovan ’23 said, “Luke is an outstanding teammate and person. He has a large presence on the field that pushes the team to be its best. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play with him.” 

How did you start playing lacrosse? 

I started playing lacrosse when I was in first grade. My dad played in college and really wanted me to play as well, so he passed it onto me at a young age. At first, I didn’t really enjoy playing and just ran with it, but eventually I fell in love with lacrosse. Who has inspired you during your time on the team and why? One person who has inspired me during my Lower Mid year was my captain Ryan Sellew ’21. He led by example and always had a smile on his face. He was constantly pushing other players in a good way. Head Coach Andrew D’Ambrosio is also a great coach who pushes us to be our best. At times he can be tough on us, but it’s because he cares. At the end of the day, he just wants us to be our best on and off the field. 

What do you love most about lacrosse? 

The people I’ve gotten to know through playing lacrosse. The friends I’ve made are ones I’ll keep for the rest of my life, and the places lacrosse has gotten me, like allowing me to play in college. When I was younger, I was a guest player for Harlem Lacrosse, which let me meet and play with underprivileged kids. It was amazing to see them get the resources they needed to play lacrosse. I still keep in touch with some of the players. 

How has being a member of the team improved your play? 

During my Lower Mid year, I wasn’t really the player that I am now. I was able to get a few minutes here and there and make an impact, but my Upper Mid year I finally got my starting spot on attack, and I got to play with more confidence. The past two years, I’ve been able to gain a shooter’s role – initiating, dodging, and feeding other players at the X. Practices are good, because Coach D’Ambrosio picks drills that help us fine-tune our skills. If we’re doing something wrong, he’ll let us know. The team here has a pretty rich culture. 

What advice would you give to younger athletes? 

Push yourself and, when something feels uncomfortable, just keep going with it. Something that I’m still working on that feels a little uncomfortable is playing with my off-hand. But you just keep practicing and just keep sticking with it. I think that’s what can make lacrosse fun, seeing yourself grow. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and remember at the end of the day it’s a game – so just go out, have fun, and be with your friends. 

What is one of your most memorable moments playing here? 

My Lower Mid year was shortened because of Covid, but we were able to play against Taft, and during that year they were ranked first in the country. We played against players who are now on the big stage with ACC teams, and it was cool to share the field with them. We were able to keep the game going really well. This year, we were up on Taft when they were fifth in the country. The atmosphere was really fun, and I’m grateful I got the opportunity to play at such a high level.