Nolan Ruiz, Hempfield High School, senior, midfielder
Q: What’s origin story in terms of lacrosse?
Ruiz: “I was in second grade. My one friend invited me to a fall ball thing where coaches wanted players to invite friends in hopes to grow the sport. I’ve been playing ever since.”
Q: What are some team strengths?
Ruiz: “We are very good on the defensive side of the ball. We have a D-I goalie (NCAA Division I recruit) Nathan Louie who is going to play at Mercer. Our clearing could use a little bit of work. We just need to find a way that’s consistent for us to do it. We’ve been trying a couple different things. We haven’t found a way that’s effective just yet.”
Q: You have a new head coach in Mike O’Donnell, the former Ephrata head coach. What do you like about playing for him thus far?
Ruiz: “He’s great. It’s been tough but it’s a fantastic thing. It’s a step in the right direction. He knows what he’s doing. He cares about us. And he’s not afraid to put his foot down and show us the right way to do things?”
Q: What game are you looking forward to the most?
Ruiz: “Manheim Township.”
Q: Any plans after high school?
Ruiz: “I’m going to (NCAA Division III) Widener University to play lacrosse and study civil engineering.”
Q: What’s the goal with civil engineering?
Ruiz: “I took an engineering class in high school and I loved it. Learning about the construction of buildings, roads, bridges.”
Q: Time for some fun questions. What’s your favorite school subject?
Ruiz: “Math. I’m in calculus right now.”
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
Ruiz: “Does a Nintendo Wii count?”
Q: If you had tickets to any sporting event or concert, where are you going?
Ruiz: “Tame Impala for music. The Super Bowl. A Philadelphia Eagles game. I’ve attended a Johns Hopkins men’s lacrosse game, and Notre Dame vs. Duke men’s lacrosse game.”
Q: Now that you’re a senior, what advice would you give yourself as a freshman?
Ruiz: “Put in more work outside of practice with stick skills and stuff like that.”
