Francis Lee ’16, Cole Testaiuti ’16: On the lacrosse field it takes a vast array of leadership qualities to stand out in such a way that the athlete of the month, Matt Blommer ‘16, continuously does. Standing at six feet four inches, he is the perfect size to be a top notch defender, but it is more than his physical capability that helps him to succeed. Last year, Blommer was thrown into a serious starting position as a sophomore.
Blommer said, “The 2014 season was important to my development. I had to work even harder to fit the spot.” Blommer spent last season working physically, but also learning the mental piece of the game. He had to work and practice for many hours to develop what is widely known as “lacrosse IQ.” Blommer is an apparent force on the defensive side of the field and credits his capability to two things. “I think, other than my size, the most important aspect of my game is my ‘lacrosse IQ’ and communication.”
Photo Courtesy of Susan Coote
Blommer had much to say about his own game, but still sought to focus on the team aspect, especially since the 2015 team is entering a season of re-emergence after many tough losses last year. The boys’ lacrosse team was 8-13 last year with an unfortunate 0-5 start. When discussing the goals each team strives toward, Blommer noted, “As it was last year, our goal as a team is to win the Inter-Ac title. We haven’t won it in over 20 years.” It seems the InterAc title is a large driving force for the team. The timeline has gone on too long since the last lacrosse Inter-Ac title. Teams in the past have come very close, both 2012 and 2013 were more or less one game shy of obtaining it, but came up short. Blommer is fixed on this goal with emphatic confidence, commenting, “I think this year we have an incredible opportunity to claim it.”
Although Blommer knows he possesses the traits of a great lacrosse player and athlete, by no means were they self taught. The Episcopal Academy Boys’ Lacrosse team is coach by a staff of many experienced, and skilled coaches, including Head Coach Andy Hayes and Defensive Coach Will Gibbs. “My coaches played a huge role in my development as a lacrosse player. Coach Hayes has motivated me to reach my full potential. Also, Coach Gibbs has been an incredible coach and developed me into a smarter defenseman.”
Blommer also attributed his commitment to the University of Notre Dame for lacrosse to his coaches, adding that, “Coach Hayes also helped a lot with my college process.” It is clear that Notre Dame is something Blommer is passionate about, as it is something he has worked towards for countless hours. “My commitment to Notre Dame was exciting, but it was the process that taught me the most. I learned how to set goals, work hard, be resilient and use disappointments to motivate me.”
Blommer’s road to commitment and rough seasons passed have taught him a lot about lacrosse and life. Heading into his junior year season, this month’s athlete of the month, Matthew Blommer still shows the motivation and resilience that pushes him every day and will be sure to push him far beyond his years of lacrosse.