Cassidy Sheppard ’18: This season senior captain Jake Martellucci ‘17 has proven that he is a key asset to the Episcopal Academy’s Boys Lacrosse Team’s offensive game. He has consistently contributed to the team by bringing his positive attitude and sharing his skills with others. Martellucci continues to lead the team with 17 goals and 11 assists so far this season. Throughout his years, he has constantly been a key player; however he always seems to put his team first and make sure everyone is working hard. He is a very vocal leader and constantly carries the team.
Martellucci says, “All season our coach has been talking to us about competitiveness and I, along with the other captains, have really tried to bring the intensity to the games. It gets us going and energized. I really just try to lead by example.” This is how Martellucci and other captains, Conner Delaney ‘17 and Connor Ringwalt ‘17, have pumped up the team this season, getting everyone excited to play and come out strong against their biggest competitors.
His teammates have nothing but positive things to say about his leadership skills and the way he strives to make sure the team has the best season possible. Co-captain Ringwalt, says, “We have a strong senior class and all the seniors are leaders, but Martellucci has done a great job of leading by example on and off the field.” Martellucci is always an active participant in the mentality of the game, whether he is on the field, along the sidelines, or even everyday in practice. Co-captain Delaney elaborates, “Jake does a great job of bringing energy everyday to practice starting with leading our stretches and really being a vocal captain and he prides himself on making smart plays and being the leader on the offensive side of the field.”
As a leader Martellucci has been a positive influence and a clear mentor for the younger players on the team. Chris McCoun ‘18, says, “On and off the field Jake is always pushing us to work hard. On the field, he is always organizing our offense and making sure we aren’t giving up on ourselves.” Chris views him as a clear playmaker and a key component into making things happen on the offensive end of the field.
Martellucci will certainly be missed next year on the field leading the churchmen to many victories. Coach Bates reflects on Martellucci’s final season saying, “He has been awesome all year as steady as can be. Every single day he leads by example. He is a tough player who has put the team on his back. He has been rock solid and steady as a captain and leader and it has been a pleasure to coach him.” We can clearly see the impact Martellucci has on each player and how hard he has worked in his years on the team. His team wishes him the best of luck continuing his lacrosse career next year at The University of Maryland.