John “Pat” Mahoney, a junior attackman at Barron Collier High School has verbally committed to play D1 Lacrosse for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The UMBC Retrievers compete within NCAA D1 athletics in the America East Conference. Pat could not be more excited to play for Head Coach Don Zimmerman and Coach Andy Gallagher, “This is a dream come true for me, and I feel my future looks bright as a Retriever.” Pat is a three year starter at BCHS and is currently serving as team captain. Noted for his tough, hard-nosed attack play and game winners, he first picked up the game of lacrosse in 2nd grade by attending a local clinic hosted by Ed Calkins. Immediately after that clinic Mahoney began playing lacrosse for Collier County Lacrosse Association (CCLA), and won his first championship under the direction of Dave O’Sullivan. Pat said, “After that CCLA win there was no turning back to baseball for me or my younger brother Sean. We were all in. Next we played for Beast Lacrosse and learned more lacrosse fundamentals from Coach Jeff Ihm, Matt Hunter, and Ron Miller.” Mahoney went on to play for Team Florida under Coach Terry Crowley and traveled to Princeton, New Jersey to win the first Tri-State Championship ever for Team Florida. After that Madlax began their program in Southwest Florida and Mahoney committed to primarily play for Madlax travel club. “It was because of Madlax Owner and Coach Cabell Maddux that I received the opportunity to play lacrosse on a regular basis in Baltimore with Madlax National teams. We traveled there as often as we could to play with the best players in Baltimore, Virginia, and DC and that made a big difference because there we play with and against highly skilled players.” said Mahoney Fas forward to summer 2015, Pat Mahoney had a break out summer, first playing attackman at Jake Reed Nike Summer Blue Chip (at UMBC). Pat said, “Getting invited to summer Blue Chip is an honor and one of the best parts was meeting with Coach Zimmerman in the UMBC offices. After our meeting, I knew right then and there that UMBC was at the top of my list.” Next, Mahoney was playing attack at Inside Lacrosse Recruiting Invitational (summer 2015) resulting in another Championship win for Madlax. A highlight is Terry Foy – Inside Lacrosse awarding Pat Mahoney MVP of the Championship Game, (for scoring the final two goals of the game to secure a 4-2 win for Madlax 2017 Nationals over Leading Edge). Mahoney commented, “It’s was amazing and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Memories like this make all the hard work and extra hours at the wall totally worth it. “ Pat said he verbally committed to play for UMBC (A Honors University) because of the University’s academic reputation, the UMBC coaches, and players, the size and location of the campus, plus the opportunity to play D1 lacrosse in college. Mahoney stated, “All the UMBC Coaches and players immediately made me feel at home and I can’t wait to graduate from high school so I can get there to play and contribute to the team.” First, I would to thank my parents Mike and Cindi Mahoney, my sister Marisa, my brother Sean for all their love and support. Next special thanks to all the UMBC Coaches and players, especially Coach Zimmerman and Coach Gallagher for this outstanding opportunity. My head high school Coach Trent Carter for his guidance, encouragement and his faith in me. Coach Quillian and Coach Marriott, and all the Madlax Coaches, the Barron Collier High School Coaches including Mike Levy for their time and support. Mahoney has a 3.5 GPA and has lettered in both Lacrosse and Swimming, and intends to major in Pre-law.