Colby Kempe committed to apply early decision to Tufts University, with the full support of head Coach Mike Daly and the Tufts’ lacrosse office. Colby’s decision was made after taking his final college visits and considering a number of Division 1 and 3 offers from great schools. The Tufts’ Jumbos have been the reigning NESCAC lacrosse champion since 2010 and made NCAA final four appearances the last three years, winning the NCAA title in 2010 and finishing second in 2011.  Colby, a 2012 All American, Tequesta, Florida resident, and rising senior at the Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, attributed his decision to Tufts’ top 20 academic rankings, the chance to play for a NESCAC and NCAA title every year, the quality of college life rankings of Tufts, and the proximity to Boston which is a hub of great colleges.  He visited 25 colleges for the right fit and considered D1 opportunities from Denver, Hobart, the Air Force Academy, Holy Cross, among others, and a number of the finest academic institutions and lacrosse programs in the country. A new $30 million athletic facility, housing state of the art training, locker, and video facilities, made possible by a $16 million lead donation from the Tisch family, owners of the New York Giants, were factors in his decision. The Kraft family of the New England Patriots are also supporters of Tufts’ lacrosse program, having donated Kraft Field.  Colby said he was also swayed by the ability to train with members of Seal Team 3 in the off season and the team’s sponsorships by Nike and STX. Colby extends his thanks and appreciation: to his coaches, Riordan Cheatham and Shane Rye; to Dwight Wilson, PT, RPT,  for keeping him physically healthy;  and a special thanks to Coach Jim Jacobs, for introducing him to Lacrosse.