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New York Lizards

For the Love of the Game: Joe Fletcher

March 17, 2016 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New York Lizards News Release


Major League Lacrosse is full of young stars on both the offensive and defensive sides. With a large emphasis on the youth movement and growing participation across the nation, we are seeing up and coming players like Joe Fletcher reach their potential each season.

As the reigning MLL Defensive Player of the Year, Fletcher added to an already impressive resume consisting of second runner-up for MLL Rookie of the Year just the season before. Even with his sensational performances on the field, one would never know by the reserved star's quiet demeanor.

Fletcher's motivation comes from a wide support system, each of whom provided help for him to reach his goals. In our interview, "Fletch" goes in depth about what the game means to him and how the game makes just as big of an impact off the field that it does on the field. Going back to work at his alma mater, Loyola University, he continues to create opportunities for young players to succeed like he has.

Read below for our full interview with Joe Fletcher:

Q: In high school you lettered in both lacrosse and basketball, was there any consideration to pursue basketball? Was there any specific point you knew that lacrosse was your passion?

JF: ?Growing up, basketball was my favorite sport. Unfortunately, I was not talented enough to continue basketball at the next level?. Even so, I still try to play basketball as much as I can and it is still just as important to me as lacrosse.

Q: You attended Loyola University in Maryland where you majored in accounting, does your major play into your life nowadays?

JF: Coming into college I did not know what I wanted my major to be. My dad provided me with some advice and taught me how accounting is "the language of business." The information that I was able to learn as an accounting major has been beneficial in understanding budgeting, managing finances, and being involved with various business discussions.

Q: You earned accolades in college consisting of being an NCAA All-American and Defensive Player of the Year, was there a specific person who may have motivated you to become the player you did? Is this person still influencing you now?

JF: There are many people that have and continue to motivate me on and off the field. The are many people that I can list. The entire West Genny community is something that I am very appreciative of. From my family, friends, teachers, and coaches, they have all had a positive impact on working hard to reach my goals. ?

Q: MLL is a league in which players play mostly for the love of the game, how does this speak to the passion players have for lacrosse?

JF: ?The amount of time and sacrifices that each individual makes in this league, speaks to the level of passion that they have for the game. ?

Q: In 2014, you were named to the US Men's National Team training roster as the only college student to get an invite, what did this honor mean to you?

JF: It was a humbling experience to have the opportunity to play against some of the best lacrosse players in the world. ?

Q: How important is growing the sport to you and how do you believe you are helping do this?

JF: Growing the sport is very important. I think it is a great game that relates to so many other sports. It is also a sport where people at various levels of physical and athletic abilities can excel. I hope to help grow the game by being a good example for other young athletes as a teacher and player.

Q: In addition to playing for the Lizards, you were named the Director of Lacrosse Operations at Loyola University in late 2015, what sort of an impact do you hope to have at your alma mater?

JF: ?I just hope to help the team be successful on and off the field in any way that I can. Loyola has done a lot for me - it would be an honor to give back to them in any capacity.

Q: Like yourself, other players live a long distance from where they play. How does this affect practice time and the way a team can really come together?

JF: ?It is an obstacle, but it is something that I believe most players embrace and do not let it become a distraction. When you come into town, you appreciate seeing all of your teammates in the locker room and on the field.

Q: Balancing your responsibilities with the Lizards and your position at Loyola University may be difficult. Can you anticipate what a typical week may look like during the season for you?

JF: Just like other guys, we all practice good time management skills by balancing our work lives with MLL responsibilities. ?

Q: How much of a role have veteran defensive leaders like Brian Spallina and Steve Holmes had in developing your game from a rookie to quickly becoming an MLL All-Star and the Defensive Player of the Year??

JF: Steve and Brian have had a tremendous impact in developing my lacrosse skills. I was lucky enough to learn many different techniques and strategies from playing with them. Even so, the rest of the guys on our defense had just as much of an impact.?

Q: Lacrosse has been gaining exposure in the mainstream markets and participation at all levels, what do you think the sport must do to be able to compete with some of the other major sports in North America?

JF: ?To be honest I am not too sure, but in order to ensure that the game keeps growing in the right direction, we need to make sure that the right techniques and culture is being promoted at all levels of the game. ?

Q: What is your favorite and least favorite part of playing in the MLL?

JF: ?I like having the opportunity to still play lacrosse at a very competitive level - we are very lucky to keep on playing the game that we love. I am not a fan of the crease diving rule.

The Lizards and Joe Fletcher will kick off the season by defending their championship against the Rochester Rattlers at Hofstra University on April 23rd. Single game, group and season tickets are available by calling 1-855-NYLizards or visiting our website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat for team news, trades and 2016 game information.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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