Division 3 Standout Makes His Mark in Major League Lacrosse

July 3, 2008 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New Jersey Pride News Release


CLIFTON, NJ- Matthew Hickman doesn't have a special routine before games, he doesn't walk the field or mentally visualize the ball passing the goalie and hitting the back of the net. What he does have running through his mind is the notion that today he will do everything in his power to play is best, and push his teammates to do the same.

With very few Division 2 and Division 3 players being drafted into the MLL, Hickman is still optimistic about his opportunity to make an impact.

"I see some of these Division 3 guys out there already making a different for their teams, that's where I get my edge to go out and work hard every day, I want to be that guy for the Pride."

This innate desire to give his all every time he steps on the field has taken this humble 5'7," 190 pound attackman from Georgetown Prep, to Salisbury University where he became a three-time National Champion under coach Jim Berkman.

"The feeling of winning a National Championship is something that cannot be replicated," says Hickman. "Playing in front of thousands of people including my friends and family, it doesn't get much better than that."

Berkman taught Hickman to go back on what he has learned over the years, and to recall how hard work has paid off in the past. It has been a consistent theme throughout his career, working hard to be a better player and to be able to contribute in anyway that he can.

"Coach motivated me and taught me how to rely on myself for results, and results is what I got."

The lessons he learned from his coach at Salisbury carried over into the classroom. No stranger to problem solving and technique, this Physics major has been studying hard since his freshman year. "Intricate parts of the computer are so interesting to me! There are so many opportunities out there for this major as well, I can't wait to pursue the possibilities after I graduate."

Until then, he has lacrosse to focus on. Only the second Division 3 player to be drafted during the 2008 Major League Lacrosse draft, Hickman describes the feeling as surreal. "I went into the draft knowing it would be a great experience and to just work my hardest and have fun. With the caliber of players out on that field I wasn't expecting much."

"Matt is a force on that field." Pride General Manager Steve Ferretti says. "Watching him out there during draft day was refreshing. He's got a genuine energy about him; he works hard and makes it look easy. We can't wait to see what he has in store for the Pride."

While the Pride is looking forward to watching Hickman continue to grow as a player, he is content practicing hard and soaking up everything he can from the veterans out on the field.

"I have to say I admire all the veteran players, they've been out there for so long, I love watching and learning from them. You look at players like Ford, Berry and Urick, they know the game so well and still have such a respect for it after all this time. Watching all the veterans play is an honor and a privilege."

Catch Matt Hickman and his Pride teammates up close this summer at the fast-paced, high scoring action of the summer 2008 season as it continues at Yurcak Lacrosse Field, Busch Campus, Rutgers University by calling 973-614-1792.



Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 3, 2008


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